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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. This goes doubly for all the speakers and bloggers, who are uniformly very approachable.

Here’s my schedule for the weekend:

Friday

I have a Sponsor’s Table in the Registration hallway. Registration starts at 4 PM. I’ll be in at my table as long as there is a line of people registering (unless I sneak away for dinner.) I’ll be at the hotel bar for drinks afterwards.

Saturday

I’ll be at my table in the morning (unless I’m putting the final touches on my presentations.)

I’ll have lunch at the hotel with everyone. By the way, this is the easiest way for introverts to meet people. Everyone just sits in the first empty seat they see, so you’re guaranteed to make new friends. After lunch, I have two presentations back to back:

1pm – 215pm
The Southwest Companion Pass (I’m a last minute sub, so my name isn’t in the program)

230pm – 4pm
Special Award Bookings (One-ways, Round-The-World, Stopovers, etc)

I will definitely put my slides online this weekend or next week, possibly with follow up posts.

Dinner: Let’s get a group together. Last year, a bunch of us drove to a sushi place. If I have my pick this year, we’d go to TGI Friday’s because living in Hawaii I’ve been deprived of the opportunity to eat the endless apps for $10. I am prepared to be out-voted. Stop by my table any time today or tomorrow to let me know if you want to join.

Sunday

I’ll be speaking at the Sponsor’s Workshop at 8:30 AM, I’ll be looking for an empty seat at lunch, and I’ll head to the airport for a 5 PM flight. I can get one free guest into the American Airlines lounge with me if you’re around terminal 3L at about the same time.

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