The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @The Holiday Inn - October 13-15, 2023: The Original
Jul 3, 2023, 2:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,357
The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @The Holiday Inn - October 13-15, 2023: The Original
The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @ The Holiday Inn - The Original Points & Miles Event
Chicago Seminars - Learn to Earn & Burn
https://chicagoseminars.org
Since 2010, Chicago Seminars - The Original Points & Miles Event has hosted some of the best and brightest in the travel community. Through the years, thousands of attendees of all skill levels and from across the globe have convened at the Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove to learn how to earn millions of points, public and secret tricks of the trade, and to travel like a jetsetter. Although not the fanciest of venues, the Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove is a wonderful place to congregate and treats us well every year. We are excited to continue to call the Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove home of Chicago Seminars for another year.
While there are similar points and miles events, Chicago Seminars is unique in that its organizers and volunteers are unpaid and all profits generated are donated to charity. To learn more about Chicago Seminars, go to either this FlyerTalk thread or join our FaceBook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284563387436997
Never attended an event like this? Make sure to read SkiAdcock's Thoughts & Tips to learn how to make the most of your weekend. You can also find the same information on our website.
For more than a decade, Chicago Seminars has created in-person connections which turned into meaningful friendships across the globe. We hope you will attend and learn from this worthwhile and charitable event.
Date: Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15, 2023
Location:Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove
1000 Busse Rd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is the closest airport to the event venue. The hotel runs a shuttle from ORD every half hour. Chicago’s Midway Airport (MDW) is extremely far but is accessible via public transportation with an expected travel time of 2 hours.
Presenters:
The following are scheduled to present:
Cost: Please remember prices of goods and services have increased tremendously in the past years. Tickets for the first 50 people who register are $160. After that, the price will increase to $175 until August 18, 2023, at which time all remaining tickets will cost $190. Additional discounts may be offered by speakers and sponsors of the event. Attendance is limited to 350.
Please remember all organizers and volunteers are unpaid and all profits generated will be donated to charity.
There is a similar event occurring the same weekend which is not affiliated with Chicago Seminars - The Original Points & Miles Event, a non-profit.
Tickets: Event tickets can be purchased via this ticketing link and include the following:
Although registration is nonrefundable, registration is transferable for a $25 charitable donation and must be completed by Monday, October 9, 2023. Email [email protected] if you would like to transfer a ticket.
Chicago Seminars - Learn to Earn & Burn
https://chicagoseminars.org
Since 2010, Chicago Seminars - The Original Points & Miles Event has hosted some of the best and brightest in the travel community. Through the years, thousands of attendees of all skill levels and from across the globe have convened at the Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove to learn how to earn millions of points, public and secret tricks of the trade, and to travel like a jetsetter. Although not the fanciest of venues, the Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove is a wonderful place to congregate and treats us well every year. We are excited to continue to call the Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove home of Chicago Seminars for another year.
While there are similar points and miles events, Chicago Seminars is unique in that its organizers and volunteers are unpaid and all profits generated are donated to charity. To learn more about Chicago Seminars, go to either this FlyerTalk thread or join our FaceBook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284563387436997
Never attended an event like this? Make sure to read SkiAdcock's Thoughts & Tips to learn how to make the most of your weekend. You can also find the same information on our website.
For more than a decade, Chicago Seminars has created in-person connections which turned into meaningful friendships across the globe. We hope you will attend and learn from this worthwhile and charitable event.
Date: Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15, 2023
Location:Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove
1000 Busse Rd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is the closest airport to the event venue. The hotel runs a shuttle from ORD every half hour. Chicago’s Midway Airport (MDW) is extremely far but is accessible via public transportation with an expected travel time of 2 hours.
Presenters:
The following are scheduled to present:
- Adam Bauer - Travel Fanboy
- Andrew Kunesh - CNN Underscored
- Ashley McCurdy - In Search of Traveler
- Ben and Jon Nickel-D'Andrea - No Mas Coach!
