The 2021 Chicago Seminars are officially going to happen.
Seminars organizer Stefan Krakowski of Rapid Travel Chai made on the announcement on the event’s official FlyerTalk page. Masks, physical distancing, and proof of vaccination will be required (as of now).
Plus, “Ticket capacity will be released in stages,” he wrote. “As we approach the event date, we then have the flexibility to expand if conditions recommend that.”
When are the 2021 Chicago Seminars?
The 12th annual Chicago Seminars take place Friday, October 15, through Sunday, October 17.
I generally arrive Thursday morning or afternoon. I hang out with some friends, visit some sights, and start enjoying the long weekend. (I have a family commitment that weekend and can’t attend this year. Can I live vicariously through you, please?)
Where are the Chicago Seminars?
The Holiday Inn Chicago-Elk Grove Village in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Rooms aren’t yet available.
Where Can I Buy Tickets?
Tickets are not yet on sale.
Hold On. What are the Chicago Seminars?
The Chicago Seminars is a three-day event centered around points, miles, travel, and loyalty programs. Credit cards, mileage runs, hotels, family travel, airlines are topics discussed either in group sessions (or casually in the hotel lobby, during meals, or over drinks).
The Chicago Seminars is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more or chat about points, miles, and travel. (And there’s always more to learn. If you think there isn’t, then you of all people probably need to go.) You won’t get laughed out of a room for not knowing what “5/24” means, or if you can’t tell Membership Rewards from Ultimate Rewards from Total Rewards.
In fact, if you’re scratching your head and thinking, What in the world is a “5/24” or which rewards program should I use? then you should go.
Also, don’t be intimidated by some of the presentations or your fellow attendees. If someone amassed three million points in the blink of an eye and flew his or her extended family and their neighbors around the world for a week — that doesn’t mean you have to. If your goals including taking your family to Disney World on the cheap or figuring out how to save money on an awesome honeymoon, you’ll have ample opportunity to learn some great ways to do so.
Who’s Speaking?
Stefan announced the first round of speakers. No exact schedule or topics are available yet.
Honorary speakers:
- Rick Ingersoll (event founder, Frugal Travel Guy founder)
- Howie Rappaport (event host for the past decade)
The first round of speakers are:
- Dia Adams of Forbes Advisor
- Greg Davis-Kean of Frequent Miler
- Tiffany Funk of One Mile at a Time
- Dave Homyak, bikeguy
- Richard Kerr
- Stefan Krasowski of Rapid Travel Chai
- Shae & Stephen Pepper of GC Galore, No Home Just Roam, Frequent Miler
- Nick Reyes of Frequent Miler
Participation Requirements
Stefan made the following statement:
We are amidst a global pandemic. The situation and consideration of hosting this event will be monitored up to the event. Attendance is not anyone’s entitlement or forum for political statement.
Federal, state, and local regulations will provide the minimum guidelines for the event.
This is a community event that has thrived for a decade grown from goodwill and care for each other. For that spirit to continue, that may mean some personal accommodation on event precautions that you may personally feel to inconvenience you or you feel to be unnecessary. You can swallow such thoughts and instead focus on the joy we all have of being together in person.
By purchasing a ticket, you agree to follow the event Participation Requirements, which will adapt up to and including the event:
- Mask policy – masks will be required at the event, unless specifically announced by the organizer as not required. A potential not required decision will only be made shortly prior to the event. No exceptions / exemptions.
- Vaccine policy – you must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and you must be prepared to prove it in advance of the event. Vaccine ‘passports’ / verification is a work in progress for the world and we will work on a suitable process. No exceptions / exemptions.
- Good conduct policy – social distancing and similar policies will be adjusted as the situation evolves. You will conduct yourself at the event in a spirit of civility in line with the conduct required by the organizers and on-site volunteers. Should you wish to argue with someone, please limit it to the mirror in your hotel room.
- No chargeback policy – this is a charity event and has operated since inception on a no refunds policy. If the event cancels due to pandemic considerations, your ticket will be used to cover event costs to the degree they cannot be waived, with the balance, as with prior events, going to the designated charities. If you purchase a ticket and your plans change, regulations prevent you from traveling, or you decide you cannot meet these participation requirements, there will be no refund. If at the event you violate the participation requirements, you will be required to immediately depart the event, and there will be no refund. In all cases, you will not make a credit card chargeback for your event ticket. Be happy that the event charities will benefit from your graciousness, even if you find yourself in that position from lack of graciousness.
Final Approach
I love the Chicago Seminars — and have met plenty of lifelong friends at these events. There’s always something new to learn (points strategies, credit card tips, vacation destinations, travel tips, etc.).
If you’re a regular — or even semi-regular — reader of this blog, I’m sure you’ll love attending. There’s plenty of good information dished out not only in the seminar meetings themselves — but also in the bar and restaurant between sessions.
We’ll post more information as we receive it.
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Excellent News. Can’t wait!