ZorkFest 2024 Las Vegas: An Ode to Vintage Vegas
Bob Didn't Attend ZorkFest.
What is ZorkFest?
ZorkFest 2024 is a travel and casino loyalty conference taking place from November 1-3, 2024, at Horseshoe Las Vegas. 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
Your ZorkFest ticket includes* :
- ALL ZorkFest educational sessions on Saturday, November 2, 2024
- Stunning Conference Space with a view (high above the Vegas Strip)!
- Friday Night Opening Cocktail Reception (meet&greet)
- Saturday Morning Welcome Coffee and Light Breakfast Reception
- Saturday Afternoon Snack Break
- Saturday Evening Podcasters/Influencers After Dark (podcaster/vlogger/blogger panel)
- Coffee Dice Lab and Blackjack Lab
- Exclusive access to amazing optional (add-on) events – (add-on events are an additional cost and optional)
- Surprises! (if they happen!) – Always trying to elevate your experience! – [Optional] Add-Ons available — Stay tuned; we expect to surprise and dazzle!
* All event specifics (including speakers, program, food & beverage) are subject to change and modification.
Highlights include:
- No overlapping sessions to avoid FOMO.
- Main Sessions on Saturday, November 2nd, allowing time to enjoy Vegas.
- A mix of gambling and loyalty topics with speakers like Gary Leff, Adam Bauer, and Anthony Curtis.
- Optional add-on sessions, group gambling events, and networking mixers.
- Special room rates at Horseshoe Las Vegas for attendees.
The event also includes social events like cocktail receptions, “Coffee Dice” “Blackjack Lab” “Craps Lab” with podcasters, influencers and experts.
An Ode To Vintage Vegas
On December 4, 1973, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino opened on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road under the ownership of Kirk Kerkorian’s Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and partially on the land previously occupied by Kerkorian’s Bonanza hotel and limited-run casino.
With the name inspired by MGM’s 1932 film Grand Hotel, the MGM Grand opened with the celebrity presence of some MGM film stars at the time and Dean Martin providing entertainment.
Nearly 7 years later, on November 21, 1980, the MGM Grand was the site of a massive fire that killed 85 people. It would reopen in July of the following year with additional fire safety features in place.
In 1986, Bally Manufacturing would purchase the property and rename it Bally’s Las Vegas, which it would remain for 36 years. Bally’s changed hands over the years; first acquired by Hilton Hotel Corporation in 1996, which would spin off Park Place Entertainment, which in turn would become Caesars Entertainment, its current owner, in 2003.
On December 22, 2022, Caesars Entertainment rebranded the property as Horseshoe Las Vegas.
And now, in 2024 we will celebrate the history of this iconic property as the host site for ZorkFest 2024: “An Ode to Vintage Vegas” – Nov 1-3, 2024
NEW EVENTS!
New for 2024, Coffee Dice Lab and Blackjack Lab – During the cocktail reception, morning coffee reception, and other breaks during ZorkFest, you’ll get hands-on training from experts on the topics of playing craps and blackjack. This includes insider knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. Beginner? Newbie? No worries; this judgment-free zone encourages you to head to the casino floor more confidently.
What to Expect
Expert Speakers:
- Gary Leff: Leading authority on travel loyalty, known for his deep insights on frequent flyer programs. 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. Ron Lieber in the New York Times describes him as “a travel industry blogger with a specialty in spanking companies that devalue their loyalty programs” and says that his “trenchant blogging about the airline industry gives some executives fits.” Yahoo! Travel declared, “This guy knows points.”
- Anthony Curtis: Renowned Las Vegas expert, Blackjack Hall of Famer, and founder of Las Vegas Advisor. You’ve seen him dozens of times on the Travel Channel, A&E, Discovery, E! Entertainment, BBC, 60 Minutes, etc. And you frequently read his comments in the national press. He’s Anthony Curtis, the most recognized and quoted Las Vegas expert in the world.
- Adam Bauer (TFB – Travel Fanboy) Adam is the editor of TravelFanboy.com and CheapskateVegas.com. Beyond being the (albeit self-proclained) “world’s most famous travel influencer”, he’s passionate about reckless points and miles pursuits. Formerly of Vegas Fanboy fame.
- David Grossman (MilesTalk) Dave, a miles and points expert since 2003, has earned millions of credit card points and frequent flyer miles, using them for first-class travel and luxury hotel stays. He founded MilesTalk in 2016 as both a blog and Facebook Groups after speaking at South By Southwest on the topic. His work has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and on the Condé Nast Traveler podcast. Dave also authored the book MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points, recently updated to a 2nd edition, guiding readers on how to get started with miles and points.