- Brandon Neth - FBZ Elite & The Neth Lab
- Bryan Sklar - TravelWise Advisors
- Dia Adams - Forbes Advisor
- Grant Thomas - Travel With Grant
- Jackie Wisniewski - AwardWallet & Award Travel 101
- JT Genter - AwardWallet
- Julia Menez - geobreezetravel
- Katie Genter - The Points Guy
- Kathy Klass - Will Run for Miles
- Kevin Song - kevsong
- Logan Robinson - Aligned Incentives
- Marty Paz - MRPAlert
- Paul Lobo - Travelers Psychological Services
- Ryan Smith - AwardWallet
- Senitra Horbrook - PointsTravelher
- Shawn Coomer - Miles to Memories
- Spencer Howard - Straight to the Points
- Tippe Morlan - tippemorlan
- Underground Points Enthusiast - awfullybigadventures_bc
Cost: Please remember prices of goods and services have increased tremendously in the past years. Tickets for the first 50 people who register are $160. After that, the price will increase to $175 until August 18, 2023, at which time all remaining tickets will cost $190. Additional discounts may be offered by speakers and sponsors of the event. Attendance is limited to 350.
Please remember all organizers and volunteers are unpaid and all profits generated will be donated to charity.
There is a similar event occurring the same weekend which is not affiliated with Chicago Seminars - The Original Points & Miles Event, a non-profit.
Tickets: Event tickets can be purchased via this ticketing link and include the following:
- Access to all events at host venue (Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove)
- Lunch on both Saturday and Sunday
- Two complimentary drinks at the Friday Night Reception
- Coffee/tea throughout the event
Although registration is nonrefundable, registration is transferable for a $25 charitable donation and must be completed by Monday, October 9, 2023. Email [email protected] if you would like to transfer a ticket.
Last edited by Mrp Alert; Jul 20, 2023 at 1:39 pm Reason: More New Speakers and Still More to Come
Jul 3, 2023, 2:16 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,357
Important Policies
Important Policies:
Since the first Chicago Seminars, we have had the following polices, and by attending, you agree to such:
In past years, Chicago Seminars has been near capacity limits with standing room only in some sessions. Attendance may be limited for some sessions due to room size and attendees will be asked to select which sessions they prefer to attend. Priority will be based on ticket purchase date with earliest ticket holders receiving the highest priority. If needed, this process will be detailed and implemented at least one month prior to the event. If a registration is transferred, the ticket purchase date will reflect the most recent issue date.
Schedule: The following is a tentative schedule and subject to change:
Friday, October 13, 2023
4:00 PM: Registration Opens
5:30 PM: Opening Remarks
6:00 PM: Friday Night Sessions
8:30 PM: Reception (Two drinks included)
Saturday, October 14, 2023
7:30 AM: Registration Opens
8:00 AM: Saturday Morning Sessions
12:00 PM: Saturday Lunch (Included)
1:00 PM: Saturday Afternoon Sessions
6:30 PM: Happy Hour
8:00 PM: Dinner (Not included)
Sunday, October 15, 2023
8:00 AM: Sunday Morning Sessions
12:00 PM: Sunday Lunch (Included)
1:00 PM: Sunday Afternoon Sessions
4:00 PM: Closing Remarks
5:00 PM Late Night Flight Hang – at Airline Lounges or Hotel Bar (Not included)
Hotel Booking Information: There are a limited number of rooms available at the host hotel, Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove, for $129, which includes a continental breakfast. Once your ticket is purchased, the hotel booking link will be shared with you in the ticket confirmation email. Only ticketed attendees are allowed to reserve through this link or in the hotel room block. Each ticket holder can only reserve one room. If for some reason a person who has not registered for the event books within the hotel room block, the reservation will be canceled. Hotel rooms are on a first come, first served availability. The Hotel Booking Link will not work on the IHG app. Please use a desktop or mobile browsing app such as chrome.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorship packages start at $500 and can be personalized to suit any needs. Potential benefits include:
Charity Raffle: Chicago Seminars raises thousands of dollars for charitable organizations through its Charity Raffle each year. 100% of these proceeds go to charity. In 2023, the selected charities are:
Miles4Migrants – Mile4Migrants’ mission is to uphold human rights by removing transportation barriers that impact the most vulnerable forced migrants
Airline Ambassadors International – Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) helps orphans and vulnerable children worldwide by leveraging connections with the airline industry towards humanitarian service
Both travel- and non-travel-related items are being sought for the Charity Raffle. If you have items to donate, please email [email protected] and bring the item(s) with you to the event. No value is too small. Raffle tickets can be purchased via credit card and you do not have to be present to win.
