Allegiant Air the Official Airline of ZorkFest 2025
Allways Rewards the Official Loyalty Program of ZorkFest 2025
ZorkFest 2025 is a travel and casino loyalty conference taking place from December 5-7, 2025. The event offers expert-led sessions focused on maximizing travel rewards (miles and points) and casino comps.
Learn More About Using Points
How to Redeem Points for Amazing Vacations and Flights
Learn and Understand More About Casino Comps
The government shutdown may suck, but your travel doesn’t have to. Haven’t booked your airfare yet or worried about travel chaos? We’ve got your back. If you purchase your ZorkFest ticket now (after November 8th) and your flight lands 5 hours or more after your scheduled arrival time at LAS, you’ll receive a ZorkFest travel bonus package:
$100 in casino free play — because after that kind of travel day, you deserve a little luck.
Extra bonus: a future travel discount with TravelZork Travel — up to $250 off any future trip (trip total $5,000 or more) booked by January 31, 2026.
Want extra peace of mind?-Gary Leff (“The Godfather” of the [frequent flyer] hobby – View from the Wing)
-Anthony Curtis (“the legend” from Las Vegas Advisor)
–Dia Adams (The Dia Adams)
-Edward Pizzarello (Miles to Go Podcast)
–John & Kristina Mehaffey (Vegas Advantage – Table Game and Video Poker Surveys)
–Dave Grossman (Founder of MilesTalk)
–Julia Menez (Geobreeze Travel)
–Carissa Rawson (Just Plane Points, Rove)
–Justin Vacula (Host of Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast)
–Ronnie Dunston (Living the High Life: Secrets to Jet-setting Around the Globe for Free)
–Maria Fung (Maria Points the Way)
–Angie Sparks (Award Travel 101)
–Josh Duffy (Crap Vegas Podcast)
–Mark Ross-Smith (Loyalty Status)
–Ben Komenkul (Ben’s Big Deal)
Your Host and Organizer for ZorkFest:
-Michael Mason Trager of TravelZork, TravelZork Travel, and ZorkCast Yo-11 Podcast
Tech Guru, Troubleshooter and All-Around Decent Man:
-Michael Movestro of ZorkCast Yo-11 Podcast, Travelzork and Movestro Vegas
Content Guru and Coordinator for Travel & Loyalty Content at ZorkFest 2025:
-Joseph Petrovic of Award Travel 101
Allegiant Air the Official Airline of ZorkFest 2025
Allways Rewards the Official Loyalty Program of ZorkFest 2025
Gary Leff of View From The Wing a true legend in the travel loyalty space. Gary Leff has been called an “Air Genius” and “an airline industry brainiac, who you might think of as the Nate Silver of his domain.” He has also been called “sagacious” by legendary business travel writer Joe Brancatelli and “the godfather of the [frequent flyer] hobby” in Rolling Stone.
Anthony Curtis is a renowned Las Vegas expert, professional gambler, and publisher, best known as the founder of Las Vegas Advisor. After moving to Las Vegas at 21, he carved out a reputation by mastering advantage play, exploiting promotions, and uncovering value where others overlooked it. His monthly publication, launched in 1983, has become a trusted guide to Vegas deals, casino strategies, and insider tips, making him one of the most authoritative voices on the city.
Beyond publishing, Curtis has won major gambling tournaments in blackjack, craps, keno, and more, achievements that earned him induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame. He has been a frequent presence on television—appearing on the Travel Channel, Discovery, A&E, BBC, and 60 Minutes—and his insights are often quoted in the national press. From consulting on Hollywood films like Ocean’s 13 to analyzing games on televised blackjack tournaments, Curtis has cemented his place as the most recognized and quoted Las Vegas expert in the world.
Dia Adams is a nationally recognized expert in credit cards, miles, and points, with over a decade of experience helping families turn everyday spending into extraordinary travel. Formerly known as The Deal Mommy, Dia built her reputation by demystifying complex award travel strategies—making it possible for real families to travel the world without breaking the bank. She’s lived in Thailand, China, and Ireland, visited over 50 countries, and knows firsthand how to unlock maximum value from every point, mile, and credit card benefit.
