The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @The Holiday Inn - October 13-15, 2023: The Original
Jul 7, 2023, 4:29 pm
#46
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 7,323
But hey, at least folks get to pat themselves on the back with self-congratulations as to their altruism while making their livelihoods/careers/whatever you want to call it off of selling the image of free travel with miles and points to others.
When Marriott sponsors or participates in a Pride event, for example, we aren't fools enough to think they are doing it out of the goodness of their heart. When the owner of a company that sells online courses about miles and points "proudly partners" with an event, we shouldn't think so either. I'm not sure how you define the "community" you are working to help here, but that an event is "non profit" does not mean that the sponsors acts are not based on financial self-interest. (It's also funny to claim you are working for "the community" when your business has a class action waiver.) As has been repeatedly said, this doesn't make it bad! It is the pretending that this isn't a business/financially motivated enterprise that makes it bad.
When Marriott sponsors or participates in a Pride event, for example, we aren't fools enough to think they are doing it out of the goodness of their heart. When the owner of a company that sells online courses about miles and points "proudly partners" with an event, we shouldn't think so either. I'm not sure how you define the "community" you are working to help here, but that an event is "non profit" does not mean that the sponsors acts are not based on financial self-interest. (It's also funny to claim you are working for "the community" when your business has a class action waiver.) As has been repeatedly said, this doesn't make it bad! It is the pretending that this isn't a business/financially motivated enterprise that makes it bad.
There are about 15 threads beating this subject to death for those interested, you've dug up a couple of them already.
Personally, I'd rather have a tarantula lay eggs in my ears before I start engaging in the External Miles and Points area of FT, so I'm going to end my guest appearance with this.
Jul 7, 2023, 4:50 pm
#47
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I was talking about the two upcoming events in Chicago who both appear to be non-profit community events, not my businesses. I responded only because my business was brought up and I received a bunch of texts and messages about it.
There are about 15 threads beating this subject to death for those interested, you've dug up a couple of them already.
Personally, I'd rather have a tarantula lay eggs in my ears before I start engaging in the External Miles and Points area of FT, so I'm going to end my guest appearance with this.
There are about 15 threads beating this subject to death for those interested, you've dug up a couple of them already.
Personally, I'd rather have a tarantula lay eggs in my ears before I start engaging in the External Miles and Points area of FT, so I'm going to end my guest appearance with this.
On the merits "non-profit community events" is a meaningless term, and I explained why. I see you have perfected the Randy Petersen method of coming onto the forum, lobbing insults at people, then leaving when called out for it and challenged on the merits, and suggesting you're above everyone else. As a businessman, though, I'd hope you'd know that coming into a forum to "defend" your business in such a way doesnt actually protect your business's reputation.
Good luck with the eggs.
Jul 7, 2023, 5:26 pm
#49
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At least Oliver and the FT peanut gallery gets to amuse themselves.
seem to clearly diminish other people in "the community" and their views and participation.
Jul 7, 2023, 8:21 pm
#50
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Jul 7, 2023, 8:33 pm
#51
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,060
I, for one and am enjoying the train wreck. Big [redacted] to the organizers and their [redacted] requirements for prior events. Hope your event (both of them) burn!
Last edited by oliver2002; Jul 8, 2023 at 1:49 am Reason: FT Rule 12.1
Jul 7, 2023, 8:45 pm
#52
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I wish both of these events all the best of luck. I do find it sad, unfortunate that the parties couldn't agree and that there are two events, especially as this is all non profit events for the community.
But hey, at least Oliver and the FT peanut gallery gets to amuse themselves.
But hey, at least Oliver and the FT peanut gallery gets to amuse themselves.
Jul 9, 2023, 2:20 am
#53
Join Date: Oct 2021
Programs: Flying Blue, United
Posts: 32
Lots of cynical posts here 
but I guess that’s to be somewhat expected on this FT forum. I’m disappointed that this situation is happening & I hope either the 2 events get merged or people that have already registered for the event from a few months back will be able to decide which event to attend with some knowledge of fully confirmed speakers.
I’ve attended this event for a little while now & was really looking forward to the general spirit of this event & seeing everyone back at Shelby Campbell’s. And for all the naysayers commenting here, I think some of you don’t realize how much time, effort, & other resources these events require. It’s easy to judge & criticize from the sidelines if you are not actually part of the planning, preparation, & execution of these voluntary events.
but I guess that’s to be somewhat expected on this FT forum. I’m disappointed that this situation is happening & I hope either the 2 events get merged or people that have already registered for the event from a few months back will be able to decide which event to attend with some knowledge of fully confirmed speakers.I’ve attended this event for a little while now & was really looking forward to the general spirit of this event & seeing everyone back at Shelby Campbell’s. And for all the naysayers commenting here, I think some of you don’t realize how much time, effort, & other resources these events require. It’s easy to judge & criticize from the sidelines if you are not actually part of the planning, preparation, & execution of these voluntary events.
Jul 9, 2023, 7:27 am
#54
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,326
Lots of cynical posts here but I guess that’s to be somewhat expected on this FT forum. I’m disappointed that this situation is happening & I hope either the 2 events get merged or people that have already registered for the event from a few months back will be able to decide which event to attend with some knowledge of fully confirmed speakers.
I’ve attended this event for a little while now & was really looking forward to the general spirit of this event & seeing everyone back at Shelby Campbell’s. And for all the naysayers commenting here, I think some of you don’t realize how much time, effort, & other resources these events require. It’s easy to judge & criticize from the sidelines if you are not actually part of the planning, preparation, & execution of these voluntary events.
but I guess that’s to be somewhat expected on this FT forum. I’m disappointed that this situation is happening & I hope either the 2 events get merged or people that have already registered for the event from a few months back will be able to decide which event to attend with some knowledge of fully confirmed speakers.I’ve attended this event for a little while now & was really looking forward to the general spirit of this event & seeing everyone back at Shelby Campbell’s. And for all the naysayers commenting here, I think some of you don’t realize how much time, effort, & other resources these events require. It’s easy to judge & criticize from the sidelines if you are not actually part of the planning, preparation, & execution of these voluntary events.
Jul 15, 2023, 4:55 pm
#55
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A couple more speakers have been added as well as the logo. More good stuff to come. Updates here and on www.chicagoseminars.org
Jul 15, 2023, 5:00 pm
#56
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I apologize if your message got burried. We have a ton of Chicago locals who attend every year and hope you can attend and make some new connections. I actually did a year of university in Chicago and love the city… fighting words trigger warning… my birthplace of NYC has better pizza.
Jul 15, 2023, 6:43 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2005
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A couple more speakers have been added as well as the logo. More good stuff to come. Updates here and on www.chicagoseminars.org
Jul 16, 2023, 5:43 pm
#58
Join Date: Oct 1999
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Deleted with clarification below
Last edited by ChrisMoss7; Jul 16, 2023 at 6:45 pm Reason: Deleted with clarification below
Jul 16, 2023, 6:44 pm
#59
Join Date: Oct 1999
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No Mark O
Your effort is appreciated. And you are definitely not senile. Mark O. is not scheduled to speak at this event. The Miles to Memories podcast was with Shawn Coomer and Joe Cheung. Only Shawn is scheduled to speak.
Jul 17, 2023, 2:29 am
#60
Original Poster
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Side note: pretty much every post in this thread is from a member of FlyerTalk > 10 years. The newbies have found the Facebook Group or chicagoseminars.org - there is still an audience here at the origin, but they are definitely maturing.