Volunteer Opportunities:
It takes a village to run an event such as this, and your help is still needed, especially during the event. If you would like to assist, please email [email protected]. Volunteering does not provide a complimentary registration, but is what allows the event to occur.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
During Event:
Recording any presentation in any way is not allowed without advance explicit permission from both the event organizer and presenter. Violators will be immediately dismissed without refund. This policy respects the speakers’ content and allows open discussion of topics, some of which are intended to not be made public.
The purchase of a ticket requires acceptance to all terms and conditions stated during the ticketing process including, but not limited to, liability of any kind.
Closing Remarks
Please remember this event is organized by volunteers and complaining takes a toll on the mental capacity of both organizers and volunteers. Even though you paid for the event, please keep negative comments to yourself. If you have a serious and immediate concern, ask to speak to one of the main organizers rather than explaining the situation to a volunteer or another attendee.
The following addresses in advance some prior issues:
Registration cost increased? This is a two-and-a-half-day event compared to some one-day events which are much more expensive. Plus, you’ve paid much more for annual fees. Also remember this is a charity event.
Nametag misprinted? We will print you a new nametag. Maybe not as fast as you prefer, but it will be faster than an airline will get you replacement elite bag tags.
Have to wait in a lengthy line for lunch? The lines for the Centurion Lounge and Delta SkyClubs are often longer.
Don’t like the food? You’ve had worse in Priority Pass lounges.
Meeting room is hot? You willingly flew on and survived Asia based airlines with no air nozzles.
Event isn’t hosted at your preferred hotel chain? The Holiday Inn Chicago – Elk Grove takes exceptionally good care of us.
Too many people seated around you? Become a sponsor and have access to VIP seating.
Since the first Chicago Seminars, we have had the following polices, and by attending, you agree to such:
- Tickets are nonrefundable but are transferable for a $25 charitable donation
- No chargebacks on tickets
- If you break any of the terms or are asked to leave by the organizers for any reason, you will not be allowed to attend any future Chicago Seminars
In past years, Chicago Seminars has been near capacity limits with standing room only in some sessions. Attendance may be limited for some sessions due to room size and attendees will be asked to select which sessions they prefer to attend. Priority will be based on ticket purchase date with earliest ticket holders receiving the highest priority. If needed, this process will be detailed and implemented at least one month prior to the event. If a registration is transferred, the ticket purchase date will reflect the most recent issue date.