Dia’s insights have been featured on national television, radio, and across major media outlets. She most recently served as the Senior Editor of Credit Cards at Fortune, and previously held the role of Managing Editor at Forbes Advisor, where she covered award travel and personal finance with clarity and precision. Her guidance blends deep industry knowledge with a practical, real-world approach that resonates with families, couples, and solo travelers alike
John and Kristina combine first-person gaming experience, analytical rigor, and storytelling to make VegasAdvantage the go-to source for deep dives into Las Vegas gaming, table games, strategy, promotions, and casino culture. John, a veteran in the gaming world, began his career as a prop player in online poker rooms in the early 2000s and over time transitioned into creating and curating content about gaming strategy, odds, and casino fairness. He has authored thousands of pages of content in the Las Vegas and casino space, building Vegas Advantage into more than just a blog—into a respected authority on the Vegas experience. Kristina, a former mathematics teacher, joined John in 2020 to help run the site behind the scenes, handling data and editorial logistics, organizing table game surveys, editing video content, and giving the site its polished edge.
Their passion for gaming and reporting led them to a showcase moment in 2023, when they celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary by visiting 93 casinos in under 24 hours across the Las Vegas Valley—an unofficial record that underscored their commitment, stamina, and love for the casino world.
Edward Pizzarello—known to many in the miles and points community as “Pizza” of PizzainMotion—has transformed his love for travel into a trusted voice in the loyalty and award travel space. With millions of miles flown and top-tier status across airlines and hotel programs, Edward combines deep firsthand experience with a passion for helping travelers get the most out of their points. A former chef turned frequent flyer, he brings a practical, real-world approach to luxury travel that resonates with both beginners and seasoned mileage enthusiasts.
In addition to running his own site, and the Miles to Go Podcast, Edward contributes regularly to major travel publications and is known for breaking down complex loyalty strategies into simple, actionable advice. He covers everything from high-value redemptions to everyday travel tips, always with an eye on maximizing value without unnecessary spend. Whether you’re debating a credit card strategy, planning a mileage run, or just trying to take your first business class flight on points, Edward’s insight and experience make him a go-to resource for smarter, savvier travel.
LINKS: Website | Your Best Credit Cards | YouTube | Instagram | X
Dave Grossman is a leading authority on miles, points, and credit card rewards, known for turning everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences. He is the driving force behind MilesTalk, a blog and community dedicated to helping people get the most out of loyalty programs, and the founder of Your Best Credit Cards, a platform that offers personalized credit card recommendations based on real-life spending habits. Over the past two decades, Dave has traveled the world flying first and business class on award tickets—paying largely in taxes and fees—and built a reputation for making complex mileage strategies clear, actionable, and accessible.
He is also the author of MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points, a practical guide for anyone ready to dive into the world of award travel. Beyond his writing, Dave consults on loyalty program optimization and frequently speaks at industry events, sharing insights on how to unlock the full potential of credit cards, elite status, and travel perks. His work empowers both beginners and seasoned travelers to rethink how they approach rewards—and to experience more of the world while spending less.
Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Having traveled to over 30 countries before turning 30, she saves thousands each year with points and miles. On her podcast, Julia shares strategies from top award travelers and highlights underrepresented voices in travel hacking, including women, immigrants, and people of color. She offers personalized coaching and has spoken at FinCon, taught for Frequent Traveler University, and been quoted in creditcards.com, Money Magazine, Fodor’s Travel, and Business Insider. Her podcast was nominated for “Best New Personal Finance Podcast” at the 2021 Plutus Awards.
Julia’s work sits at the intersection of travel, empowerment, and financial strategy. With an eye for inclusion and a knack for simplifying rewards programs, she helps clients unlock life-changing travel opportunities. Her mission is simple: make points and miles accessible to everyone—especially those who’ve been left out of the conversation.
Your Guide to Affordable Luxury Travel. Ronnie Dunston, is a seasoned traveler who has journeyed to over 100 countries alongside his wife, Dr. Sheba, and now shares these global adventures with their two young daughters, Nubia and Nala. What began as a personal quest evolved into a mission to make luxury travel accessible to all.
Through their platform, Road to 100 Countries, Ronnie and Sheba have developed the “Tricks to Travel” system—a comprehensive guide that teaches travelers how to leverage points and miles for first-class flights and complimentary hotel stays. Their approach has enabled them and thousands of others to travel the world in style without breaking the bank.
Join Ronnie center stage and discover how you, too, can explore the world confidently and economically.
Carissa Rawson is a freelance writer and travel rewards expert specializing in personal finance, loyalty programs, and credit cards. A former Arabic linguist in the U.S. Air Force, Carissa has applied her analytical background and global perspective to a career that empowers others to unlock premium travel through points and miles. Her work has been featured in major publications including NerdWallet, Business Insider, The Points Guy, and AwardWallet, where she simplifies complex topics into approachable strategies for maximizing rewards.
In addition to her writing, Carissa serves as the Director of Travel and Marketing for Rove Miles, where she helps shape the company’s vision for smarter, points-savvy travel tools and experiences. Having traveled to over 60 countries and redeemed millions of miles, she blends real-world insight with a passion for helping others travel better. Whether guiding beginners through their first award redemption or advising frequent flyers on elite status strategy, Carissa is dedicated to making luxury travel accessible and achievable.
