Can you imagine going to a miles and points conference but not attending any sessions?
That’s exactly what I did at this weekend’s USA TODAY Frequent Traveler University Advanced Dallas.
I’ve attended previous FTUs including Newark, LAX, Tampa, the first Advanced FTU in Chicago, and Seattle, but this was the first time I didn’t sit in on any of the classes.
Instead of attending class (so to speak), I helped sell raffle tickets and spent time with friends, met new people, and swapped travel secrets.
However, while I loved the freedom of not being tied to a schedule, I missed out on some great sessions.
New Topics and Different Perspectives on the Same Information
Previous Frequent Traveler Universities (both the regular FTU and the FTU Advanced) covered the same topics with an occasional new topic thrown in. But this time, there were multiple new topics in both versions of the Frequent Traveler Universities.
Not only were there new topics, but there were new speakers such as Keri from Heels First Travel who spoke on solo female travel which is 99% of my travel despite being married with children.
While previous FTUs covered manufactured spending (Amol spoke in Seattle and the Miles Professor spoke at the first FTU Advanced), Tahsir’s talk covered completely different aspects of how to manufacture spend (according to some of my friends who attended his sessions).
So if you’ve already attended a previous FTU and were debating if you should attend another because you’ve already attended once, the answer is a resounding yes.
Not only will you meet more people interested in your hobby and build a group of friends with whom you can network and share information, but you’ll learn a few news things.
3 More FTUs in 2015
So if your calendar is free, there are 3 more opportunities this year for you to attend a Frequent Traveler University.
1. FTU Alumni Round Table
The first Frequent Traveler University Alumni Round Table is being held at the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown from May 1, 2015, to May 3, 2015.
Tickets are $299 and include:
- Intimate cocktail party on Friday night
- Breakfast (hotel attendees) on Saturday
- Small group discussions (limited to 12 per group)
- Plated lunch on Saturday
- Presentations during Buffet brunch with sparkling wine on Sunday
However, you must have previously attended a Frequent Traveler University (regular or Advanced) to be eligible to attend.
You can book your ticket for FTU Alumni Round Table here.
Rooms at the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown which include breakfast are $150 a night (single or double occupancy) and can be booked here.
The Hyatt Atlanta Midtown is hosting the first Frequent Traveler University Round Table
2. USA TODAY FTU Advanced Washington, DC
USA TODAY FTU Advanced returns to Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport on August 21, 2015 to August 23, 2015.
Your $249 ticket includes:
- 1 hour 30 minute cocktail party on Friday night
- Access to all sessions and social events on Saturday and Sunday
- Three-course lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Internet access in the conference rooms
You can book your USA TODAY Frequent Traveler University Advanced Washington, DC ticket here.
Book your hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport including full buffet breakfast for $99 (single or double occupancy) a night here.
FTU Advanced Washington, DC will take place at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City on August 21, 2015 to August 23, 2015
3. USA TODAY FTU University Advanced Dallas
USA TODAY Frequent Traveler University Advanced is going back to Dallas and the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport (yes, it was just held here) on August 21, 2015 to August 23, 2015.
For $249 you get:
- 90 minute cocktail party on Friday night
- All sessions and events on Saturday and Sunday
- Multi-course lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Internet access in the conference rooms
Book your USA TODAY FTU Advanced Dallas ticket here.
Rooms at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport include full buffet breakfast for $99 (single or double occupancy) a night can be booked here.
Because these are advanced sessions and the number of attendees are limited, only 72 for the FTU Alumni Roundtable, and approximately 150 for the FTU Advanced sessions, tickets will sell out quickly.
Relax in the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport’s zero edge pool
Which FTUs are you attending this year?
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