Schedule: The following is a tentative schedule and subject to change:
Friday, October 13, 2023
4:00 PM: Registration Opens
5:30 PM: Opening Remarks
6:00 PM: Friday Night Sessions
8:30 PM: Reception (Two drinks included)
Saturday, October 14, 2023
7:30 AM: Registration Opens
8:00 AM: Saturday Morning Sessions
12:00 PM: Saturday Lunch (Included)
1:00 PM: Saturday Afternoon Sessions
6:30 PM: Happy Hour
8:00 PM: Dinner (Not included)
Sunday, October 15, 2023
8:00 AM: Sunday Morning Sessions
12:00 PM: Sunday Lunch (Included)
1:00 PM: Sunday Afternoon Sessions
4:00 PM: Closing Remarks
5:00 PM Late Night Flight Hang – at Airline Lounges or Hotel Bar (Not included)
Hotel Booking Information: There are a limited number of rooms available at the host hotel, Holiday Inn Chicago - Elk Grove, for $129, which includes a continental breakfast. Once your ticket is purchased, the hotel booking link will be shared with you in the ticket confirmation email. Only ticketed attendees are allowed to reserve through this link or in the hotel room block. Each ticket holder can only reserve one room. If for some reason a person who has not registered for the event books within the hotel room block, the reservation will be canceled. Hotel rooms are on a first come, first served availability. The Hotel Booking Link will not work on the IHG app. Please use a desktop or mobile browsing app such as chrome.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorship packages start at $500 and can be personalized to suit any needs. Potential benefits include:
- Promotional email to attendees sent via event email account
- Complimentary registrations
- Presentation opportunities
- Sponsor table in lobby area
- VIP event seating at every session
- Access to Saturday Night Invite-Only After-Party
- Opportunity to donate raffle prizes
Charity Raffle: Chicago Seminars raises thousands of dollars for charitable organizations through its Charity Raffle each year. 100% of these proceeds go to charity. In 2023, the selected charities are:
Miles4Migrants – Mile4Migrants’ mission is to uphold human rights by removing transportation barriers that impact the most vulnerable forced migrants
Airline Ambassadors International – Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) helps orphans and vulnerable children worldwide by leveraging connections with the airline industry towards humanitarian service
Both travel- and non-travel-related items are being sought for the Charity Raffle. If you have items to donate, please email [email protected] and bring the item(s) with you to the event. No value is too small. Raffle tickets can be purchased via credit card and you do not have to be present to win.
Volunteer Opportunities:
It takes a village to run an event such as this, and your help is still needed, especially during the event. If you would like to assist, please email [email protected]. Volunteering does not provide a complimentary registration, but is what allows the event to occur.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
During Event:
- Registration
- Audio/visual set-up and monitoring
- Raffle ticket sales
- Room-entry monitors
- Errand running (if you have a vehicle)
- General help
- Publicity
- Logistics
- Printing
- Website updates
- Logo design
Recording any presentation in any way is not allowed without advance explicit permission from both the event organizer and presenter. Violators will be immediately dismissed without refund. This policy respects the speakers’ content and allows open discussion of topics, some of which are intended to not be made public.
The purchase of a ticket requires acceptance to all terms and conditions stated during the ticketing process including, but not limited to, liability of any kind.
Closing Remarks
Please remember this event is organized by volunteers and complaining takes a toll on the mental capacity of both organizers and volunteers. Even though you paid for the event, please keep negative comments to yourself. If you have a serious and immediate concern, ask to speak to one of the main organizers rather than explaining the situation to a volunteer or another attendee.
The following addresses in advance some prior issues:
Registration cost increased? This is a two-and-a-half-day event compared to some one-day events which are much more expensive. Plus, you’ve paid much more for annual fees. Also remember this is a charity event.
Nametag misprinted? We will print you a new nametag. Maybe not as fast as you prefer, but it will be faster than an airline will get you replacement elite bag tags.
Have to wait in a lengthy line for lunch? The lines for the Centurion Lounge and Delta SkyClubs are often longer.
Don’t like the food? You’ve had worse in Priority Pass lounges.
Meeting room is hot? You willingly flew on and survived Asia based airlines with no air nozzles.
Event isn’t hosted at your preferred hotel chain? The Holiday Inn Chicago – Elk Grove takes exceptionally good care of us.
Too many people seated around you? Become a sponsor and have access to VIP seating.
Last edited by Mrp Alert; Jul 19, 2023 at 1:01 pm Reason: Formatting and minor edits
Jul 3, 2023, 2:17 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,357
Sponsors
THANK YOU To Our Amazing Sponsors!!
Seats.aero
Seats.aero is the fastest search engine for award travel. Explore availability across entire regions, search with instant results, create free alerts and more to find the best flights for your points.
AwardWallet
AwardWallet is a one-of-a-kind service that helps you track all of your loyalty points including frequent flier miles, hotel points, dining rewards, and shopping rewards.
Aligned Incentives
With helpful guides, lots of community input, and deal alerts in real time to help users know what cards to buy, where, and how: we think we’ve created a system that is easy enough for anyone to get started in the business and robust enough to be useful even for industry veterans.
