FTU returns to Los Angeles!
Since 2010, more than 20,000 people have attended Frequent Traveler University (FTU), making by far the most popular travel hacking seminar in the world. In addition, the FTU faculty contains some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Come join us for a very speical FTU event on December 5-6, 2026, in sunny Los Angeles, California. You won’t want to miss this event, chock-full of learning and networking opportunities!
You’ll enjoy dozens of sessions for all skill levels hosted by many, many speakers.
Come see, learn, and enjoy!
Tickets
Don't Have a FTU Annual Membership Yet?
YOUR TICKET TO THE FTU LA INCLUDES:
- All Educational sessions/panel discussions and various break-outs across two days (December 5-6, 2026)
- Lunch on Saturday
- Access to select video recordings
- Brilliant networking with fellow travel experts
Sponsors
Expert Flyer is the easiest way to find award & upgrade inventory so you never let your SWUs expire again. In addition, we offer tools for frequent fliers such as seat alerts, detailed flight information, complex route planning, and more.
Status Match can upgrade your travel status with airlines and hotels. Get elite benefits faster with our exclusive matching services.
Seats.aero is the fastest award travel search engine. Instantly find flights and hotels bookable with points across 20+ mileage programs and hundreds of airlines. Search entire regions, set free alerts, and explore availability to maximize your points and discover the best travel options.
PointsYeah is the best and only all-in-one real-time points travel planning site on earth and it‘s free.
Confirmed Speakers
Ben Komenkul
Ben's Big Deal
Carissa Rawson
Rove
David Feldman
Loyalty Summit
Tommy Danielsen
FTU
Gaurav Kuchhal
Whales Club
Adam Hill
Miles_2_Smiles
Andrew Kunesh
PNM - Newsletter
Mitch Shannon
Let's Get to The Points
Elina Geller
TheMissMiles
Stacy Stearns
Stacy's Travel Points
Aaron Hurd
Cards and Points
Clint Henderson
The Points Guy
Brooke Merkle
CardPointers
Oscar Cullen-Lopez
ExpertFlyer
Julia Menez
GeoBreeze Travel
Justin Vacula
Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast
Keith Van
Seats.aero
Carissa Rawson
Rove
Ben Komenkul
Ben's Big Deal
Anshul Singh
Points Miles and Bling
Brian (Cohen) Siveman
Award Magic
Kevin Zanes
The Point Analyst
Mark Ross-Smith
Status Match
Candace Keene
The Keene Traveler
Deborah Dunman
Explore More Deb
Betsey Wilson
Become Travel Rich
Miguel Rueda
Let's Get to the Points
Mara Rice
Savvy Travel Mamas
Joy Smith
Savvy Travel Mamas
Ross Alcorn
Itinerary Boss
Michael Cao
Points Travel Festival
Kevin Song
FTU Facebook Group Moderator
Michael Prodanovich
Buying Group Gurus
Daniel Burkett
Buying Group Gurus
Max Craig
Points to the Max
Mitch Shannon
Let's Get to the Points
Serena Stone
Let's Get to the Points
Patrick Sugarman
the Points Page
Michael Cao
Points Travel Festival
Adam Hill
Miles_2_Smiles
Miguel Rueda
Traveler
Brooke Merkle
CardPointers
Seth Levy
Step Up
Oscar Cullen-Lopez
ExpertFlyer
Britt McEachern
Quirky Traveler Guy
JT Genter
AwardWallet
Katie Genter
TPG
Jamie Larounis
Upgraded Points
Andrew Kunesh
Upgraded Points
John Ryan
FTU
Lisa Niver
DiverNiver
Peter Greenberg
CBS
Dave Grossman
MilesTalk
Dave Grossman
MilesTalk
Seth Levy
Step Up
A Preview of What you will learn at FTU LA
- …and more!
- …and more!
