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ZorkFest 2023 - Lavish Nostalgia Featuring Gary Leff, “Dr. Dave," Gilbert Ott and FTU

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ZorkFest 2023 - Lavish Nostalgia Featuring Gary Leff, “Dr. Dave," Gilbert Ott and FTU

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Old Jul 5, 2023, 1:39 pm
  #16  
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Will there be any live streaming accessibility to the Tahoe event so that those FTers in Chicago and Denver can get a live view into some of the action?
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Old Jul 5, 2023, 2:37 pm
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Originally Posted by GUWonder
Will there be any live streaming accessibility to the Tahoe event so that those FTers in Chicago and Denver can get a live view into some of the action?
I don't see a virtual option, so I'm going to assume there will be no live streaming. Par for the course for a lot of in person events for understandable reasons.
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Old Jul 5, 2023, 2:39 pm
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Originally Posted by dr88
I don't see a virtual option, so I'm going to assume there will be no live streaming. Par for the course for a lot of in person events for understandable reasons.
Understandable. Perhaps there will be bootlegged recordings or notes that make the rounds.
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Old Jul 5, 2023, 3:04 pm
  #19  
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Originally Posted by GUWonder
Will there be any live streaming accessibility to the Tahoe event so that those FTers in Chicago and Denver can get a live view into some of the action?
It's an interesting idea. The format lends itself to it. But, I just didn't think anyone would want to pay for it (even just the exact costs to handle the minimal tech).

Originally Posted by dr88
I don't see a virtual option, so I'm going to assume there will be no live streaming. Par for the course for a lot of in person events for understandable reasons.
It's a small event; it's the 4th one. I assure you, it's yet to make any money. It's a passion project and brand awareness. It's led to some really good things. Sure, it would be nice if it was wildly profitable, but I'm ok with it. One thing I/we try to do is prevent cutting corners. Last time our steakhouse dinner at Oscars was a huge success.

Originally Posted by GUWonder
Understandable. Perhaps there will be bootlegged recordings or notes that make the rounds.
You know we have security, and I would NOT mess with those guys. 😜😜😜

But why not consider taking a trip to Tahoe? I get it, CS, and I respect that. Once again, the date is 100% my fault since my team wouldn't even know what CS is.
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Old Jul 5, 2023, 3:10 pm
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There may be surprises in what people are willing to pay to see online .

There may be money being left on the table to not tap into a global remote audience, but you’ll have to ask the OnlyFans type experts about that.
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Old Jul 5, 2023, 10:39 pm
  #21  
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Originally Posted by GUWonder
There may be surprises in what people are willing to pay to see online .

There may be money being left on the table to not tap into a global remote audience, but you’ll have to ask the OnlyFans type experts about that.
Yet another way to gain exposure...

David
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Old Jul 6, 2023, 7:11 am
  #22  
 
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Originally Posted by baccarat_king
It's an interesting idea. The format lends itself to it. But, I just didn't think anyone would want to pay for it (even just the exact costs to handle the minimal tech).



It's a small event; it's the 4th one. I assure you, it's yet to make any money. It's a passion project and brand awareness. It's led to some really good things. Sure, it would be nice if it was wildly profitable, but I'm ok with it. One thing I/we try to do is prevent cutting corners. Last time our steakhouse dinner at Oscars was a huge success.
FWIW - I'm against recording/streaming in-person networking events where info may be shared that isn't freely shared on the internet. I hope I can make it to Zorkfest this year.
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Old Jul 6, 2023, 7:57 am
  #23  
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Originally Posted by dr88
FWIW - I'm against recording/streaming in-person networking events where info may be shared that isn't freely shared on the internet. I hope I can make it to Zorkfest this year.
I appreciate your support. Also, as most probably have gathered, the social and networking elements are (somewhat) essential. Sure, great content, but we genuinely encourage friendships and camaraderie. I will add we also created a fabulous P2 day on Saturday for those who have a companion joining who does not want to attend the conference.
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Old Jul 17, 2023, 6:51 am
  #24  
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Thanks, Frequent Miler; wires did get crossed a bit, and the Early Bird is good until August 1st (as the event is not until October). I do encourage people to ask questions and reach out. We are pretty proud of our event.
ZorkFest conference: Last day for early bird ticket price