Justin Vacula, host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast and Hurdy Gurdy Travel YouTube channel, teaches listeners how to travel the world at low cost utilizing credit card points, miles, benefits, and rewards. In addition to saving money on travel, Justin also talks about making and saving money through various loyalty programs, apps, and bank bonuses, often bringing guests onto episodes to talk about their experiences.
Justin also talks about how to gamble with an advantage, primarily through online gambling, notably, Blackjack. The Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast YouTube channel also includes travel videos, such as hotel room tours, cruise ship walkthroughs, and interesting destinations Justin visits. Justin regularly spends time at local casinos in the Philadelphia area and often visits Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He also writes weekly articles for the TravelZork Loyalty & Points Corner and hosts monthly in-person meetups with the group Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points.
Josh, better known to many as VegasDuffy on social media, is a passionate and frequent Las Vegas visitor, making roughly seven trips to the city each year. Over time, he has experienced more than 30 different properties across the Vegas landscape—ranging from the classic, budget-friendly Circus Circus Manor Motor Lodge to the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas. This wide spectrum of stays gives Josh a unique perspective on what the city has to offer, no matter your budget or style.
A recreational gambler at heart, Josh particularly enjoys the fast-paced camaraderie of the craps table, where he has built many of his Vegas stories. His love of the game, along with his enthusiasm for all things Vegas, naturally led him to co-create the Crap Vegas Podcast with his co-host, Chris. Together, the two dive into every aspect of the Vegas experience—sharing insights on hotel rooms, food and dining, gambling adventures, and entertainment, all wrapped in their personal stories and banter. At the core of Josh’s approach is a simple philosophy: Vegas and gambling should be fun for everyone.
Maria Fung, creator of Maria Points The Way, makes luxury award travel simple for families—especially to Asia-Pacific hotspots like Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia. A moderator of Award Travel 101 and TripPlus contributor, she’s trusted across U.S. and Asian-American communities for turning points chaos into repeatable systems. From snagging four ANA premium seats to Hong Kong over winter break to designing multi-stop, all–Business-Class family adventures, Maria shows parents how to secure peak-season luxury seats with ease—and teaches them to do it, too.
Maria doesn’t just share strategies—she lives them. Her coaching and workshops have empowered families to unlock their dream trips, from multi-generational getaways in premium cabins to seamless five-seat redemptions during school holidays. Known for her clarity, creativity, and step-by-step systems, Maria makes luxury travel feel less like an impossible puzzle and more like a proven path families can follow with confidence.
LINKS: Award Travel 101 FB Group | Podcast
Angie Sparks is a trusted voice in the award travel community, known for turning everyday credit card perks into extraordinary journeys. A married mother of two, Angie began her points journey like many families—stretching her travel budget as far as possible. After a pivotal Mediterranean cruise in 2015 revealed the limits of her early strategy, she dove deep into research and mastered the art of maximizing credit card rewards.
Friends quickly crowned her “The Credit Card Queen,” and her passion led her from member to moderator to admin of Award Travel 101, one of the largest award travel groups on Facebook. With unique access to insider knowledge and some of the sharpest minds in the industry, Angie now specializes in one-on-one credit card strategy consults, teaching others how to unlock the full potential of their points and miles for unforgettable, value-packed travel experiences.
Joseph (Joe) Petrovic is happy to join the Zorkfest team this year. He began his award travel journey over 10 years ago, but didn’t take it seriously until attending Zorkfest in 2018, where he finally overcame a hurdle he’d been struggling with for years – how to redeem points with partners for greater value/returns. In 2018, he pushed all of his hobbies to the side and dug into the world of travel and loyalty. By 2019 he was speaking at like-minded conferences and began writing for AwardWallet. Early in 2020, he was tasked with managing AwardWallet’s declining Award Travel 101 Facebook Community. He helped grow it from 68,000 to 114,000 members before turning over the reigns.
Joe has pushed past only flying low-cost carriers like Frontier, Spirit, or Southwest to having flown 5 of what many in the space consider the most aspirational First Class products including Lufthansa (747), Japan Airlines (A350-1000), All Nippon Airways (777-300ER), Etihad (A380), and Emirates (A380). He’s recently developed an interest in Japanese language and culture, and has enjoyed using travel and loyalty programs to enhance his visits to Japan.
Favorite Vegas Hotel – Crockfords
Mark has over a decade of experience in the airline loyalty industry, including leading Loyalty at the Malaysia Airlines Enrich loyalty program.
