4 Reasons Why I Enjoy Going to Points and Miles Meetups

Meetups, seminars, gatherings, conferences — whatever you call them, I have a great time at points and miles meetups. Some of these events are more structured, with schedules and admission passes that make them feel like mini-industry conferences. Others are relaxed, like a casual social gathering with a few helpful talks.

One thing remains the same across this wide range of formats: I return to several points and miles meetups every year to connect with fellow travelers and pick up new strategies for maximizing my points.

If you’ve never attended one of these events and are curious if it’s for you, here are 4 reasons why I keep going. From the social connections to the educational takeaways, these meetups offer something for just about everyone interested in award travel.

1. I Learn From Others

I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about points and miles, but I don’t know everything.

These meetups are a great time to learn from people with specialty knowledge in areas I don’t know much about. My wife and I moved to California 2.5 years ago, for example. Learning from other West Coast-based people at these conferences was a great way to help us maximize our points from a new home base.

My favorite event is the Chicago Seminars, which happens every fall and is considered by many to be the “O.G.” points and miles conference. But I’ve also attended events with Frequent Traveler University — which has events in multiple locations — Award Travel 101, and of course Upgraded Points. We have annual meetups, and you can find the list in our Facebook group.

2. I Can Ask Questions Face to Face

Have you ever read a message and not understood what it meant — or worse, understood it incorrectly? That can happen. As much as I’m a fan of digital content and the fact I work remotely, asking questions in person is still extremely helpful.

And that’s especially true on complex topics, such as someone explaining a complex set of rules for a valuable award ticket or how to use a new piece of technology. Among the best aspects of these conferences is the ability to ask questions of presenters and other attendees, helping me hear and understand the information and how to apply it.

How exactly do I use my points for that incredible hotel you stayed at? How exactly do I earn more points on my next trip to buy shoes by stopping at the office supply store first? (Answer: You’ll earn 1x at Nike but can earn up to 5x points when buying a Nike gift card and using that to pay.)

Questions were highly encouraged at the events I’ve attended, which is one of my favorite features.

3. I Get Travel Tips From Others

Speaking of asking questions, sometimes the questions you ask other attendees can be as good as or better than the interactions with seminar presenters. During social times or evening cocktail hours, asking people how they earn and use points and miles can be fascinating.

Sometimes, what they’re doing isn’t interesting to you. Other times, it’s exactly what you’re looking for, and I love these moments.

From these unscripted conversations, I’ve learned how to read a ticket’s rules before purchasing it to see if I can add stopovers or extra segments at no extra cost. I’ve also learned about saving money at multiple different brands of theme parks, among other topics.

4. I Make and Reencounter Friends

Making friends is among the best elements of these events. Most people I know aren’t interested in points and miles, so making friends I can ask these questions is beneficial. Having friends who will text you when they see a flight or hotel on sale that they know you want to book is also beneficial.

When you go to these meetups in other states and make friends, the downside is that many live far away. I’ve made friends at these events who live in California, but I’ve also made friends who live far away. Seeing them repeatedly at the next points and miles meetup is great. I love catching up with them in person and hearing their last (or next) great redemption. It feels like a homecoming of sorts.

However, regional meetups can curb some of the distance problems. Heading to a meetup 90 minutes down the road increases the chances of meeting people living nearby.

Having other friends interested in travel and understanding how to book travel with points also gives you new travel buddies. Whether you’re organizing a group of friends or you’re a solo traveler looking for someone to join your next trip, these events are a great place to find like-minded people who don’t think it’s crazy that you want to head to another country next Tuesday or book a hotel that would be unaffordable if you had to pay the cash rate. If you need more of those friends, I’ve found them at points and miles events.

Final Thoughts

I love going to points and miles meetups. From learning to socializing, I find these events enriching. The greatest nuggets I learn at each event often come from 1-on-1 conversations with other people attending the event, and I’ve made lasting friendships. Seeing those friendly faces at subsequent events and finding people to travel with are why I continue to visit these events.