TravelWise Advisors
TravelWise Advisors helps you travel smarter with better value - whether for business or for pleasure. Fly business class for the price of premium economy. Stop over in Istanbul on the way to Israel for no extra cost. Go on an African safari - for free. Cruise in a suite for the same price as a balcony room. It's all about value, and what's important to you.
Seats.aero
Seats.aero is the fastest search engine for award travel. Explore availability across entire regions, search with instant results, create free alerts and more to find the best flights for your points.
AwardWallet
AwardWallet is a one-of-a-kind service that helps you track all of your loyalty points including frequent flier miles, hotel points, dining rewards, and shopping rewards.
Aligned Incentives
With helpful guides, lots of community input, and deal alerts in real time to help users know what cards to buy, where, and how: we think we’ve created a system that is easy enough for anyone to get started in the business and robust enough to be useful even for industry veterans.
TravelWise Advisors
TravelWise Advisors helps you travel smarter with better value - whether for business or for pleasure. Fly business class for the price of premium economy. Stop over in Istanbul on the way to Israel for no extra cost. Go on an African safari - for free. Cruise in a suite for the same price as a balcony room. It's all about value, and what's important to you.
Last edited by Mrp Alert; Jul 19, 2023 at 12:58 pm Reason: Added Sponsors
Jul 3, 2023, 2:17 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,357
Chicago Seminars @ The Holiday Inn - The Original Points & Miles Event is excited to announce the full list of presentations for this year's event. See www.chicagoseminars.org for more information. Exact times of presentations will be released in the near future.
Special Presentations
Up in The Air: A Fireside Chat with Tom Stuker, The World’s Most Frequent Flyer
Interviewer: Chris Moss
Chicago Seminars Then & Now: A Conversation with Rick Ingersoll, Founder of Chicago Seminars and Howie Rappaport, Long-time Organizer of Chicago Seminars
Interviewer: Marty Paz
How to Get 492 Hyatt Elite Nights in One Stay: Million Baht Mindy (Mindy Davids) & One Year in the Hyatt Regency Bangkok
Interviewer: Chris Moss
Panel Discussions
Hardbody, The Plastic Merchant, Dogs with Credit Cards, and other Dumpster Fires: Deals Gone Wrong and Deciding When to Say No
Social Media & Groups: How to Use Them Effectively
Brandon Neth, Jackie Wisniewski, Senitra Horbrook, Shawn Coomer, Spencer Howard
Moderated by Julia Menez
Traveling as a Woman: Advice from Female Globetrotters
Panelists: Angel Trinh, Katie Genter, Senitra Horbrook, Tippe Morlan
Moderated by Ashley McCurdy
Who Planned It Better: Budget, Affordable, or Luxury
Presentations
Airlines
Are They All the Same?: A Comparison of FLIGHT Award Search Tools
Champagne, Caviar & Showers: Premium Cabin Redemptions
Spencer Howard - Straight to the Points
How to Fly Anywhere: The Value of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea - No Mas Coach!