Mark is the world’s leading airline loyalty thought leader and has worked with over 25 majortravel brands, including Star Alliance, Emirates, Etihad, Air France/KLM, Vietnam Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Frontier, Spirit & LATAM Airlines.
Known as “Mr Loyalty”, Mark is the most followed airline loyalty marketing leader on social media, regularly speaks at industry events, and has some of the most highly-listened to podcasts. Mark won Loyalty Magazine’s ‘Loyalty Royalty’ 30 under 40 Award in 2022.
Ben Komenkul, better known as Ben’s Big Deal, is a leading educator and speaker in the world of travel rewards, known for helping everyday travelers and small business owners unlock luxury travel through points and miles. As a featured speaker at major loyalty conferences—including The Travel Summit, TravelMoreCon, and Chicago Seminars—Ben has taught thousands how to turn everyday spending into first-class flights and five-star stays.With over 400,000 monthly social media views, Ben brings a fresh, relatable approach to teaching the why behind points strategies—not just the how. His signature programs, Hotel Secrets Masterclass and Airline Points Academy, have helped students master elite status, redemption strategy, and real-world booking confidence.
LINKS: Wesbite
Gaurav Kuchhal, founder of The Whale’s Club, is widely recognized as the nation’s top gift card buyer and a leading voice in the world of points and miles. He teaches award travelers how to turn everyday gift card purchases into massive rewards and unforgettable travel experiences.
Recognizing the need for a smarter, more connected approach to high-volume gift card buying, GK founded The Whale’s Club — a trusted platform for buying and selling gift cards, and a community where buyers at every level, from curious beginners to seasoned whales, come together to buy big, stack smarter, and scale fast.
A featured speaker at events such as the Chicago Seminars and the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, GK regularly leads masterclasses on topics like selecting the right credit cards for maximum multipliers, stacking high-reward opportunities, and building systems that generate consistent, scalable points.
Known for his pragmatic and engaging coaching style, GK helps travelers at every stage — whether you’re aiming to hit your next signup bonus or building a repeatable, scalable strategy to earn millions of points and miles.
Location: Outside Montese 1
Location: Montese 2
Location: Montese 2
Location: Montese 1
Location: Montese 1
Raise a Glass to the Start of ZorkFest 2025!
Kick off the ZorkFest 2025 weekend in style! Join fellow Zorkies, our expert speakers, presenters, lab instructors, and the Podcasters After Dark crew for an evening of great conversation, connection, and celebration.
Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, upbeat music, and a cocktail on us to toast the start of an incredible weekend. Afterward, a cash bar will remain open for those who’d like to keep the good vibes flowing.
Expect classic-meets-modern tunes, spontaneous moments, and plenty of chances to make new friends and unforgettable memories!
Location: Casino
PRE-ZORKFEST YOGA: Because Road Warriors Need to Un-Pretzel
ThemselvesLocation: Montese 1
Location: Montese 1
Location: Montese 1
Morning Coffee and Reception
Our morning reception helps kick off our full day of events with host Josh Duffy from the CrapVegas Podcast. We will have a light breakfast available and morning beverages including plenty of coffee. New for this year, Miles&Points Labs Sponsored by Roame Labs presents a new way to gain travel insight in knowledge in an intimate setting. Get your energy and focus for a day of learning and camaraderie by trying out the Blackjack and Craps Lab tables or just mingling with fellow attendees as we get ready for some high value sessions!
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Julia Menez, Founder of Geobreeze Travel | Carissa Rawson, Founder of Just Plane Points
Do you want to reach peak loyalty? It’s more than Flying First Class for Free! Explore the many ways to reach your goals. Join Julia & Carissa as they chat about how they took this from hobby to career!
Julia’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Resorts World Las Vegas
Carissa’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Aria Las Vegas
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Ronnie Dunston
Join seasoned traveler and award travel strategist Ronnie Dunston for an insider session on how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary journeys. In this engaging presentation, “Award Travel Strategies: Unlocking Luxury Adventures to Your Dream Destinations,” Ronnie breaks down exactly which credit cards to start with, how to maximize every point earned, and creative ways to build points and miles even without using credit cards. Discover how he and his family of four have mastered the art of traveling the world in luxury—flying exclusively in Business and First Class for the past six years and not paying for a hotel in over eleven years. Ronnie will walk you through real-life examples and proven strategies to help you book five-star hotels for less and experience first-class adventures for a fraction of the price. Get ready to learn how to make affordable luxury travel your new normal.
