TravelCon2 is just wrapped up in Vegas, with the die hards meeting up for a final brunch. I had a great time, but realized I’m turning into a bit of a boring old fart, with 11pm being the latest I stayed up… which was about 30mins prior to a number of people getting ready to go out on the town. Let’s not talk about the Friday.. but if you are wondering, I’m now known as Matt from Cinderella…
Having run a few events myself, I’m always looking for ways to improve, and I think the organizers, Tahsir and Omar did a great job of getting people mixing, which is the key to the event, and as much as I cringe when I say this… I learned a few things in that room.
I say that because that’s the boilerplate bollocks that you hear about all events ‘oooh it was secret, but only for the 1000 people in the crowd live tweeting it’ (AKA buy a ticket).
For those who were there.. I talked about a different strategy that I invented for Vegas. I use the word invent because I basically made it up, tried it and for those interested it’s working thus far. My presentation explained it in more depth, but I was trying to create enough expenses that could then be eradicated using ninja comp skills.
The theory being, why would I cannibalize my points for an award night, or pay cash (the horror!) when Vegas has its own unique loyalty program, albeit one that works (in my opinion) in a very different way to points and miles.
I took a risk on the topic, and think the message was clear: Gambling is stupid! But just in case you weren’t in the room, let me repeat Gambling is stupid, don’t do it!
And here’s how the gig is working on T-0 (checkout date)
My expenses for the trip:
- $600 for room
- $60 resort fee
- $130 lunch (met up with Tahsir and a friend)
- $50 snack
- $85 haircut
- $130 dinner
- $25 happy hour drinks
- Probably some other crap
Here’s my folio
It seems that the tips can’t be removed from the system, but all the other charges have been magicked away. I actually underspent in the end.. as I also have ‘express comps’ of $160 on my account, which I could have spent on getting my nails done..
The nice guys at Aria also told me that my next trip is on the house… but more importantly, I’ve got a cruise line to call…!
This is all well and good, but the real question is…
Did anyone go out of their way to bump into you in the elevator?
No elevator bumping occurred.
I’m disappointed I missed it, but I’m trying to figure out how you were comped those expenses…I guess this is L2 stuff? Any insight would be most appreciated in the forums if you’re willing to divulge!
elevator bumping…Hangover style?
Matt’s presentation was quite different from the typical points, miles and MS stuff. The specifc play was not something that I’d ever attempt but it was fascinating and I’d like to try to implement some of the overall concepts into my approach to things. And if the conversation at The Centurion this afternoon is any indication, people were intrigued, impressed and admiring.
But I’ll leave it to Matt to share more because to my mind, it should be exempted from the old saying, what happens in Vegas, yada, yada, yada.
Very glad I went. A good week to you all.
Glad to hear it. I wanted to try to bring in new ideas, and personally feel that the points and miles stuff can be overdone at such events… it was a risk.
I certainly hope nobody tries exactly what I outlined, but do hope that it helps people come up with some fresh ideas too.
I was there, and saw Matt’s presentation but don’t recall him explaining how he was going to make these charges disappear unless acting like a high roller was the play. I live in Vegas , so I was busy part of the time and may have missed something, but i think I saw the entire presentation.
I came away with at least one good idea that should net 120,000 miles per year… That was worth the fee even if I did not eat the lunch or attend any of the planned events. I had a dog cooped up inside the house all day and I ‘ve done Vegas way too many times. Maybe we all go to a locals casino next time.
Basically yes, I’m trying to be a high roller so I get a ton of goodies, and by the time they realize I’m not, I’ve made a profit.
Just a fun way to approach my trip to Vegas for me.
Next time say hi!
I’m assuming you’re playing VP? Hard not to lose $ when you’re gambling at a level to earn $160 in EC.
Just slots
Hmm. I’m going crazy trying to figure this out. Aria is an MLife hotel, so it can’t be Total Rewards Diamond in a day. But there is a free cruise, so that means at least MLife Platinum. Perhaps just gambling and hoping for breakeven? There can’t be any fooling around with pass and don’t pass on craps, since he says he only played slots. SLOTS????? I CAN’T figure this out!!! Hints, please.