Come See Me Speak Twice at Chicago Seminars October 14 – 16, 2016

The Chicago Seminars is the oldest and best conference of frequent flyer miles enthusiasts.

My Plan for the Chicago Seminars Starting Tomorrow

I arrive today in Elk Grove, Illinois to get ready for the Chicago Seminars tomorrow.

MileValue has a sponsor’s table for the Chicago Seminars, so I'll be easy to find all weekend. Drop by to talk to me about:

miles
points
award booking
solo travel
college basketball
Airbnb
Buenos Aires
Hawaii
Colombian and Argentine slang
improv comedy
free one ways
credit cards
23 hour layovers
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Nathan for You
cliff jumping in Dubrovnik
United's Island Hopper
anything else

If that's not a big enough draw, I will print a dozen of my favorite travel photos from

Google Flights Held a Reddit Ask Me Anything Today

The Google Flights team hosted a reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) on June 9, 2015. Here is a link to the full, completed AMA.

Many, many questions were about ITA Matrix, which Google owns.

Registration for 2015 Chicago Seminars is Live. See Me Speak!

Registration for the 2015 Chicago Seminars is now live as of noon ET. Click here to register. As in past years, it costs $100 and there are 500 spots.

The seminars will take place from 5 PM on Friday October 16 until 4 PM on Sunday October 18 at the Holiday Inn Chicago -- Elk Grove, which is NOT in the city but near O'Hare. That's convenient for 4,500 to 7,500 Avios flights from much of the country.

I will be speaking at the Seminars.

Registration for 2015 Chicago Seminars is Live. See Me Speak!

Registration for the 2015 Chicago Seminars is now live as of noon ET. Click here to register. As in past years, it costs $100 and there are 500 spots.

The seminars will take place from 5 PM on Friday October 16 until 4 PM on Sunday October 18 at the Holiday Inn Chicago -- Elk Grove, which is NOT in the city but near O'Hare. That's convenient for 4,500 to 7,500 Avios flights from much of the country.

I will be speaking at the Seminars.

My Schedule for the Chicago Seminars

The Chicago Seminars start today, just outside O'Hare. I got in yesterday morning, and I've been putting the final touches on my two presentations.

If you're around, please say hello!

As a quick PSA: first timers sometimes think these events are a bit clique-y. Those "cliques" you think you see, though, are mainly made up of people who met at this very event or at a previous one, and they are very welcoming. Just say hello.

Five Tips I Shared at the MileValue Dinner

On Sunday, I hosted a MileValue dinner in Los Angeles. Unfortunately there was a "Korean Agriculture & Marine Product Expo" across the street, which severely limited parking and caused some people to miss the dinner.

I'll share five tips I gave to attendees. I wouldn't classify any as secrets, but most of them were unknown to people who, in some cases, have redeemed hundreds of thousands of miles, so the tips might be pretty useful for your next award booking.
1.

Just a Few Spots Remain for Saturday Night Dinner in Honolulu

Just a few spots remain for the dinner this Saturday, May 31 at 7 PM in Honolulu.

I’m very excited to announce the second MileValue dinner on Oahu on Saturday, May 31 at 7 PM at a Thai place town-side.

An unfortunately dark picture at the last dinner.

Announcing a MileValue Dinner May 31 on Oahu

I’m very excited to announce the second MileValue dinner on Oahu on Saturday, May 31 at 7 PM at a Thai place town-side.

An unfortunately dark picture at the last dinner.

MileValue Meet Up in New York City Tomorrow Monday for Happy Hour

There will be a MileValue meet up tomorrow (2/17/14) at The Australian at 20 W 38th St in Manhattan from 5 PM to 8 PM.

I've wanted to hold a meet up in New York City for quite a long time. Unfortunately I will only be there from Monday through Thursday, so I can't hold a customary MileValue dinner. And I really apologize for not having my other plans set soon enough to give more than 24 hours notice.

But I hope everyone will be able to join me for Happy Hour at the Australian.