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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
* All event specifics (including speakers, program, food & beverage) are subject to change and modification.
The event also includes social events like cocktail receptions, “Coffee Dice” “Blackjack Lab” “Craps Lab” with podcasters, influencers and experts.
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 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.
For first five rows of Podcasters After Dark, guests should wear flame retardant ponchos. We’re kidding.
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)
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] SINATRA Dress Code: Sinatra’s attire is business casual. Dress for the occasion, stylish and well-presented. Collared shirts are recommended. No athletic clothing, sheer material, or bare midriffs. No shorts, flip-flops or athletic slides. This dress code is required for Sinatra Dinner only.
$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.
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.)
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!
SINATRA Dress Code: Sinatra’s attire is business casual. Dress for the occasion, stylish and well-presented. Collared shirts are recommended. No athletic clothing, sheer material, or bare midriffs. No shorts, flip-flops or athletic slides. This dress code is required for Sinatra Dinner only.
*11:00pm If we can find an open table, @VegasDuffy will lead us in a “quick” game of Craps (at Encore Las Vegas)
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!
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
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
With "special" guest Adam Bauer
In this session, Dave will teach you how to status match like a pro based on the most current tier-matching opportunities. They will also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Wyndham loyalty programs as well as their casino loyalty partners. They’ll cover who the program is best 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
Adam Bauer has produced Vegas content for over 10 years with nothing to show for it. 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
Complimentary Beer and Wine Avaialable
Afternoon snacks available (Vegetarian option available)
Get ready for an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the future of travel and points with one of the most respected voices in the industry, Gary Leff from View from the Wing. Join us for a rare, live interview where we’ll uncover juicy stories, insider tips, and bold predictions for the travel world in 2025. 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!
“The LVA Way (Las Vegas Advisor) with Anthony Curtis” – Learn from one of the foremost Las Vegas Experts.
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.
You are welcome to stop by and just view and observe the games (Watch Michael scream “Who played the DON’T!”).
You are welcome to stop by and just view and observe the games (Watch Michael scream “Monkey-tie!”).
++ Room Taxes and Resort Fee ($44.95 per room, per day) + Taxes (Room block available until October 2, 2024 or until sold out.)
* All event specifics (including speakers, program, food & beverage) are subject to change and modification.
** 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.
$1k buy-in required. Table Minimum to be determined. The table minimum is expected to be $25.
– $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 15 minutes prior to the start forfeits your $100.
– $8 Fee is non-refundable.
*** All tickets are transferrable up to 10 days prior to the event. The transfer Price is $50 per ticket transferred.
Last date to transfer tickets: October 21, 2024
**** Panelists subject to change
***** [Optional] Add-ons are an additional charge
Travel Dreams Become Travel Reality
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United States of America
travel@travelzork.com
+1 702.747.9547