I talk a "bit" about ZorkFest here on the Milenomics podcast. TravelStories
TravelStories Episode 13: Talking All Things with Michael Trager and ZorkFest
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Old Aug 13, 2023, 2:12 pm
  #25  
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Program and Sessions for ZorkFest 2023

Get your tickets soon! Early Bird Ends on August 21st!

ZorkFest 2023 Lake Tahoe, Nevada
October 13th to 15th 2023
Expert-led presentations that help you travel better and earn more casino comps PLUS:
-Learn More About Using Points
-Redeem Points For Amazing Vacations and Flights
-Learn and Understand More About Casino Comps


OPENING SESSION
“Saving Sinatra: an interactive examination of Frank Sinatra’s run-in with the Gaming Control Board in Lake Tahoe.”
Dr. David Schwartz (aka “Dr. Dave”)

Dr. David G. Schwartz is a historian of gambling who also studies conflict resolution. He has written several books, including AT THE SANDS and GRANDISSIMO, and is a CO-OP certified ombuds practitioner.

Could you have helped Frank Sinatra save his gaming license? Celebrity, organized crime, secrets, and rage all came together in the summer of 1963 at Lake Tahoe's Cal Neva casino as Gaming Control Board chair Edward Olsen called the singing superstar to task for hosting reputed underworld kingpin Sam Giancana. Though the disagreement would cost Sinatra his casino license, it didn't have to end that way. In this interactive session we'll examine the historical dust-up before exploring the roads not taken, getting a better understanding of how we can all manage conflict more productively.

“Where we have been and where we are going with Travel Loyalty. The most important things you should be focusing on and concerned with looking forward into the next five years.”
Interview and Q&A
Gary Leff - Thought Leader In Travel

“Transform Your Travel, an interactive Q&A and Panel - Enhance your entire view of travel!”
Gilbert Ott, with an Introduction by Gary Leff

Plus:
  • “One Step Vacation?: Best Trips available with a single credit card sign-up bonus.”
  • “A Winning Approach To Casino Loyalty Programs - Tier Matching, Casino Cruises, Optimizing Comps and Status.”
  • “Why you should care about hotel loyalty programs” - Which Works Best for Me?: Comparing Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt."
  • “Deep Dive - MGM Rewards Status, Cutting edge ways to optimize on casino apps, sports betting apps, and also online games like MyVegas – plus: Earning MGM Gold or Platinum Status.”
  • “How to ALWAYS get the best price on travel, plus how to maximize family award travel. Will include an exploration of transferable points currencies and how you can get better flexibility by expanding one’s portfolio of credit cards."
  • “Deep Dive - Hotel Loyalty, Why you should consider Hyatt Globalist Status; and how to get there for the leisure traveler.”
  • “Southwest Airlines - Everything you need to know, plus credit card strategies.”
  • “Deep Dive - American Airlines AAdvantage, Loyalty Points, and OneWorld Alliance Best Kept Secrets”

    “Casino Influencers After Dark”
    Join us for a casual panel discussion with podcasters, Mark and Dr. Mike from You Can Bet on That, Josh Duffy from the Crap Vegas Podcast, and Matt Bridger, Las Vegas YouTube Vlogger for a discussion about social media influencing in the casino, gambling, and Las Vegas spaces and the experience of content creation in this booming market. Hosted by vlogger and podcast host, VegasIntrovert.

    Classic Mixology Class with 360Vegas Keren and 360Vegas Tony
    Join Keren and Tony from the 360Vegas Podcast as they bring their signature mixology experience to ZorkFest! Keren and Tony will take all attendees on a step-by-step educational journey learning how to make classic drinks and classics with a twist. Attendees will learn the classic Bee’s Knees and a modern twist on both the Old Fashioned and Vesper cocktails. Pre-registration during ticketing is REQUIRED.