Ronnie’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Wynn
Location: Montese 2
Presented by: John & Kristina Mehaffey (Vegas Advantage – Table Game and Video Poker Surveys)
John and Kristina combine first-person gaming experience, analytical rigor, and storytelling to make VegasAdvantage the go-to source for deep dives into Las Vegas gaming, table games, strategy, promotions, and casino culture. John, a veteran in the gaming world, began his career as a prop player in online poker rooms in the early 2000s and over time transitioned into creating and curating content about gaming strategy, odds, and casino fairness. He has authored thousands of pages of content in the Las Vegas and casino space, building Vegas Advantage into more than just a blog—into a respected authority on the Vegas experience. Kristina, a former mathematics teacher, joined John in 2020 to help run the site behind the scenes, handling data and editorial logistics, organizing table game surveys, editing video content, and giving the site its polished edge.
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Anthony Curtis
“The LVA Way (Las Vegas Advisor) with Anthony Curtis” – Learn from one of the foremost Las Vegas Experts, and it’s so much more than just Vegas and Casinos. AC is a wealth of knowledge on advantage play and getting the best deal and finding incredible opportunities. Anthony Curtis is a renowned Las Vegas expert, professional gambler, and publisher, best known as the founder of Las Vegas Advisor. After moving to Las Vegas at 21, he carved out a reputation by mastering advantage play, exploiting promotions, and uncovering value where others overlooked it. His monthly publication, launched in 1983, has become a trusted guide to Vegas deals, casino strategies, and insider tips, making him one of the most authoritative voices on the city.
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Gary Leff, Ed Pizzarello and David Feldman.
Get ready for an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the future of travel and points with two of the most respected voices in the industry, Gary Leff from View from the Wing and Edward Pizzarello of Miles to Go Podcast. Join us for a rare, live interview where we’ll uncover juicy stories, insider tips, and bold predictions for the travel world in 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned points pro or just starting out, this is your chance to gain expert insights, ask burning questions, and level up your travel game. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now!
Ed’s favorite Vegas property: Resorts World Las Vegas
Gary’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: “It’s complicated!” – My single best room upgrade was at Bellagio (5 bathrooms) for a nice c-note at check-in. I liked the food hall at Resorts World Las Vegas! The Malaysian/Singaporean options were legit!.
Location: Montese 1
Location: Montese 1
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Justin Vacula
Discover how to combine the power of casino loyalty programs with credit card strategies for maximum value. In this session, Justin Vacula shares how to leverage credit card spending to earn elite casino status, comped cruises, flight rebates, complimentary meals, and much more — whether or not you gamble.
Learn how to stack the deck by aligning your credit card portfolio with programs like MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards to unlock hotel stays, waived resort fees, and exclusive experiences.
If you’re already a gambler, see how to make your play go further with smart credit card synergy. If you’re new to the casino world, find out how to enjoy the same high-tier benefits through everyday spending and creative spending techniques.
Justin’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Location: Montese 2
Presented by: Maria Fung
Ever tried to book Business Class seats to Asia only to watch them disappear before your points transfer or find just one seat when you need several?Maria Fung of Maria Points The Way will show you three mistakes and how her simplified system helps travelers consistently turn points into Business and First Class seats. Whether you’re planning for two, four, or a multigenerational group, this framework gives you clarity, structure, and a repeatable way to plan without second-guessing. Maria will also share insider strategies that give travelers an edge, revealing hidden award space that doesn’t show up in standard searches and timing bookings, so opportunities don’t slip away. You’ll leave this session with a clear plan for your next Asia trip and the confidence to apply your points like a pro.
Maria’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Cosmopolitan
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Dia Adams
Traveling with family and across generations can be one of the most rewarding but complex experiences a traveler encounters. This session dives into the art of planning stress-free trips that cater to all ages—from toddlers to grandparents—balancing diverse interests, maximizing travel rewards, and optimizing logistics to keep everyone happy and connected. Drawing on years of experience helping families explore the world while maximizing savings and sanity, Dia Adams shares practical strategies for choosing destinations, booking accommodations that fit varied needs, and navigating the challenges unique to family and multi-generational travel.
Dia’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: NoMad Las Vegas
Ed’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Resorts World Las Vegas
Location: Montese 2
Presented by: Dave Grossman
The world of travel rewards cards is so confusing that it’s tempting to just grab a cash-back card—and miss out big time. With the right strategy, you could be earning 2X–5X on everything you buy and redeeming those points for many cents per point in First or Business Class. All it takes is a simple decision tree to build your “perfect wallet”—then you can sit back with a glass of champagne at 35,000 feet and congratulate yourself for playing the game right. To close out the session, Status Match CEO Mark Ross-Smith joins for a lively look behind the curtain at how (and why) airlines, hotels, and casinos really think about Status Matches—and what they aren’t thinking about.
