The Chicago Seminars are just two months away and one of the most common questions I get about these points and miles conferences is, “Is it worth it?” I attended my first seminar in 2013 and found it to be a great experience. Since then, I’ve missed two events (last year it was because of that disastrous trip to Shanghai)
But I do make an effort to go because it’s a good opportunity to catch up with friends involved in the hobby. Plus, Rick is presenting so it’s a great chance to see the guru in action!
These events are all about meeting fellow hobbyists and sharing tips and tricks that don’t make it on the blogs or forums. I always learn something, whether it’s a weird manufactured spending tip or that certain bloggers are full of crap.
I initially thought this year’s event would conflict with the Gilmore Girls fan festival in Unionville, Ontario but it’s actually a couple of weeks after:
Date: October 18 – October 21
Cost: $125 (includes registration, lunch on Saturday, Sunday, coffee/snacks)
Location: Holiday Inn Elk Grove Village (room rate of $109/night includes breakfast for two
The event is not for profit. Speakers receive a travel stipend and all other proceeds are donated to three charities: Semper Fi Fund, Airline Ambassadors International, Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund.
I’m still not 100% sure if I’ll make it, but I’ll try. If you’re interested in attending the Chicago Seminars this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Bring your Ink Plus Card
About every other year, the Office Max across the street from the Holiday Inn will run a $0 fee promotion on Visa gift cards. Guess who leaves their Ink Plus card at home, without fail? Me. Don’t make the same mistake. Come prepared with your card that earns bonus points at office supply stores, in case there is a gift card sale.
Another year, Simon Mall ran a $0 fee promotion on Visa gift cards. You’ll want to bring all of your most valuable credit cards so you can stock up if this happens. There is a Simon Mall about six miles from the hotel. Bring your credit cards – it’s always good to be prepared!
2. Stay at the host hotel
Staying at Holiday Inn Elk Grove Village is really essential to immersing yourself into the event. It may not be in the middle of the city, but it does provide easy access to the main event. Plus, you can go to your room and nap/Netflix when you’re exhausted. With a $109 nightly rate that includes breakfast, the hotel is a really good deal.
3. Plan a couple of days in the city
While I recommend staying at the host hotel the weekend of the Chicago Seminars, it’s such a waste to fly to Chicago and bypass the city. Spend a couple of nights in the city before heading off to Elk Grove Village.
Hotel rates in the city are a little higher than usual during that week, but you can get a good deal using points. The Hyatt Place Chicago Loop is $526 per night or 15,000 Hyatt points.
You can also book the Hyatt Centric Chicago for that rate, but I’d go with Hyatt Place since the rooms are more spacious/less depressing and breakfast is included. Plus the two hotels are practically around the corner from each other.
The Hyatt Regency Chicago is even cheaper at 12,000 points per night.
I loved the Conrad Chicago, which not only had a great location but really nice rooms. Award nights are steep at 80,000 points, but so are the paid rates of $400+. Hyatt it is, I guess?
4. Get on Twitter
A lot of event activity happens on Twitter: People tweet about the different sessions, share photos, organize meetups. Make sure you’re following the presenters on Twitter.
The hashtag is probably going to be #chicagoseminars or #chicagoseminars2019. Try both variations and see what comes up.
5. Attend Rick’s presentation
Rick is speaking at this year’s Chicago Seminars, which is nice because I believe he missed the last two events. So drop by his presentation, say hi and put a face to the name if you’ve been following him all these years.
Are you attending the Chicago Seminars this year?
Hope you are going to make it. Few people I’ve interacted with that would be more enjoyable to meet.
I cannot believe we haven’t met after, what, five years?
Wish I could go! Due with #3 mid October!
Congrats Shannon!
Last year was so crappy to be honest. But I have been a few times
I take it that to the question of ” “Is it worth it?”, it is a “crap, no!”
BTW, is this the same event as the FTU sponsored by MMS?
Don’t know about MMS but FTU is a separate event from the Chicago Seminars.
I’m in the same boat. I went last year and found most of the content to be ‘meh’. The lineup of sessions seems better this year, but I think my time off and points have a better use elsewhere.
Agree, went 2 years ago and didn’t really get much new info, but I do read a lot online. Not sure if I’ll go this year except to be around those who love this game. Others just don’t get it!! Also glad to hear that Rick will be back!
What made it crappy? I don’t usually sit in the sessions – I just go to catch up with friends.
I feel like most of the sessions are geared towards newbies, or are update on the previous years’ presentations. I went last year and didn’t learn much that isn’t easy to find on boardingarea or on a slack channel.
what’s a slack channel?
Yeah most of the presentations are clear. I’m not on any of these slack channels, so I have no idea what goes on. But I will say that there’s value in meeting with people in-person.
Just bought me ticket 🙂
Looking forward to it!