No Flying? No Problem: How to Succeed with AA Executive Platinum Status Without Really Flying
Ashley McCurdy - In Search of Traveler
Routing Rules: Maximize a Fare's Potential to See More of the World
Ed Sanders - Routing Rule Expert
When to Pay Cash for Flights: Mileage Running Isn’t Dead
Andrew Kunesh - CNN Underscored & Marty Paz - @mrpAlert
Casinos
You CAN Beat the House: How to Make Casinos Work for You
Adam Bauer - @TravelFanboy
Cruises
Cruising on the Big Boats: How It Can Be Free or At Least Less Expensive
Shawn Coomer - Miles to Memories
Earning Points & Miles
Big Picture Thinking: Creating Credit Card and Redemption Strategies
Spencer Howard - Straight to the Points
Not Just SUBs: How to Earn a Plethora of Points Without Opening 20 Cards
Julia Menez - @Geobreezetravel
General Travel
Binge Traveling to 86 Countries: How You Can Use the Same Approach for Quick Trips
Tippe Morlan - @tippemorlan
Disney World Hacks: Proven Tips to Save On Your Disney Vacation
Dia Adams - Forbes Advisor
Exotic Destinations: Using Points & Miles to Veer Off the Beaten Path
Ryan Smith - AwardWallet
Insider Information: 10+ Travel Hacker Tips That I Use That I Haven’t Blogged About
Grant Thomas - Travel With Grant
Points or Cash - Why Choose?: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck/Point in Your Travels
Bryan Sklar - TravelWise Advisors
Sensational Solo Travel: Building the Confidence to Travel Alone and Have Fun
Senitra Horbrook - @pointsTravelher
Spending Cash, Points, Miles (or Nothing): Family Travel for (Possibly) Free
Dia Adams - Forbes Advisor assisted by John Ryan
Hotel
Are They All the Same?: A Comparison of HOTEL Award Search Tools
Presidential Suites & Pool Villas: How You Can Procure the Best Rooms Even Without Status
Chris Moss
Sleep Around: Tips for Maximizing Your Hotel Points
Katie Genter - The Points Guy
Small Footprint but Big Benefits: The Ins and Outs of the World of Hyatt Program
Kathy Kass - Will Run for Miles
Manufactured Spend
Amazon FBA, Reselling, and MS: What You Need to Know
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea - No Mas Coach!
Excel Between the Sheets: Organizing Your Gift Card Resale Business
Logan Robinson, Ravi Davuluri, Erik Peterman - Aligned Incentives
Reselling and Buyers Clubs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Shawn Coomer - Miles to Memories
Technology & Travel
Beyond the Guidebook: How AI and Digital Innovations are Changing Travel Planning
Jackie Wisniewski - Award Travel 101
How Not to Catch a Virus While Abroad: Useful Tech Tips During Your Travels
Kevin Song - @kev.song
Mindful Travel Photography: Taking More Wow! Photos Through Classic Composition and Lighting
Paul Borish - Travelers Psychological Services
Plan Like an Expert: Tips and Tools I Use to Travel Around the World
JT Genter - AwardWallet
Special Presentations
Up in The Air: A Fireside Chat with Tom Stuker, The World’s Most Frequent Flyer
Interviewer: Chris Moss
Chicago Seminars Then & Now: A Conversation with Rick Ingersoll, Founder of Chicago Seminars and Howie Rappaport, Long-time Organizer of Chicago Seminars
Interviewer: Marty Paz
How to Get 492 Hyatt Elite Nights in One Stay: Million Baht Mindy (Mindy Davids) & One Year in the Hyatt Regency Bangkok
Interviewer: Chris Moss
Panel Discussions
Hardbody, The Plastic Merchant, Dogs with Credit Cards, and other Dumpster Fires: Deals Gone Wrong and Deciding When to Say No
Social Media & Groups: How to Use Them Effectively
Brandon Neth, Jackie Wisniewski, Senitra Horbrook, Shawn Coomer, Spencer Howard
Moderated by Julia Menez
Traveling as a Woman: Advice from Female Globetrotters
Panelists: Angel Trinh, Katie Genter, Senitra Horbrook, Tippe Morlan
Moderated by Ashley McCurdy
Who Planned It Better: Budget, Affordable, or Luxury
Presentations
Airlines
Are They All the Same?: A Comparison of FLIGHT Award Search Tools
Champagne, Caviar & Showers: Premium Cabin Redemptions
Spencer Howard - Straight to the Points
How to Fly Anywhere: The Value of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea - No Mas Coach!
