Hot! Tickets On Sale For Frequent Traveler University Advanced Orange County
Reader Patty asked what I recommend for someone starting out in “this great hobby of traveling”, looking for getting solid grasp on how to book and stay in really nice hotels for cheap especially around the US.
One great recommendation I can make to all readers is to encourage you to attend a Frequent Traveler University.
What is Frequent Traveler University (FTU)?
A Frequent Traveler University event is an opportunity to learn more about “this great hobby of traveling”. The truth is that just like with every skill or hobby, the more knowledge you have the better you get. A Frequent Traveler University is a crash course where you get a ton of information that it would take you quite long time to learn otherwise.
Speakers that have worked years to understand the complex travel landscape have been selected for their depth of knowledge, and share their knowledge with you.
Examples of some past FTU speakers?
If you scour magazines like Conde Nast Traveler, Town & Country, Executive Travel or the Washington Post, you’ve probably read interviews or seen –
His wide list of television appearances and interviews ranges from Good Morning America to CNN’s The Situation Room, and his blog and award booking service is recommended by both Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Another frequent speaker at FTU’s is Ben Schlappig, One Mile at a Time
At the ripe old age of 25 he is featured in this month’s Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Up in the Air” article, and his list of interviews and appearances includes Forbes Magazine and NPR.
Celebrities not unlike Giada De Laurentiis, just in the Miles & Points space!
Today a new Frequent Traveler University Advanced event has been announced, which will be in Newport Beach, CA December 4-6, 2015. Perfect for a weekend get-away from some bone-chilling winter weather, you can attend just the sessions that interest you and then you have the rest of the days/evenings to yourself!
What can you expect?
A weekend of meeting likeminded travelers, having fun and learning, kicked off with an optional networking cocktail reception at the host hotel on Friday night.
Saturday the learning begins at the host hotel (Hyatt Regency Newport Beach) around 9am as speakers offer tips, tricks and information on everything from hotel and airline programs to “mileage running” and advanced routing redemptions. Sometimes speakers debate the pros and cons of an elite program with each other, with audience members gaining different perspectives on the program. Other times there are sessions where award booking examples are done live. There’s a lunch break, and the day usually ends around 4pm.
Saturday night is yours to enjoy, and while some people go out to dinner with other attendees you can always just do your own thing. Sunday morning the sessions start up again around 9am, and even though there’s another full day of speakers and Q&A you are welcome to leave early to catch a flight if needed.
What do you need in order to attend? Any background knowledge?
Frequent Traveler University events are open to everyone at all experience levels, with no background knowledge necessary. Many people scribble notes furiously or take notes on a laptop, and then go home and apply what they’ve learned. Some make new friends at the events, and there is also a group of “regulars” that use the events as an excuse to travel and meet up. If you’re wondering if you’ll fit in at an FTU, trust me when I say you absolutely will. There’s a friendly vibe, a shared interest and all you need is the willingness to learn. You can hang back and quietly take notes, or jump right in and ask a bunch of questions that you’ve always been curious about.
Each Frequent Traveler University event includes a raffle, where you can win great prizes. All raffle sales are tax deductible and proceeds go to the charities of Milepoint Cares.
Frequent Traveler University events are held at hotels all over the US, and sometimes FTU’s have upwards of 600 attendees!
What about the Frequent Traveler University “Advanced” events? Do I need advanced knowledge to attend?
The main difference between the advanced and regular events is that the advanced offers smaller class sizes, upgraded meals, and more time for Q&A with the speakers. Many of the topics are similar, though the folks that typically lean towards the Advanced events have already been to several of the regular events.
Frequent Traveler University Advanced events are capped at a small attendee number to allow for a more intimate setting, and upcoming locations include Washington DC, and Dallas TX because previous events there have been so popular. Other previous locations have included San Diego, Tampa and Seattle. Tickets often sell out within hours for popular locations, and while tickets are nonrefundable you can transfer them to someone else for just $25 if your plans change.
Today a new Frequent Traveler University event has been announced, which will be in Newport Beach, CA December 4-6, 2015.
Click here to Register and purchase your ticket. The cost is $249 for the entire weekend.
Here are some topics that this event will cover –
— Award Booking on American Airlines
— Award Booking on United Airlines
— Award Booking on Other Airlines (Delta, Alaska, Avios, etc.)
— Using KVS Tool & Expert Flyer to Search for Fares and Availability (fare construction)
— Maximize your spending (beyond Bluebird)
— Maximizing Hotel Loyalty Programs and Promotions
— Visas, OTAs, Car Rentals, ATMs, and More Tips for International Travel
— Advanced booking techniques for revenue tickets
— Reselling (NEW!)
Confirmed speakers include:
– Matthew Klint (Live and Let’s Fly)
– Stefan Krasowski (Rapid Travel Chai)
– Tahsir Ahsan (Bengali Miles Guru)
– Greg Davis-Kean (Frequent Miler)
– Omar Zaman (Travel Summary)
What’s included?
Your ticket gives you access to all sessions and social events, including a 90 minute open bar cocktail reception on Friday night, and a three-course lunch on both Saturday and Sunday.
All attendees will have internet access in the conference rooms and you are encouraged to bring your laptop or tablet along (though out of respect for our speakers there are no live recordings allowed, please).
Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can book your Hyatt Regency Newport Beach hotel room at the special conference rate of $179 a night which includes full buffet breakfast. Staying at the hotel is not a requirement to attend, and many locals prefer to just drive to the hotel each morning and go home at night (unless you need a hotel stay to requalify for hotel elite status). A benefit to staying at the host hotel is that free self parking is included which typically costs $25 a night, and there is a reduced resort fee at $10 a night.
Magic of Miles will be at Frequent Traveler University Advanced Newport Beach and would love to meet some readers. Will you be there?