Dave’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Tie! Cosmo and Aria
You are invited to follow Ed Pizzarello to Burgers and Boozy Shakes at 7:30PM, FIVE GUYS® GRAND CANAL SHOPPES at Venetian Las Vegas. This complimentary dinner experience is a ZorkFest perk, but we do ask that you PLEASE tip your servers!
Note: You must RSVP for this amazing complimentary dinner, be sure to add the $0 ticket add-on on the ZorkFest Ticket Page.
Transportation* back to M Resort for Podcasters After Dark at 9:30PM is included, BUT, you must RSVP and request return transportation. (Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP early!)
*Transportation to Venetian is NOT included. It’s relatively easy to get/share an Uber from the M Resort to The Venetian. Transportation back to the M Resort is included, but you need to choose “YES! Please!” on the ticket registration.
Location: Montese 1
Presented by: Josh Duffy with a special introduction by Dr. David G. Schwartz
A panel of some of your favorite Vegas- and casino-centric podcasters discuss history and trends in Las Vegas and casinos worldwide, likes and dislikes, share stories of their experience and generally just have a good time talking about our favorite topics in and about our favorite city. Full Panel:
360Vegas Keren – 360Vegas Podcast
360Vegas Josh – 360Vegas Podcast
Mark DeVol and Dr. Mike – You Can Bet On That
Bill Krackomberger – Fox Sports Radio “Countdown to Kickoff”
James Tierney – Handy at the Chandy
9:00a #CoffeeDice – two private craps tables (separate ticket and minimum buy-in required)
11:00a Private baccarat table (separate ticket and minimum buy-in required)
See the menu -> HERE
Fantastical Bonus Pricing – 2 Sessions
Status Optimization is $180, and a 2nd session (Creative Spend 101 or Casino Comp)
for an additional $19! (Total Price for two sessions is $199)
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (includes lunch Noon – 1p)
Location: Montese 1
Is airline and hotel status worth chasing in 2026? In this masterclass, Julia and Mark discuss points vs. status, several of our favorite status programs and promotions, how to figure out which programs have great elite perks or just empty promises, and where the sweet spot is for the upcoming year.
Your masterclass session maestros:
JULIA MENEZ – Geobreeze Travel
MARK ROSS-SMITH – Loyalty Status Co
Noon to 2:30 PM (includes lunch 12p – 1p)
Location: Montese 3
Creative Spend 101: Earn more points on less spend!
Do you panic when you realize you need to spend $5k to get that new credit card bonus of 100k points? Got the $5K covered but haven’t quite figured out how to knock out the larger $15K, $20K, or $30K+ requirements. Well, this is the session for you! Whether you have existing high spending capabilities or not, there are ways to earn more points on any budget by “playing your cards right.” Join us as we cover some traditional (and a few more unconventional) techniques for building up your rewards portfolio.
Special Feature:
Dive in with Gaurav Kuchhal, founder of The Whale’s Club and nation’s top gift card buyer, for an insider look at how the whales turn everyday gift cards into massive points and miles. This power-packed session reveals how to buy big, stack smarter, and scale fast — all
while managing risk. You’ll learn which credit cards deliver the best multipliers, how to spot high-value opportunities, and how to build
systems that churn serious rewards month after month.
Your masterclass session maestros:
JUSTIN VACULA – Hurdy Gurdy Travel
CARISSA RAWSON – Just Plane Points
GAURAV KUCHHAL – The Whale’s Club
JOSEPH PETROVIC
2:30PM to 3:00PM
Location: Suite TBA “Really Cool Secret Suite“
Your masterclass session maestros:
BEN KOMENKUL – Ben’s Big Deal
3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Montese 3
Join Gaurav Kuchhal, founder of The Whale’s Club, for a candid talk about his journey from points enthusiast to nation’s top gift card buyer. Hear firsthand how Gaurav built a thriving community of whales, scaled creative spending strategies, and continues to find unicorns in the points and miles game. Expect real stories, smart insights, and a few laughs along the way.
Your masterclass session maestro:
Gaurav Kuchhal – The Whale’s Club
Noon to 3:00 PM (includes lunch Noon – 1p)
Location: Montese 1
Casino Comp Maximization and Video Poker: Unlocking the Secrets!
Unlock the secrets of casino loyalty and comps in this in-depth session. Discover how to evaluate and compare players cards, maximize comp values, and earn more through video poker and electronic table games. Learn how to stack promotions, reduce your house edge, and turn everyday play into outsized rewards.
Perfect for Miles & Points enthusiasts, this master class bridges the worlds of travel loyalty and casino loyalty. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to optimize comp programs, stretch your budget further, and transform gaming rewards into valuable travel benefits.