No Flying? No Problem: How to Succeed with AA Executive Platinum Status Without Really Flying
Ashley McCurdy - In Search of Traveler
Routing Rules: Maximize a Fare's Potential to See More of the World
Ed Sanders - Routing Rule Expert
When to Pay Cash for Flights: Mileage Running Isn’t Dead
Andrew Kunesh - CNN Underscored & Marty Paz - @mrpAlert
Casinos
You CAN Beat the House: How to Make Casinos Work for You
Adam Bauer - @TravelFanboy
Cruises
Cruising on the Big Boats: How It Can Be Free or At Least Less Expensive
Shawn Coomer - Miles to Memories
Earning Points & Miles
Big Picture Thinking: Creating Credit Card and Redemption Strategies
Spencer Howard - Straight to the Points
Not Just SUBs: How to Earn a Plethora of Points Without Opening 20 Cards
Julia Menez - @Geobreezetravel
General Travel
Binge Traveling to 86 Countries: How You Can Use the Same Approach for Quick Trips
Tippe Morlan - @tippemorlan
Disney World Hacks: Proven Tips to Save On Your Disney Vacation
Dia Adams - Forbes Advisor
Exotic Destinations: Using Points & Miles to Veer Off the Beaten Path
Ryan Smith - AwardWallet
Insider Information: 10+ Travel Hacker Tips That I Use That I Haven’t Blogged About
Grant Thomas - Travel With Grant
Points or Cash - Why Choose?: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck/Point in Your Travels
Bryan Sklar - TravelWise Advisors
Sensational Solo Travel: Building the Confidence to Travel Alone and Have Fun
Senitra Horbrook - @pointsTravelher
Spending Cash, Points, Miles (or Nothing): Family Travel for (Possibly) Free
Dia Adams - Forbes Advisor assisted by John Ryan
Hotel
Are They All the Same?: A Comparison of HOTEL Award Search Tools
Presidential Suites & Pool Villas: How You Can Procure the Best Rooms Even Without Status
Chris Moss
Sleep Around: Tips for Maximizing Your Hotel Points
Katie Genter - The Points Guy
Small Footprint but Big Benefits: The Ins and Outs of the World of Hyatt Program
Kathy Kass - Will Run for Miles
Manufactured Spend
Amazon FBA, Reselling, and MS: What You Need to Know
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea - No Mas Coach!
Excel Between the Sheets: Organizing Your Gift Card Resale Business
Logan Robinson, Ravi Davuluri, Erik Peterman - Aligned Incentives
Reselling and Buyers Clubs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Shawn Coomer - Miles to Memories
Technology & Travel
Beyond the Guidebook: How AI and Digital Innovations are Changing Travel Planning
Jackie Wisniewski - Award Travel 101
How Not to Catch a Virus While Abroad: Useful Tech Tips During Your Travels
Kevin Song - @kev.song
Mindful Travel Photography: Taking More Wow! Photos Through Classic Composition and Lighting
Paul Borish - Travelers Psychological Services
Plan Like an Expert: Tips and Tools I Use to Travel Around the World
JT Genter - AwardWallet
Last edited by Mrp Alert; Sep 26, 2023 at 7:56 am Reason: Inserted Schedule
Jul 3, 2023, 2:20 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Cheese Country and Koh Samui, Thailand
Programs: DL Diamond MM, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond . www.chicagosemianrs.org
Posts: 536
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicago...s-645429064707.
Website is chicagoseminars.org.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Big thanks goes to Marty and JT and all of the other volunteers who are helping organize this non-profit event.
Website is chicagoseminars.org.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Big thanks goes to Marty and JT and all of the other volunteers who are helping organize this non-profit event.
Last edited by ChrisMoss7; Jul 4, 2023 at 4:00 pm Reason: Update
Jul 3, 2023, 2:20 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Cheese Country and Koh Samui, Thailand
Programs: DL Diamond MM, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond . www.chicagosemianrs.org
Posts: 536
Reserved for Future Use 2
Jul 3, 2023, 3:02 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,357
Still reserved for future use
Last edited by Mrp Alert; Oct 9, 2023 at 8:42 am
Jul 3, 2023, 5:37 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 355
Reserved for future use (since everyone else is doing it!)
Jul 4, 2023, 10:00 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
October 13-15, 2023 is one busy, busy, busy weekend in and around Chicago and elsewhere...
David
David
Jul 5, 2023, 4:51 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Programs: AA P4L, WN, BA, DL, UA, HHonors, IHG
Posts: 3,485
My uninformed guess is that attendance at both versions of the Chicago Seminars will be very low, since nobody wants to register for the "wrong" or "fake" one. I wish the two organizers could get over their differences and agree to have just one combined event.
