Zorkfest 2025 with Michael Trager

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula is joined by special guest Michael Trager to discuss ZorkFest 2025, a conference focused on maximizing travel and casino loyalty rewards. Scheduled for December 5th-7th in Las Vegas, ZorkFest offers a range of educational sessions covering the use of credit card points, miles, and casino loyalty programs to enhance travel experiences. Topics include detailed discussions on loyalty programs like American Airlines Advantage, Delta SkyMiles, and reward currencies such as Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards. The episode also highlights the unique aspects of the event, including hands-on casino game labs, optional masterclasses, and various social activities. Listeners are encouraged to book their reservations early and to engage in the networking opportunities available. Find more information at www.zorkfest.com 00:00 Introduction to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast 00:54 Special Guest: Michael Trager and ZorkFest 2025 03:12 Venue and Logistics of ZorkFest 2025 07:07 Activities and Sessions at ZorkFest 10:06 Speakers and Experts at ZorkFest 17:55 Maximizing Travel and Casino Loyalty Programs 23:20 Responsible Gambling and Risk Management 28:30 Understanding Low-Risk Gambling 28:51 ZorkFest: A Passion Project 30:07 Booking Early for ZorkFest 32:33 Maximizing Comp and Discounted Rooms 36:32 Listener Questions: Gambling in Texas 41:56 Leveraging Casino Promotions 45:26 Maximizing Credit Card Rewards 48:40 Masterclasses and Schedule 51:44 Closing Announcements and Future Events -- Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ CardPointers affiliate link: https://cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!