{"id":187107,"date":"2025-01-09T12:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T12:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=187107\/"},"modified":"2025-01-13T14:56:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T14:56:27","slug":"zorkfest-conference-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/zorkfest-conference-review\/","title":{"rendered":"ZorkFest 2025 Tickets Now On Sale: Here’s What It Was Like Last Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

From large events like Frequent Traveler University (FTU) and Chicago Seminars<\/a> 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<\/strong>. Focused more on casino loyalty than just travel, ZorkFest is typically held in a gambler's paradise like Vegas or Reno.<\/p>\n

While I'm not a big gamer,\u00a0ZorkFest 2024 featured several points and miles experts — including Gary Leff, Carissa Rawson<\/a>, and Dave Grossman — which finally convinced me to attend this past November at the Horseshoe Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What is ZorkFest?<\/span><\/h2>\n

ZorkFest is an annual weekend event hosted by Michael Trager (who goes by the moniker TravelZork<\/a>). The conference is designed for travelers who gamble and want to learn how to maximize casino loyalty programs.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"ZorkFest
Credit: JT Genter\/AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0How To Use Carnival Fun Match To Score a (Nearly) Free Cruise<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

ZorkFest 2025 Details and Tickets<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here's how to buy tickets for ZorkFest 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"ZorkFest
Credit: JT Genter\/AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The 2025 event theme is “Just The Right Amount of Loyalty & Comps” and the main highlights are as follows:<\/p>\n