ZorkFest 2023 - Schedule
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Old Aug 13, 2023, 5:13 pm
  #26  
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That looks amazing. Congrats on putting together an amazing event.

But will https://twitter.com/garytlitfake be there? That'd be a game-changer for me!
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Old Aug 13, 2023, 5:17 pm
  #27  
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Originally Posted by kokonutz
That looks amazing. Congrats on putting together an amazing event.
I sincerely appreciate the kind words. It's truly a passion project bringing together the travel and casino loyalty worlds!
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Old Sep 10, 2023, 11:59 pm
  #28  
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Do you have a link to reviews of the 2021 event? If not can anyone who attended comment (sponsor excluded LOL

Specifically I am wondering how useful this will be for those of us non-highrollers who like to play VP, $25 BJ and $10 craps (no doubt I'm dating myself) as well as those who are not novices to the miles and points game.
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Old Sep 11, 2023, 6:30 am
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Boraxo
Do you have a link to reviews of the 2021 event? If not can anyone who attended comment (sponsor excluded LOL

Specifically I am wondering how useful this will be for those of us non-highrollers who like to play VP, $25 BJ and $10 craps (no doubt I'm dating myself) as well as those who are not novices to the miles and points game.
Thank you for asking Boraxo

I think, fundamentally, you have to consider what you are looking to accomplish vis-a-vis casino loyalty. There are a number of situations where a combination of understanding status, multiplier days, and exterior programs COMBINED with your casino action can yield better results than just "winging it."

Also, as you know, the side conversations and connections are the most important element of these events; since you get tips and tricks and more insight than you would normally ascertain (or people would be willing to share) in public forums.

I am happy to post the entire schedule, with the understanding there might be a few tweaks and adjustments.

These sessions are pretty exciting:

“A Winning Approach To Casino Loyalty Programs - Tier Matching, Casino Cruises, Optimizing Comps and Status”
Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast will talk about how to maximize returns from casino apps and websites through creative methods including funding with gift cards and prepaid cards to increase credit card rewards and attain casino statuses. Justin will draw on his experience with casino apps and websites and manufactured spending.
People will learn how to leverage the BetMGM credit card to earn MGM Gold and Platinum status. People will learn how to get an edge through acquiring and liquidating prepaid and gift cards through gambling websites and apps.

and
“Deep Dive - MGM Rewards Status, Cutting edge ways to optimize on casino apps, sports betting apps, and also online games like MyVegas – plus: Earning MGM Gold or Platinum Status”


Another good reference is the thread in the AT101 Facebook Group since a lot of people over there have attended past events. Also, a few here on FlyerTalk, such as sbm12 and Canarsie have been at prior events and can probably vouch a bit for my insane passion for connecting the travel loyalty world to the casino loyalty world.

A good thread to ask questions is in the AT101 FB group, this thread. It would be easy to query those who have attended prior ZorkFest events.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/awar...33529663329522
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Old Sep 11, 2023, 6:38 am
  #30  
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Late-Early Discount! 💰$55 off💰

For those who missed the early bird, there is a discount on tickets:
💰$55 off💰
promo code
lateearly88

The room block is still open and available until Tuesday, September 19th. Some days are already sold out, but if you have issues, send an email, and we can try to work things out.
Caesars Diamond (and above) resort fee waiver will be honored at check-in.

Luxury King (Renovated) Non-Smoking Room | 525-square-feet
Special ZorkFest Room Pricing At Harvey's Lake Tahoe
Recently Renovated (2020) Luxury (non-smoking) in the Tahoe Tower at Harveys Lake Tahoe.
Located in our Tahoe Tower our 525-square-foot Premium and Luxury Rooms were recently remodeled and offers one king bed or two queen beds.
Luxury Room Pricing
Thursday $68.00++
Friday $159.00++
Saturday $194.00++
Room Booking Link

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