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The annual Chicago Seminars points and miles conference is returning to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago from November 7–9, 2025. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time to sign up before ticket prices increase by $40 on October 10, 2025.
Held each fall near Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Chicago Seminars is one of the longest-running and most respected gatherings for frequent flyers, award travel enthusiasts, and points-and-miles pros. It’s a weekend packed with presentations, panels, and hallway conversations that help travelers at every level maximize their earnings and redemptions. Think of it as an in-person version of the AwardWallet Blog!
Here's what to know about Chicago Seminars and why you might want to attend.
What Makes Chicago Seminars Special
Started in 2010, Chicago Seminars is a community-run, nonprofit conference designed by travelers, for travelers. Originally held at the Holiday Inn Elk Grove Village, the event moved to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago in 2024, where it returns this year thanks to overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.
Over the years, Chicago Seminars has featured some of the brightest minds in the points-and-miles world. Sessions range from the fundamentals of earning and redeeming rewards… to advanced techniques and strategies rarely shared publicly.
Presentations begin Friday evening (November 7) and continue through Sunday afternoon (November 9). With two to four sessions running concurrently for much of the weekend, you may want to team up with a friend, attend different talks, and swap notes afterward.
This year’s speaker lineup includes experts from many points and miles publications, topic specialists, and up-and-coming points-and-miles writers. You can find the full list of presenters and session topics on the Chicago Seminars homepage.
As a nonprofit event, registration fees go directly toward venue rental, meals, and operating costs — with all remaining funds donated to charity. Chicago Seminars 2024 raised over $30,000 for travel-related nonprofits. For 2025, proceeds will support two worthy organizations: Armed Services YMCA and Global Glimpse.
AwardWallet's Presence at Chicago Seminars 2025
AwardWallet is the longest-running sponsor of Chicago Seminars, financially supporting the community event since its founding in 2010. In addition to helping offset the costs of running the event, AwardWallet will continue our tradition of providing attendees with a coupon code for six months free of AwardWallet Plus.
In addition, several members of the AwardWallet team will be at Chicago Seminars again this year:
- AwardWallet co-founder and owner Alexi Vereschaga. Swing by the AwardWallet sponsor table or catch Alexi at one of the happy hours.
- AwardWallet Editor-In-Chief JT Genter. I'll be presenting an encore of my session Plan Like an Expert: Tips and Tools for Award Travel and hanging around the AwardWallet booth.
- AwardWallet Senior Writer and Editor Tyler Glatt will be attending sessions throughout the weekend. Catch him in the hallways or at happy hours.
- Plus, several AwardWallet contributors will be presenting this year: Ben Nickel-D'Andrea, Jon Nickel-D'Andrea, and Carissa Rawson
- And several Award Travel 101 moderators will be presenting: Angie Sparks, Cameron Laufer, Joe Petrovic, and Maria Fung
We love events like Chicago Seminars because it gives us a chance to connect with AwardWallet users and readers to hear how we can make the site even better. So, feel free to bring your questions and suggestions!
Bottom Line
Chicago Seminars isn’t about flashy booths or corporate presentations — it’s about community. It’s where you can meet fellow travelers who share your obsession with maximizing points and chasing aspirational trips.
If that sounds like your kind of weekend, don’t wait. Register now before prices go up on October 10. Use promo code AWARDWALLET to save a buck and help us cover some travel costs. Then, join us near O’Hare this November 7-9 for one of the best weekends in the points-and-miles world.
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