- From First Card to Full Command Center: How to Build a Smarter, Faster, High-ROI Points Strategy
- Real Estate and Business Owner Best Practices for Points and Miles
- Basics of Award Searches
- Being a Prepared Traveler
- Maximizing Aeroplan Redemptions
- Buying Groups and Manufactured Spending
- …and more!
- High Spending for Statuses, Free Nights, and More
- Major Underrated Credit Cards
- Travel Insurance 101
- Spending Challenge – how to earn points without always chasing welcome offers
- Business Class for Families
- Why Boring Points Redemptions are the Best
- Miles Beyond: Lessons from Spending 23 Million Miles in the Sky
- Is Elite Status Still Worth it in 2025?
- Status Matches: How To Maximize Them and Get Treated Like a King
- Award Travel Booking 101: Tools and Tips to Travel in First
- Traveling on a Shoestring: Rewards Without Credit Cards
- From Slots to Suites: Mastering Casino Loyalty Programs
- How to GoWild: The Frontier GoWild Pass Uncovered
- Insider Access: A Journalist’s View of the Airline Industry
- Mistake Fares: Where and How To Find Them
- Newbie to Guru: A Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles
- Data-Driven Travel: What Analytics Tell Us About Loyalty Programs
- Female Perspectives in Travel: Overcoming Challenges
- Disney for Less: How to Hack the Happiest Place on Earth
- The Ultimate AA Loyalty Points bootcamp
- Casino Comps: How to Hit the Jackpot with Comps, Suites, and More
- Breaking into First Class: Strategies for Premium Travel
- Behind the Points: The Art and Science of Loyalty Program
- The Future of Travel Rewards: What Savvy Travelers Need to Know
- Off-Peak Secrets: How to Travel During Off-Season for Less
- Turning Layovers into Getaways: Maximizing Stopovers
- The Storyteller’s Journey: Exploring the World Through a Travel Journalist’s Lens
- AI and Loyalty Programs: How Technology is Changing Rewards
- Post-Pandemic Perks: How Travel Rewards Have Changed
- Luxury for Less: Mastering Suite Upgrades and Perks
- Maximizing Miles, Minimizing Spend: The Art of Travel Hacking
- Every Country, Every Culture: Lessons from a Global Journey
- …and more!
Schedule
Friday, May 2, 2024
Optional Social Event (limited availability)
Registration opens
Welcome Party (open bar)
Saturday, May 3, 2024
Registration opens
Main room opens, coffee & tea provided
Sessions begin
Lunch (included)
Afternoon sessions
Sessions conclude
An Evening wtih FTU (separate ticket required)
Sunday, May 4, 2024
Main room opens, coffee & tea provided
Sessions begin
Lunch (included)
Afternoon sessions
Sessions conclude
Educational sessions take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, 2026. Please note that all session times/topics/speakers are subject to change.
Venue
The FTU LA event will take place at the
H HOTEL LOS ANGELES | CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
6151 W CENTURY BLVD | LOS ANGELES, CA 90045
Conference attendees can enjoy a special room rate. Stay tuned for more details!