Your masterclass session maestros:
JOHN & KRISTINA MEHAFFEY – Vegas Advantage
JONATHAN BLATMAN – @jonemtp
In Memory of Mark Wojtowicz of the 360Vegas Podcast.
(this is included with your ticket)
Special Intro by Dr. David G. Schwartz
A leading historian of Las Vegas and gambling, Dr. David Schwartz is a renowned author whose work chronicles the evolution of Las Vegas, casino culture, and gaming history. His insights set the perfect tone for this year’s tribute.
The Panel:
360Vegas Keren – 360Vegas Podcast
360Vegas Josh – 360Vegas Podcast
Mark DeVol and Dr. Mike – You Can Bet On That
Bill Krackomberger – Fox Sports Radio “Countdown to Kickoff”
James Tierney – Handy at the Chandy
For first five rows of Podcasters After Dark, guests should wear flame retardant ponchos. We’re kidding.
Extra Cost, Separate Ticket.
Is airline and hotel status worth chasing in 2026? In this masterclass, Julia and Mark discuss points vs. status, several of our favorite status programs and promotions, how to figure out which programs have great elite perks or just empty promises, and where the sweet spot is for the upcoming year.
Casino Comp Maximization and Video Poker: Unlocking the Secrets!
Unlock the secrets of casino loyalty and comps in this in-depth session. Discover how to evaluate and compare players cards, maximize comp values, and earn more through video poker and electronic table games. Learn how to stack promotions, reduce your house edge, and turn everyday play into outsized rewards.
Perfect for Miles & Points enthusiasts, this master class bridges the worlds of travel loyalty and casino loyalty. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to optimize comp programs, stretch your budget further, and transform gaming rewards into valuable travel benefits.
Catered Buffet Lunch will be provided from Noon to 1pm
Master Classes are optional and come at an extra cost, separate add-on ticket required.
$180 for one class, add an additional class for only $19! (Total Price for two sessions is $199)
See schedule (Sunday tab) for details on times for Master Classes.
Tickets available Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 9AM Pacific
Coffee Dice (Private Craps) Sunday, December 7, 2025 [Estimated] 9AM to 10AM (28, 2 tables, Players $1000 buy-in $25 table) – Start Times Subject To Change – M Resort Casino Las Vegas Casino Floor. See terms and conditions****
**** Private gaming tables (coffee dice) require a minimum buy-in per player with limited spaces. Must be a PENN Play Member Loyalty member to participate. Must provide PENN Play Membership Number to participate. Coffee-Dice 
$115 Sign-Up Fee, $100 is returned in the form of a casino chip when you check-in for the event. Failure to appear at the event (Coffee Dice) forfeits your $100. Fee is non-refundable. Only sign up if you plan on attending the event, since space is very limited.
This optional experience is an extra cost, separate add-on ticket required.
Tickets available Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 9AM Pacific
Private Baccarat Table Sunday, December 7, 2025
[Estimated] 11:00AM to 1:00PM (8 Players $1000 buy-in $25 squeeze game) – Start Times Subject To Change – M Resort Casino Las Vegas Casino Floor **see terms and conditions below.
** Private gaming tables (coffee dice) require a minimum buy-in per player with limited spaces. Must be a PENN Play Member Loyalty member to participate. Must provide PENN Play Membership Number to participate. Baccarat $118 Sign-Up Fee, $100 is returned in the form of a casino chip when you check-in for the event. Failure to appear at the event (Baccarat) forfeits your $100. Fee is non-refundable. Only sign up if you plan on attending the event, since space is very limited.
This optional experience is an extra cost, separate add-on ticket required.
Feeling Bougie? Want Lux? Want Caviar and Chicken Tenders via Room Service? TravelZork Travel can help book your (refundable, in most cases) luxury room for ZorkFest and any trips to Vegas.
Visit: The Vegas Experts
ZorkFest Casino Comp Rooms
“Offer match” is meant to help people who will be gambling during ZorkFest weekend but have no gambling/comp history with PENN Play or M Resort.
If you will not be gambling, you will impact our future events (and TravelZork) if we offer you a comp/discounted room and you do not play.
#comprooms—Casino Rooms (PENN Play) for those attending ZorkFest (to be part of PENN Play sponsored events, like Coffee Dice).
Contact Sandy Crammer, Independent Host, to book.
We have a fantastic host handling player inquiries for those attending ZorkFest 2025.