- Julia Menez (GeoBreeze Travel) 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.
- Carissa Rawson (Upgraded Points) Carissa Rawson is a personal finance and credit cards expert who has spent the last five years helping consumers make informed decisions. When she’s not planning elaborate trips using points and miles, she can be found sipping coffee and writing for publications such as Forbes, The Balance, and The Points Guy. Before launching a career as a journalist, she spent seven years in the US Air Force as an Arabic translator, which included a deployment with special forces. Carissa is usually based somewhere on a plane but due to the current situation, she’s made herself at home in San Diego, California.
- Ben Komenkul (Ben’s Big Deal) Ben Komenkul is a well-known expert in the travel credit card points and miles industry. He has written for publications like Saverocity and Boarding Area blogs. Through his popular Facebook Group, Instagram, and TikTok, Ben shares tips from his decade-long experience as a business traveler, flying over 130,000 miles and staying 125+ nights in hotels annually. He focuses on finding the best deals, whether in cash or points, to take his family around the world. Ben leads curated tours in Thailand and Mexico, showcasing his “Bougie on a budget” philosophy, offering luxury travel at affordable prices. He is highly regarded for his expertise in American Airlines and Hyatt programs, and his passion for the Chase Ultimate Rewards system even landed him a role as a Hyatt model on their Twitter and website. From Los Angeles, Ben hosts a weekly live podcast on Clubhouse, where he and industry experts discuss points and miles strategies, such as earning 1 million United miles from renting cars or flying to Hawaii for just $5.60. His tips are especially valuable for family travelers aiming to maximize their rewards.
- Justin Vacula (Hurdy Gurdy Travel) Justin Vacula — host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast — focuses on helping people make money, save money, and travel at next to no cost using credit card rewards and deals. Vacula also frequents casinos using promotions and loyalty programs to make Poker play a more enjoyable and low-cost experience.
- Josh Duffy (Crap Vegas) Josh, also known as VegasDuffy on social media, is a frequent Vegas visitor, making around seven Vegas trips per year, and has stayed at over 30 different properties in the Las Vegas area—everywhere from Circus Circus Manor Motor Lodge to Wynn Las Vegas. Josh is also a recreational gambling–especially craps–enthusiast. Josh is a co-host of the Crap Vegas podcast, where he and his co-host, Chris, discuss their Vegas adventures, including rooms, food, gaming, and entertainment. Josh strives to provide Vegas and gambling content that is grounded in the philosophy that Vegas and gambling should be fun for everyone.
Diverse Topics:
- Sessions cover both gambling/casino loyalty and points/miles strategies.
- Special focus on sports betting, casino apps, and advanced point-earning methods.
Interactive Labs:
- Coffee Dice Lab & Blackjack Lab: Hands-on sessions teaching craps and blackjack with experts like Anthony Curtis, Josh Duffy, and Mark DeVol.
- No experience necessary; great for beginners.
Networking Opportunities:
- Friday Evening Cocktail Reception, Saturday Coffee Reception, and Casino Influencers/Podcasters After Dark.
Fun Group Activities:
- Group gambling and “Coffee Dice” sessions with podcasters and influencers.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Now Available
- ZorkFest Backroom Session: Secrets of the Elite (Sunday, November 3, 2024)
- “Chairman of the Board” VIP Dinner Experience (Friday, November 1, 2024)
- Craps / Coffee Dice (Sunday, November 3, 2024)
- Baccarat Private Table (Sunday, November 3, 2024)
Access to Experts:
- Informal chats with speakers and presenters throughout the event.
For first five rows of Podcasters After Dark, guests should wear flame retardant ponchos. We’re kidding.
Podcasters After Dark
(this is included with your ticket)
8:30PM Saturday, November 2, 2024
Host: Danny (It’s Vegas Y’all Podcast)
The Panel:
VegasDuffy – Crap Vegas
Adam Bauer – (Cheapskate Vegas)
Sonia G. – (It’s Vegas Y’all Podcast)
360Vegas Keren (360Vegas Podcast)
Mark DeVol and Dr. Mike (You Can Bet On That)
Optional Add-Ons
- All the fun and knowledge — and everyone leaves to tell the story. (Small Group Miles&Points / Travel Loyalty Master Class.)
- All the things we don’t discuss on Social Media
- Advanced ways to earn points that few know about
- The magic behind content creators: How we travel so much
- How to get invited to Tourism Board trips and get paid to travel
- Compliance constraints: What we’re not allowed to talk about
After the cocktail reception, “Chairman of the Board” VIP Dinner Experience (with special guest Byron Copeland, a Barrel Maturation Manager and Master Taster at the Jack Daniel Distillery) at Sinatra at Encore Las Vegas [Optional Add-on for ZorkFest, limited to 20 sign-ups]
- Transportation from Horseshoe Las Vegas at 8:15PM (Transportation included)
- Dinner will take place in the very posh and ultra chic Sinatra Chairman’s Room at Sinatra.