Sponsored By
Schedule
| Session Name | Room | Start Time | End Time | Description | ||||||||
| Afternoon Activity | TBD | 2:00PM | 5:00PM | More info about this activity will be out shortly, but no matter what it will be an amazing way to start a great weekend. | ||||||||
| Registration Starts | Lobby/Main Room | 5:00PM | 6:00PM | |||||||||
| Opening Session | Main Room | 6:00PM | 7:00PM | This is an all speaker session that will be a bit of an ice breaker as well as an overview of what the weekend will look like. | ||||||||
| Open Bar + All Speaker Presentation | Main Room | 7:00PM | 8:30PM | |||||||||
| Session Name | Speakers | Room | Start Time | End Time | Description |
| Breakfast (On your own) | Loft Kitchen | 7:00AM | 8:00AM | This is a great time to use your $15/$30 breakfast credit. | |
| AA Loyalty Points Workshop | Bridget Blaise-Shamai | Main Room | 8:00AM | 8:45AM | The AA Loyalty Points Workshop will be an amazing opportunity to improve or learn about hacks for the largest airline in the U.S. We will also be able to hear info about the program from Bridget Blaise Shammai, the former head of the AAdvantage program. |
| Session I: Intro + Earning through Flying | Nasser Shukayr, Jamie Larounis | Main Room | 8:50AM | 9:35AM | This session is great for those who are in the beginning of their journey to become an AA elite member. Whether you are wanting to simply learn some basic tips or transform how you earn elite status, this presentation is for you. |
| Session II: From Hello Fresh to Cambodia | Shane Miller, Jamie Larounis | Main Room | 9:40AM | 10:25AM | This second session on the AAdvantage program is a continuation of the first session, and this is great for those who are more advanced and/or are using their knowledge of the first session to learn all there is to know about Aadvantage. |
| SW Companion Pass + Status Workshop Intro | Corbitt Burns | Main Room | 10:30AM | 10:55AM | |
| SW Session I: Companion Pass Strategies | Carissa Rawson, John Ryan | Main Room | 11:00AM | 11:25AM | This presentation is a continuation of the previous session, and discusses more advanced strategies on Southwest’s Companion Pass as well as ways to maximize it. |
| SW Session II: Status Maximization | Carissa Rawson, John Ryan | Main Room | 11:30AM | 11:55AM | This presentation is a continuation of the previous session and goes further in-depth into how to maximize Southwest and their Rapid Rewards program. |
| Lunch Break | Main Room | 12:00PM | 1:30PM | ||
| Let’s Set Sail: Cruise Strategies | Marshall Jackson | Main Room | 1:30PM | 2:05PM | Ready to set sail? This presentation by Marshall Jackson, a BoardingArea cruise expert, has all you need to know about your next getaway. |
| GoWild: Frontier Pass Tips | Seth Levy | Breakout Room 2 | 2:10PM | 2:55PM | Ever wanted to fly as much as times you want for one price (excluding taxes)? This is what Frontier’s GoWild pass plans to offer. And through Seth Levy’s tips and tricks, you’ll be able to GoWild in no time! |
| Credit Card Alchemy: Maximizing Credits | Ariana Arghandewal | Breakout Room 1 | 2:10PM | 2:55PM | Does it ever feel like there are just too many credits to keep track of? Well your in luck! Through Ariana Arghandewal’s expert strategies, maximizing credits will seem like a piece of cake. |
| Status Matches: Best Practices | Marty Paz, Seth Levy | Breakout Room 2 | 3:00PM | 3:35PM | Ever want to go from treated like a nobody to be treated like a VIP? By using the different tips and tricks you’ll learn, you will be able to do exactly that! |
| Global Treasures: Rudy Maxa Interviews Scott Mayerowitz | Ryan Smith, Peter Greenberg | Main Room | 3:40PM | 4:25PM | Ryan Smith has visited every country in the world, making him one of a very small number of people who has. Peter Greenberg, a CBS Travel reporter is interviewing him to find out all about the incredible experiences he has. |
| Intro to Miles and Points | Joel McDonald | Main Room | 4:30PM | 5:20PM | Even if you are just starting out, FTU Dallas has something for everyone! Joel McDonald, the founder of JGOOT, a community of 80,000 members, will tell you everything you need to know in order to get started in the incredible world of miles and points. |
