One of the most common complaints about points and miles conferences is often, “Why can’t they have these in more convenient locations?” Often, these events are held near airports or the suburbs, where event space is much cheaper. The down side, of course, is that there isn’t much to do in the immediate area.
A lot of people who fly out for these events want to feel like they’re getting something more out of the trip than just the conference. Well, I’ve got good news because Frequent Traveler University is coming to a non-obscure town near you!
This summer, there will be two FTU events: One in New York and one in D.C. The New York event will be held in Midtown Manhattan while D.C. FTU will be in Crystal City. Even better news? I’ve got coupon codes for $20 off admission.
Full disclosure: As an FTU affiliate I do earn a commission when you use my link to register.
In case you missed it, I’ll be speaking at FTU Seattle this month and tickets are still available. I’m giving two presentations on manufactured spending and participating in a panel. If you are interested in attending FTU NYC or D.C. this summer, the registration info is included below:
FTU Signature New York
When: June 9-10, 2018
Where: 4 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 (this is an event space, not a hotel, there is no group hotel for this event)
Ticket price: $249
Coupon code: FTUMIDTOWNfor $20 off through February 28, 2018
Tickets include:
- Two days of expert-led sessions
- Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Confirmed speakers:
- Tiffany Funk of One Mile at a TimeÂ
- Stefan Krasowski of Rapid Travel ChaiÂ
- Greg Davis-Kean of FrequentMiler
- Nick Reyes of FrequentMilerÂ
- Matthew Klint of Live and Let’s Fly
- Tess Zhao, Business Traveler
- Erica Ho of Map Happy
- Angelina Aucello of Angelina TravelsÂ
- Mike Graziano of Make Travel Hacking Great Again
- …with more to come!
FTU Signature Washington, DC
When: August 11-12, 2018
Where: Crystal City Marriott, group booking link for $109/night
The hotel has complimentary Reagan National Airport (DCA) shuttle from 6 am – 11 pm.
Ticket price: $249
Coupon code: FTUCRYSTAL for $20 off through February 28, 2018
Tickets include:
- Two days of expert-led sessions on Saturday and Sunday
- Plated lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Free Internet in the conference rooms
Confirmed speakers:
- Tiffany Funk of One Mile at a Time
- Stefan Krasowski of Rapid Travel Chai
- Greg Davis-Kean of FrequentMiler
- Nick Reyes of FrequentMiler
- Matthew Klint of Live and Let’s Fly
- Ed Pizzarello of Pizza in Motion
- Jeanne Marie Hoffman of Le Chic Geek
- Jared Kamrowski of Thrifty Traveler
- Trevor Mountcastle of Tagging Miles
- Spencer Howard of Straight to the Points
- Tess Zhao, Business Traveler
- Mike Graziano of Make Travel Hacking Great Again
- Charles McCool of McCool Travel
- …with more to come!
Ariana, for those who are more experienced (but still have a lot to learn.. just more complex things), what will we gain from FTU? Are you able to provide more insight on sessions and what justifies the price tag?
You might want to check out something like FTU Advanced (if they’re still running that). Or maybe those Reselling DO’s TMount puts on. In general, these conferences are always a good opportunity for networking. The Chicago Seminars largely cater to a newbie audience, but you’ll still see people there who have been at this for a decade plus. They keep coming back to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and share their knowledge. So there’s definitely value in these events beyond just the presentations.
Yay…. Finally able to catch one of these on the east coast. Will you be speaking at either one of these events? I’m hoping to be able to meet you finally.
And, for sure, I will use your linked code to sign up!
Nice! I will not be at the DC, NY events but I am speaking at FTU Seattle.
If with Jp. I’m really excited to see one on the East Coast. I’m disappointed you will not be at either. From the speakers listed, which one would you lean towards attending?
A lot of the really popular speakers are speaking at both events, so I’d decide based on your location preference. I’d go with NY – the midtown location is convenient and there’s more to do in the area. On the down side, the hotel is going to cost you more.
Thanks Ariana. Do you think they will publish a list of recommended hotels? I would like to stay where others are planning to stay.
Sure! That’s a great post idea.
Would you have any insight as to how the determination is made when it comes to selection of a location in which to have these seminars?
I don’t have any insider knowledge, but from what I hear there was always great demand for D.C. and NYC sessions.