- The Dinner Menu for ZorkFest, “Chairman of the Board” VIP Dinner Experience, will be a CUSTOM Chairman of the Board Dinner Menu. Welcome cocktail (from curated choices, including the Sinatra Smash), drinks/wine with dinner (from curated choices), presentation/experience, gratuity, venue fee and tax.
- Theo Schoenegger is a talented, Michelin-rated chef, but here’s the ultimate reason he’s the perfect person to oversee the kitchen at Sinatra: He cooked for Ol’ Blue Eyes himself and collaborated on this very special, “one-of-a-kind” dinner menu.
- Byron Copeland, a Barrel Maturation Manager and Master Taster at the Jack Daniel Distillery will lead in an educational journey discovering more about Jack Daniel’s; which was one of Frank Sinatra’s favorite drinks.
$388 (includes gratuity, venue fee and tax)
Tickets available Monday, August 12th at 9AM Pacific
Coffee Dice (Private Craps) Sunday, November 3, 2024 [Estimated] 8AM to 10AM (14 Players $1000 buy-in $25 table) – Start Times Subject To Change – Horseshoe 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 Caesars Rewards Loyalty member to participate. Coffee-Dice 🎲🎲 $108 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.
Tickets available Monday, August 12th at 9AM Pacific
Private Baccarat Table Sunday, November 3, 2024 [Estimated] 10:30AM to 12:30PM (8 Players $1000 buy-in $25 squeeze game) – Start Times Subject To Change – Horseshoe 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 Caesars Rewards Loyalty member to participate. Baccarat $108 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.
Book Your Room> HERE
Horseshoe Las Vegas – Resort Tower
Room Pricing
Friday $189.00++
Saturday $219.00++
Sunday $79++
Book Your Room> HERE
ZorkFest 2024 Room Block
Link to book reservations online easily.
For guests that prefer to phone in their reservations, they may call our Reservation Center at 800-358-8777 to secure a reservation on your group block. However, guests should be aware that a processing fee per reservation will be incurred if they choose not to use the dedicated weblink.
Group Name is listed as ZorkFest 2024
Callers may also use your group code to identify the group
SBZOR4
Please note that you and your guests may make reservations in the block at the group rate until Wednesday, October 2nd. After that time, the group rate will be offered based on hotel availability only.
++ Room Taxes and Resort Fee ($44.95 per room, per day) + Taxes (Room block available until October 2, 2024 or until sold out.)
Yo, dawg. We Heard You Like Miles and Points. So We're Giving You Miles of Miles Advice and Points on Using Your Points.
5:00p
Registration Open
5:00p-8:00p
Cocktail Reception, Meet & Greet, and Labs (First 45 minutes is an open bar)
Opening Cocktail Reception “Glitz, Glam, and Games”
Our opening reception for ZorkFest 2024 will feature an array of experiences and a take home surprise for all attendees courtesy of our sponsor, Herradura Tequila. Enjoy a beverage as you mingle with fellow Zorkies and try out our Gambling Labs where you can learn about Blackjack from Anthony Curtis and Craps from Mark and Dr. Mike from the You Can Bet on That podcast and Josh from the Crap Vegas podcast.
Don’t worry! No real money is at stake as our Labs are for learning in a stress-free environment with some fun hosts. A mix of classic and modern jams in line with our theme will keep the vibe flowing. And, there will be some other magical surprises to enjoy during the reception which will have light hors d’oeuvres and an open bar for the first 45 minutes with drinks for purchase until the end of this evening’s event. Be prepared to make new friends, reconnect with old friends, and capture some memories to share on your socials!
8:15p
Transportation to Dinner at Encore Las Vegas *ADD-ON ticket pre-purchase required*
9:00p – 11:00p*
Sinatra VIP Dinner at Encore *ADD-ON ticket pre-purchase required*
*11:00pm If we can find an open table, @VegasDuffy will lead us in a “quick” game of Craps (at Encore Las Vegas)
7:00a-9:00a Registration Open
Morning Coffee and Reception
Our morning reception helps kick off our full day of events with host Adam Bauer “aka Travel Fanboy” from Cheapskate Vegas. We will have a light breakfast available and morning beverages including plenty of coffee. 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!
9:00a – 10:15a
SESSION 1: Don’t Sleep on Wells Fargo’s Credit Cards: a deep dive into the various benefits they offer.