| Traveling on a Shoestring Budget | Ariana Arghandewal | Breakout Room 1 | 5:25PM | 6:15PM | Traveling can get expensive, fast. However, Ariana Arghandewal will tell you everything you need to know about how you can travel the world for less. |
| Sessions End | 6:20PM | 6:45PM |
| Session Name | Speakers | Room | Start Time | End Time | Description |
| Breakfast (On your own) | 7:00AM | 8:00AM | |||
| Manufactured Spending | Marty Paz | Main Room 1 | 8:00AM | 9:00AM | Manufactured spending, the art of racking up credit card spend, can be quite challenging. Fortunately, Marty Paz, an expert in Manufactured Spending, will tell you all there is to know. But remember, NO PHONES are allowed! |
| A World (of Hyatt) of Difference | Ben Komenkul | Breakout Room 1 | 9:05AM | 9:45AM | World of Hyatt is an amazing rewards program that offers many unique redemptions, amazing elite status, plus so much more. By the end of this presentation, you will be an expert on the World of Hyatt program. |
| Maximizing Delta SkyMiles | Clint Henderson | Breakout Room 2 | 9:50AM | 10:40AM | Delta SkyMiles is one of the largest reward programs in the world. It is not for everyone, but through some unique tips and tricks in this presentation, you’ll be an expert on it in no time. |
| Point Me to Paradise: Hilton Honors Tips & Tricks | Andrew Kunesh | Breakout Room 1 | 9:50AM | 10:30AM | Hilton Honors is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, and this guide to the program will cover all there is to known about earning elite status, earning and redeeming points, plus so much more. |
| United Elite Status Guide | Breakout Room 2 | 10:40AM | 11:30AM | United is the most global airline in the United States with a compelling loyalty program. This presentation will help you become in expert in all key aspects of the program. | |
| Hidden Gems: Luxury Hotel Brands | Tommy Danielsen | Main Room 1 | 11:35AM | 12:15PM | What is a luxury hotel? While you may be familiar with hotels such as Park Hyatt, Waldorf Astorias, etc., there is so much more to the world of luxury hotels that this presentation covers. |
| Bonvoyed or Not Bonvoyed: Marriott Guide | Jamie Larounis | Main Room 2 | 12:20PM | 1:05PM | This Marriott presentation by Jamie Larounis has all of the information that you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy program. Whether you are wanting to learn about earning elite status, or how to maximize your points, this program has it all. |
Friday, December , 2026
May 1st, 2026 5:30-6:30pm
Cocktail Reception - Open to all registrants! Come enjoy and mingle.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
December 5th, 2026 8:00am
Registration
December 5th, 2026 8:30am
Welcome / Kick-Off
Introduction
Speakers:
Ben's Big Deal
December 5th, 2026 8:45am
Intro Panel
December 5th, 2026 9:05am
Big Name Presentation
December 5th, 2026 9:45am
Oxford-Style Debate
Speakers:
FTU
December 5th, 2026 10:40am
Break
December 5th, 2026 10:50am
standard Session
December 5th, 2026 10:50am
Breakout Session
December 5th, 2026 11:25am
Book this trip
December 5th, 2026 12:10pm
Lunch
December 5th, 2026 1:30pm
Bootcamp Session
December 5th, 2026 3:00pm
Travel hack Bingo
December 5th, 2026 3:20pm
Standard Session
December 5th, 2026 3:20pm
Breakout Session
December 5th, 2026 4:05pm
Standard Session
December 5th, 2026 4:05pm
Breakout Session
December 5th, 2026 4:50pm
Day 1 Wrap-Up / Closing Remarks
Sunday, December 6, 2026
December 6th, 2026 9:30am
Registration
December 6th, 2026 10:00am
Award Booking Lab: Find It. Fix It. Book It.
December 6th, 2026 10:00am
Manufactured Spend Lab: Does the Math Work?
December 6th, 2026 11:30am
Standard Session
December 6th, 2026 11:30am
Breakout Session
December 6th, 2026 12:15pm
Show Your Best Redemption Ever
December 6th, 2026 12:50pm
Standard Session
December 6th, 2026 12:50pm
Breakout session
December 6th, 2026 1:30pm
Snack Break
December 6th, 2026 1:50pm
Break / Free time
December 6th, 2026 2:15pm
Keep It, Cut It, or Get It?
Is your credit-card collection earning its keep—and what’s missing?
December 6th, 2026 3:15pm
The State of Miles & Points: What's Changing—and What Comes Next
Where is the miles-and-points hobby heading—and what does it mean for your travel?