Link to the Delta hotel version: The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @ Delta Hotels by Marriott - October 13-15, 2023
Link to the Delta hotel version: The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @ Delta Hotels by Marriott - October 13-15, 2023
Jul 5, 2023, 8:45 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AS DL Hyatt SPG/Bonvoy HHonors
Posts: 2,008
My uninformed guess is that attendance at both versions of the Chicago Seminars will be very low, since nobody wants to register for the "wrong" or "fake" one. I wish the two organizers could get over their differences and agree to have just one combined event.
Link to the Delta hotel version: The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @ Delta Hotels by Marriott - October 13-15, 2023
Link to the Delta hotel version: The 13th Annual Chicago Seminars @ Delta Hotels by Marriott - October 13-15, 2023
And if there isn't at least some explanation I too expect many will sit it out instead.
Jul 5, 2023, 9:42 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Location independent
Programs: AA PlatPro, Asiana Diamond, IHG Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 287
I would appreciate transparency and explanation for why there are two events targeting the same topics and audience. And encourage the organizers to settle their differences and merge them.
And if there isn't at least some explanation I too expect many will sit it out instead.
And if there isn't at least some explanation I too expect many will sit it out instead.
Jul 5, 2023, 9:58 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Totally understand the desire to settle differences and have one event. That's what I tried hard to accomplish, working with Michael Trager to get Stefan to finally communicate with the rest of us (since he still hadn't responded to any of our emails, texts, WhatsApp messages, or phone calls since December 2022). Unfortunately, Stefan's demands involved Chris unilaterally violating his contract with the Holiday Inn Elk Grove Village and banning Chris from being involved with the planning. Since Chris won't agree to break his contract with the hotel, Stefan launched another event. Now that Stefan has since another agreement, both events are locked in -- likely with financial penalties for breaking either contract (I obviously don't know what the details are of Stefan's contract).
We both know what you say is about 72.8% accurate and we both know there are three sides:
- What you say
- What I say
- The truth
I won't get into the rebuttal of what you say above since I believe that negotiation was confidential. What I will say is that we made huge progress with regard to the initial phone call. There was a very fair deadline to respond to, with further negotiation. That further negotiation would not have made anyone happy, I am confident everyone would not have been pleased, but that is how negotiations work.
Chris purposely avoided the deadline, actually doing the most passive-aggressive thing, responding 1 minute after the deadline. (Just facts, nothing more, nothing less.)
I asked Chris multiple times (even the other day) to PLEASE CALL ME so we can talk it out. But he refuses. He refuses to negotiate in good faith; that is my opinion. I know you disagree with that. Even today, I would love Chris to call me to "hug it out" and try to find a compromise so everyone does not hate each other. But he won't. I don't know why.
I wasted a ton of time on this. I tried to be helpful.
I failed.
But, we need to show some grace here, and it's not helpful to keep providing part of the story since everyone knows the "three stories."
I had no incentive here. I wanted to get everyone to the table. I wanted Stefan to apologize.(he did and accepted all accountability) I think there have been some personal issues over those months, and I don't believe I have any right to know about those issues.
I wanted to solve a problem. Find a resolution. Everyone had to accept some level of unhappiness. We could have gotten there. I am confident we would have gotten there if Chris spoke to me one to one.
I guess nothing can be done anymore. Very sad.
Jul 5, 2023, 10:16 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Location independent
Programs: AA PlatPro, Asiana Diamond, IHG Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 287
Jul 5, 2023, 10:17 am
#15
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 23
Whatever the drama that's gone into this up to this point, I'm going to point out that the speakers at the Holiday Inn event have been confirmed. The speaker list at the Willowbrook location is changing daily which gives me pause (with 4 of the key speakers in the last 24 hours having to publicly post they weren't attending/speaking in order to get removed from the Willowbrook list). I'd encourage everyone to do your own research, and be sure you know what you're paying for before registering for one or the other.