Presented by Carissa Rawson, Founder of Just Plane Points
Our opening session will focus on Wells Fargo’s lineup of credit cards and why they are so valuable to travelers, no matter their experience level. This includes the already-existing Bilt card (which provides excellent rewards for renters), the Autograph Journey card (which earns valuable transferable rewards), and the One Key cards (which provide no-fuss travel rewards and excellent travel protections for nothing out of pocket).
Carissa Rawson is the founder of Just Plane Points and juggles freelance writing with content creation, speaking events, and podcast appearances. She is most passionate about helping others learn how to travel with points and miles.
Carissa’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Aria
10:30a-11:45p
SESSION 2: Deal the Deck – Your Points & Miles Questions in the Cards: AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) with Julia & Ben
Presented by Ben Komenkul, Founder of Ben’s Big Deal and Julia Menez, Founder of Geobreeze Travel
Join Julia Menez and Ben Komenkul for a unique AMA session with a twist! Upon entering, you’ll receive a deck of playing cards to jot down your questions about airlines, hotels, and points & miles. Julia and Ben will then deal out expert advice and strategies, answering your questions on the spot. Whether you’re a seasoned points pro or just starting out, this interactive session will equip you with the insights to make your next travel experience a winning one. Don’t miss your chance to play your cards right!
Julia Menez is a first-generation Filipina and Las Vegas resident. Prior to becoming a points and miles coach, she spent 9 years as a pricing actuary. Through the Geobreeze Travel podcast, she has interviewed hundreds of the world’s leading experts in points and miles.
Ben’s Big Deal is more than just a business—it’s a passion project fueled by a decade of travel experience. With top-tier status earned through American Airlines and Hyatt, Ben brings unparalleled expertise to the world of points and miles.
Ben’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Julia’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Resorts World Las Vegas
12:00p-1:15p
*Lunch Break* (on your own)
1:30p-2:45p
SESSION 3: Double Down with Dave: an overview of the latest Status Match Merry-Go-Round AND a comparison of the major hotel chains’ loyalty programs.
Presented by Dave Grossmam, Founder of MilesTalk
In this session, you’ll learn how to status match like a pro based on the most current tier matching opportunities out there. Dave will also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG loyalty programs including who the program is best for, who the program is weak for, and tips you may not know, such as which chains waive resort fees on awards, have a 5th night free on rewards, and the best credit card pairs.
Dave Grossman is the founder of MilesTalk and Your Best Credit Cards and is probably best known for creating the Status Match Merry Go Round. Equally obsessed with cracking the code on airline, hotel, and casino loyalty programs, and loves nothing more than helping someone book their very first true First Class experience using miles and points.
Dave’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Tie! Cosmo and Aria
3:00p – 4:15p
SESSION 4: The Advantage Play of Points, Miles, & Casinos: the best strategies to maximize your points, miles and tier status in hotel, cruise, and casino loyalty programs.
Presented by Justin Vacula, Host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast
In this session, you will learn about the Intersection of miles & points and gambling. Justin will discuss what has changed in the last year and what to look forward to in 2025, including cruise matching offers, tier benefits that can be gained with points and miles plays, combining manufactured spend with online gambling, and more.
Justin Vacula is the host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast and organizer of the in-person Greater Philadelphia Travel Meetup group. He’s most passionate about combining gambling with miles and points to have the best of both worlds: gambling with an advantage and traveling at very low cost.
Justin’s Favorite Las Vegas Property: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
3:00p – 4:00p
Cash Bar/Beverage Break opens
4:00p – 4:30p
Afternoon snacks available (Vegetarian option available)
The Blackjack Lab and Craps Lab will be open during the Afternoon Break for one last session of practice and learning with our hosts.
4:30p – 5:45p
HEADLINER 1: Gary Leff interviewed by Ben Komenkul
6:00p – 7:00p
HEADLINER 2: Anthony Curtis, Las Vegas Advisor
“The LVA Way (Las Vegas Advisor) with Anthony Curtis” – Learn from one of the foremost Las Vegas Experts.
7:00p – 8:30p
*Dinner Break* (on your own)
8:30p – 10:30p
PANEL: Podcasters After Dark
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. Hosted by the host of the It’s Vegas Y’all podcast, Danny, this panel will definitely bring plenty of smiles and laughs. A cash bar will be open prior to and throughout this event. And, Herradura Tequila is sponsoring some fun giveaways during this evening’s fun! You won’t want to miss out.
- Josh Duffy, Crap Vegas
- Adam Bauer, Travel Fanboy/Cheapskate Vegas
- Keren W., 360 Vegas
- Mark & Dr. Mike, You Can Bet on That
- Sonia G., It’s Vegas Y’all