December 6th, 2026 4:00pm
Day 2 Wrap-Up
Speakers:
Ben's Big Deal
Sunday, May 4, 2025 - Main Room
May 4th, 2025 9:00am
State of the Travel Industry: What to Look Forward To
Rudy Maxa, an Emmy award winning travel journalist, as well as Tom Stuker, a man has traveled more than anyone else in human history, will give their insights into what the future of travel looks like. This talk is moderated by Jamie Larounis, an FTU organizer and writer at Upgraded Points.
Speakers:
FTU
Rudy Maxa's World
UA1Flyer
May 4th, 2025 9:35am
Manufactured Spending
Manufactured spending, the art of racking up credit card spend, can be quite challenging. Fortunately, Marty Paz, an expert in Manufactured Spending, will tell you all there is to know. But remember, NO PHONES are allowed!
Speakers:
Landings and Layovers
May 4th, 2025 10:45am
How to Find Flight Deals
Clint Henderson of The Points Guy will discuss all there is to know about how you can fly around the world for less through searching for flight deals.
Speakers:
TPG
May 4th, 2025 11:35am
Tips and Tools I Use to Fly Around the World
JT Genter, a full time digital nomad, tells you all there is to know about what tools he uses while traveling full time.
Speakers:
AwardWallet
May 4th, 2025 12:25pm
Lunch
May 4th, 2025 1:30pm
Visiting Every Country: Tips, Tricks, and So Much More!
Rudy Maxa, an Emmy award winning travel journalist, interviews Ryan Smith, one of very few people to visit every country in the world.
Speakers:
Upgraded Points
Rudy Maxa's World
May 4th, 2025 2:15pm
Bonvoyed or Not Bonvoyed: Marriott Bonvoy Guide
This Marriott presentation by Miguel Rueda has all of the information that you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy program. Whether you are wanting to learn about earning elite status, or how to maximize your points, this program has it all.
Speakers:
Traveler
May 4th, 2025 3:20pm
Point Me to Paradise: Hilton Honors Guide
Hilton Honors is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, and this guide to the program will cover all there is to known about earning elite status, earning and redeeming points, plus so much more.
Speakers:
FTU
May 4th, 2025 4:00pm
Closing Session
Thank you for coming to FTU!
Speakers:
FTU
FTU
Sunday, May 4, 2025 - Breakout Room
May 4th, 2025 9:35am
A World (of Hyatt) of Difference
Hyatt is a favorite in the travel space, and Ben Komenkul of Ben’s Big Deal will be explaining all there is to know!
Speakers:
Bens Big Deal
May 4th, 2025 10:45am
Why Airline Elite Status Isn't Worth Pursuing For Most People
Ryan Smith, one of the few people who has visited every country in the world, will discuss all there is to know about elite status and why it just isn’t worth it for most people.
Speakers:
Upgraded Points
May 4th, 2025 11:35am
A Guide on How to Book RTW Tickets
Brian Cohen, owner of AwardMagic, has some amazing knowledge with booking around the world tickets, and in this session he will tell you all there is to know.
Speakers:
Award Magic
May 4th, 2025 2:15pm
You CAN Beat the House: How You Can Make the Casinos Work For You
Casinos are impossible to beat, right? Nope, that’s false! And it’s exactly what Adam Bauer is discussing in his presentation.
Speakers:
Cheapskate Vegas
May 4th, 2025 3:20pm
Travel Hacking 101
Everyone was a beginner at one point! In Britt McEachern’s session, he will make understanding the points and miles world a piece of cake.
Speakers:
Quirky Traveler Guy
Frequent Traveler University (FTU) is a community-run event by Frequent Traveler Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3). EIN: 27-3321457
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Frequent Traveler University (FTU) is a community-run event by Frequent Traveler Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3). EIN: 27-3321457
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Frequent Traveler Education Foundation
1730 Park Street Ste. 211
Naperville, IL 60563