We genuinely desire to comp (or offer highly discounted rooms) to as many applicable players as possible. Contact Sandy via Email and mention ZorkFest 2025 in the subject with the following information:
(please enter) Email Subject: ZorkFest 2025 Comp and Casino Discounted Rooms
-Name:
-ZorkFest Ticket Number or confirm the date you registered for ZorkFest
-Email Address:
-Mobile Phone Number:
-Please provide PENN Play Membership Number (if you have one).
-If you are NOT a PENN Play Member, please provide a copy of your current Las Vegas Offers (email offer, offer page from website/APP, casino calendar from APP/Website) for comp or discounted rooms.
-Check-in Date
-Check-out Date
Send Email to: zorkfesthost@travelzork.com
Important Note: A ZorkFest Ticket is required before we can book your room. The ZorkFest Team has final authority over all comp and discounted room approvals. Only qualified players. Do NOT try to “trick us” since those comp rooms will be denied in all cases. We are happy to discuss things case by case since we want you to get the most value from your ZorkFest weekend!
*All event specifics (including speakers, program, food & beverage) are subject to change and modification. All-Access Main Conference Ticket includes: Main Conference on Saturday, Podcasters After Dark and Friday Cocktail Reception. Additional (add-on) Sessions require an additional ticket purchase and fee. Additional (add-on) Sessions require an additional ticket purchase and fee.
++ Room Taxes and Resort Fee: Room Taxes + Resort fee of $29.99 (The $29.99 Resort Fee is inclusive of tax, reduced rate resort fee) (Room block available until 11/14/2025 or until sold out.)
** Private gaming tables (craps (coffee dice) and baccarat) require a minimum buy-in per player with limited spaces. Must be a PENN Play Membership Loyalty member to participate. Coffee-Dice (Craps) and Baccarat $115 Sign-Up Fee, $100 is returned in the form of a casino chip when you check-in for the event. Failure to appear at the event (Coffee Dice or Baccarat) forfeits your $115. Fee is non-refundable. Only sign up if you plan on attending the event, since space is very limited.
$1,000 buy-in required. Table Minimum to be determined. The table minimum is expected to be $25.
– $115 Sign-Up Fee, $100 is returned in the form of a casino chip when you check-in for the event.
– Failure to appear at the event 15 minutes prior to the start forfeits your $115
– $115 Fee is non-refundable.
***All tickets are transferrable up to 10 days prior to the event. The transfer Price is $50 per ticket transferred. The last day to transfer tickets is November 24, 2025
Last date to transfer tickets: Monday, November 24, 2025 by 15:00 (3PM) Eastern Time Zone – no exceptions will be made.
**** Panelists subject to change for 360Vegas Podcasters After Dark
***** [Optional] Add-ons are an additional charge
The government shutdown may suck, but your travel doesn’t have to. Haven’t booked your airfare yet or worried about travel chaos? We’ve got your back. If you purchase your ZorkFest ticket now (after November 8th) and your flight lands 5 hours or more after your scheduled arrival time at LAS, you’ll receive a ZorkFest travel bonus package:
$100 in casino free play — because after that kind of travel day, you deserve a little luck.
Extra bonus: a future travel discount with TravelZork Travel — up to $250 off any future trip (trip total $5,000 or more) booked by January 31, 2026.
Want extra peace of mind?Promotion Terms and Conditions* 5 hours delay means that you land 5 hours or more after the scheduled landing time at LAS airport. (Optional) To book your airline tickets with TravelZork Travel, please submit your request at https://travelzork.travel/book-now/ and mention this promo in the “Any Extra Details About This Trip? Special Requests?” section. All airline booking fees and 24/7 fees are waived for airline tickets being purchased to come to ZorkFest. Airline must be bookable in Sabre or Amadeus.
* To claim your ZorkFest travel bonus package (free play and future travel discount), email vipassist@travelzork.com with the subject: “ZorkFest 2025 delay free play”. In the email, include: Name (matching your ZorkFest ticket), ZorkFest ticket number (if handy), date, airline and flight number, scheduled arrival time, actual arrival time at LAS, and the number of hours delayed based on your landing time.
* Future travel discount: Applies only to those who experience the qualifying flight delay. No questions asked. As long as the trip total is $5,000 or more, you’ll receive up to $250 off. Discount is awarded after travel is completed (trip booked is completed) as a gift card.
* TravelZork has final authority about all free play awards/distribution and all travel bonus discounts. TravelZork has final authority on all aspects of casino free play distribution, but our goal will to be to make things as “easy” as possible for participants at ZorkFest 2025. In extreme circumstances, prizes may be substituted.
* ZorkFest Ticket must include: Includes “Govt. Shutdown Bonus!” to qualify.
Travel Dreams Become Travel Reality
PO BOX 5 WINDHAM NH 03087-0005
United States of America
travel@travelzork.com
+1 702.747.9547