RANDY-Do??!!
 

I'd like to propose a RANDY-Do. An opportunity for FTers to get some quality time with the 'man', since most of the time, he is only available for a few fleeting moments, like at a DO-dinner or the Freddies or transiting during one of his trips or popping up occasionally for online interviews of FFP personnel.

While location could be at COS at House of Miles, might be fun to meet somewhere that could turn into an extended vacation- ie LAS, LOS, NYC. Dates and location subject to Randy's schedule.

Format could be a series of talks by Randy about the state of the FPP industry followed up by formal Q/A and informal getting acquainted. A full day would hopefully be sufficient, depending on response.

If Randy thinks its worth his time and FTers are interested, I'll be happy to help organize.

My prediction......at least 150 FTers would make the trip.

^ ^

I'm in! :)

Randy, are you? :D

I'd show
 

Like to meet him and all of you fellow addicts.

I'm in - is Randy bringing his beautiful bride. Be great to see them both. Cheers.

Great idea, beaubo.

For me it would be terrific as i love to talk about the programs, both past, present and future. As some of you might guess, I'm a regular talking head. My instincts prove to be pretty good and my memory is even better. Last week some reporter called to talk about Mileage Runs. Well, the call lasted for two hours as i talked them through the history, the changes and things that i had almost forgot about - for instance the sad day of a mileage run, in 1991 when United 585 went down. One of the passengers was making a final 'mileage run' (Denver-Colorado Springs) for his third qualifying flight in hopes of earning his daughter a free ticket to fly home from the East Coast. And my instincts are pretty good. Last December I wrote an editorial for the January issue of InsideFlyer in which i predicted that two major frequent flyer programs would merge in 2005. The recent merger of FlightFund and Dividend Miles was a lucky guess. As well, in February of this year i wrote that while i was high on the pending launch of the MasterCard alliance with Diners Club, it was probably going to bear pressure from the credit card partners of many of the frequent flyer programs as the new alliance was nothing like what they pictured Diners Club when they grandfathered in the card as they struck up exclusive relationships later on. That instinct again seems to be proven out as news this week says that at least four program partners will be dropping out of that card for frequent flyer miles over the next few months.

I love chatting about the industry and yes, am sorry that it seems like i'm always in motion. My favorite days are when i can get into a conversation with a reader of InsideFlyer or a member of FlyerTalk, etc. Just this week, Bud Pope, a reader from Albuquerque stopped in to the House of Miles to visit while on a business trip in Denver and it was truly the highlight of my day - to thank him in person (for his business) and to really chat about the things he has questions about in this industry.

I'm not sure how this can happen but it's a good idea and i predict that something will happen later in 2006. Why? Well, frequent flyer programs will be 25 years old on May 1 (American, United and then TWA on May 18th) and it will provide a great background for something like this. Let me see what i can come up with and let's see what other opportunities some up in the next few months. I like the online experience but very much prefer the live and in person. One of the things that will make this fun as well is a dialog with some of your that have differing thoughts on my thoughts. I love a good discussion and look forward to seeing and talking with some if not many of you in the future.

This is a great idea. ^ Thanks Beaubo for suggesting this event.

Randy: When you plan this event and choose the topics to be discussed, please keep in mind the non USA based frequent flyers.

An international component to the "symposium" could possibly attract the attention of many of us and who knows.... could lure us to the venue.

Best of luck on this initiative. This event has great potential.

I'm in! This would be great. Thanks for suggesting this beaubo!

Although Randy is mad at me right now ;), I also think this is a great idea. :)

How about a combination Randy DO and Cubs DO in August of 2006? Cubs DO is getting under way as we speak. ^

Not so! There are many times where i am acting on behalf of our members and this just happens to be one of them. I'm just the middle man..... HA!

I suggest my current home of Augusta, GA for the meet. Everyone can gripe about having to make the ASA flight from ATL-AGS or you can get a cheaper ticket to ATL and make the 2 hour drive. Since there isn't a lot to do here except play golf, eat, drink and play golf, there won't be any of the usual distractions faced in a "big" city. Hotel rates are among the lowest in the country and the Radisson here is rated one of the best in the USA.

Let's here it for a Randy - DO in Augusta, GA :D

You get us on to play Augusta National, I'm there. :D

FT would have several million new members if I could/did. :cool:

If I were in Randy Petersen’s position, I would consider doing a “road show”, if it were at all possible — similar to a tour that many popular musicians would do — and complete with date and location announcements.

This would provide an opportunity for as many FlyerTalk members and InsideFlyer subscribers around the world to meet Randy Petersen as possible. It could even be combined with a book signing tour.

I would love to do something like that if I could. Imagine all of the people I could meet and all of the frequent flier miles I could potentially accrue as a result...