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We do the best we can to cover every points and miles topic we can here on AwardWallet. But there's something special about attending an in-person event as a way to really level up your points and miles knowledge. In addition to getting specific questions answered, you can learn about new topics and opportunities you might not have otherwise researched.
From large events like Frequent Traveler University (FTU) and Chicago Seminars to local get-togethers, there's a slew of points and miles events to attend. One of the events I've heard about for many years — but hadn't yet attended — is ZorkFest. Focused more on casino loyalty than just travel, ZorkFest is typically held in a gambler's paradise like Vegas or Reno.
While I'm not a big gamer, ZorkFest 2024 featured several points and miles experts — including Gary Leff, Carissa Rawson, and Dave Grossman — which finally convinced me to attend this past November at the Horseshoe Las Vegas.
With ZorkFest 2025 presale tickets now on sale, I figured now was a great time to look back on what it was like and if it's worth it for points and miles fans.
What is ZorkFest?
ZorkFest is an annual weekend event hosted by Michael Trager (who goes by the moniker TravelZork). The conference is designed for travelers who gamble and want to learn how to maximize casino loyalty programs.
However, ZorkFest isn't all about gambling. I was surprised to see more points, miles, and credit card sessions on the 2024 schedule — especially compared to the number of casino loyalty sessions. Many of these sessions seemed targeted at educating beginner to intermediate award travelers.
There's still plenty for gamers to get out of the weekend. ZorkFest also offered beginner-friendly lab sessions about how to play craps and blackjack. These sessions were led by expert players who shared beginner (up to advanced) strategies you can use — as well as etiquette you should follow.
Compared to other points and miles conferences I'd attended, the quantity and quality of the included food and drinks were notable. On multiple occasions, the open bar lasted longer than announced — a nice perk considering how expensive drinks can be on the Las Vegas strip.
Of course, meeting fellow attendees is one of the main reasons for attending conferences. Many attendees I spoke with were happy to share tips and tricks about gaming and points and miles — and some even shared their food and beverage comps with us newbs.
Related: How To Use Carnival Fun Match To Score a (Nearly) Free Cruise
ZorkFest 2025 Details and Tickets
The ZorkFest 2025 conference will be held December 5-7 in Las Vegas, but the specific venue hasn't been announced yet. This uncertainty is good for you, though, as that means you can buy pre-sale tickets for $218.88 per person until the venue is announced.
However, once ZorkFest announces its venue, pricing will jump to $325 per person (super early bird) and then $350 per person (early bird). Eventually, the price will reach its regular amount of $450 per person.
Here's how to buy tickets for ZorkFest 2025.
If you buy a ticket and then can't attend the event (but know someone who can), you can pay a $50 per ticket transfer fee until 10 days before the event.
The 2025 event theme is “Just The Right Amount of Loyalty & Comps” and the main highlights are as follows:
- Learn more about using points
- Redeem points for amazing vacations and flights
- Learn and understand more about casino comps
The ZorkFest 2025 conference promises to add even more optional paid add-on events than last year. For the 2024 event, optional add-ons included a $175 per person four-hour award travel session hosted by Julia Menez (from Geobreeze Travel) and Ben Komenkul (from Ben's Big Deal), a $388 per person VIP dinner experience, and private tables for craps and baccarat with a required $1,000 buy-in.
TravelZork also mentioned to me that he plans to add “pre-sessions” on Friday ahead of the opening cocktail reception. These sessions are intended to let newbies get up to speed. Also, the “labs” will be back again this year, with the return of the craps and blackjack labs plus the addition of a Miles and Points Lab.
Related: How To Use Your Hotel Elite Status for Free Cruises
Our Take
Conferences within the points, miles, and loyalty world are a good way to level up your knowledge and make friends within the community. Our AwardTravel 101 Facebook community occasionally hosts events, but you can also attend other events such as ZorkFest, FTU, Chicago Seminars, or something in your local community.
These events give you a space to talk points, miles, cards, and loyalty with other travelers. I highly recommend trying several different events, as each is different. But if you like Las Vegas and have an interest in points, miles, and casino loyalty, ZorkFest may be worth adding to your calendar.
Interested in casino loyalty programs? Check out our related articles:
- World of Hyatt Adds the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
- Status Match to Caesars Rewards for No Resort Fees and More
- How To Match MGM Rewards Status for Perks and Vegas Savings
- MGM Collection Properties Now Bookable Through Marriott From 5,000 Points Per Night
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