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Forums Other Housekeeping Link to Financial Times article on the HfP Summer Party

  • HfP Staff
    2,858 posts

    Here you go:

    https://on.ft.com/4ndmV9N

    No paywall (thanks Claer!)

    623 posts

    Has anyone ever called it “Glastonbury for points nerds”?!

    I also resent being lumped into the same group as “City workers and retired couples”.

    419 posts

    Has anyone ever called it “Glastonbury for points nerds”?!

    I also resent being lumped into the same group as “City workers and retired couples”.

    It’s just typical desperate newspaper reporting written by somebody who doesn’t have a clue about the topic in hand (as she admitted at the end of the article).

    This is the case with most newspaper articles – the writer doesn’t understand the subject and writes any old crap. Having said that, there are some good specialist reporters out there, so it’s not all bad.

    419 posts

    I asked ChatGPT to write me a news article about the head for points summer party. Is this better than the FT version? And I wonder if the Rob quote is real….

    “Headline: HfP Summer Party 2025: A Fun-Filled Evening for Travel Enthusiasts and Loyalty Program Fans

    London, UK — June 20, 2025
    The annual Head for Points (HfP) Summer Party took place last night at the stylish The Vault venue in central London, drawing together a lively crowd of travel enthusiasts, loyalty program experts, and industry insiders. As always, the event provided an opportunity for fans of frequent flyer programs, hotel points, and travel hacks to mingle, learn, and—of course—celebrate the art of maximizing points and miles.

    Attendees were treated to a casual yet engaging evening that featured a mix of networking, interactive discussions, and presentations from key players in the travel rewards space. From the latest updates on British Airways Avios to tips on how to get the most out of American Express Membership Rewards, the event was a goldmine of insider knowledge.

    “The HfP Summer Party has always been about bringing the community together, sharing our passion for travel, and helping each other make the most of loyalty programs,” said HfP founder, Rob Burgess. “It’s exciting to see so many new faces this year, and we’re thrilled that our community continues to grow stronger.”

    The party was also a great opportunity for some lighthearted fun, with a raffle featuring prizes like free hotel stays, airline miles, and a coveted First Class Upgrade voucher. Guests indulged in craft cocktails, canapés, and travel-themed games, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and festive.

    As the event came to a close, many left with new tips for scoring the next flight upgrade or maximizing hotel rewards, and a renewed sense of excitement for their next travel adventure.

    With more than 100 travel enthusiasts in attendance, the HfP Summer Party 2025 was once again a hit, reaffirming its status as one of the must-attend events in the frequent flyer community.”

    HfP Staff
    2,858 posts

    Claer called it that in her Instagram story so she is quoting herself!

    1,253 posts

    Lol @ChrisBCN

    “The bottom line is, anyone who pays their credit card bills in full every month and gets nothing back should do something to get some kind of reward,” says Rob Burgess, the ex-investment banker who founded Head for Points.

    1,417 posts

    Has anyone ever called it “Glastonbury for points nerds”?!

    I also resent being lumped into the same group as “City workers and retired couples”.

    It’s just typical desperate newspaper reporting written by somebody who doesn’t have a clue about the topic in hand (as she admitted at the end of the article).

    This is the case with most newspaper articles – the writer doesn’t understand the subject and writes any old crap. Having said that, there are some good specialist reporters out there, so it’s not all bad.

    You’d expect that with DT or DM, but not at a reputed paper like FT.

    890 posts

    I think you’d actually expect that from FT Money,
    Next page from “Rich People’s Problems”

    FT is pretty bad at anything but finance-politics.

    406 posts

    I was there and I missed this bit “ Guests indulged in craft cocktails, canapés, and travel-themed games, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and festive.”

    And the most anticipated prize was the trip to Oz on MH in J!

    6,892 posts

    I think you’d actually expect that from FT Money,
    Next page from “Rich People’s Problems”

    FT is pretty bad at anything but finance-politics.

    The promised Telegraph article has a somewhat more balanced view!

    715 posts

    “the point of it all is lost on me.”

    I sure hope that line was written just for the bad pun, because if she can’t very easily understand and appreciate the benefit of maximising cashback or points on necessary credit card spend (which was what the few lines before was about) then she’s REALLY in the wrong job. 😀

    588 posts

    The tone was really quite sneering wasn’t it?

    I always love the inevitable deluge of comments from FT readers who “couldn’t find availability” so just gave up, or who don’t get the value. They always keep the game quite easy and fun while it lasts. I’m selfishly glad the topic requires a bit of reading, tinkering and old fashioned websites to keep people away. For now!

    331 posts

    Well, I am one half of a retired couple, and very happy to be lumped in with you all….. it was a great evening, with lots of tips shared. That comment is either tongue in cheek, or she hasn’t a clue.
    And why shouldn’t we earn points on our cards, we spend, we earn, then enjoy the benefits. Those who wish to learn, can make the effort and join a forum. It won’t be handed to them on a plate. Agree, hate those comments in The Times too, who claim never to be able to find flights….
    Keep up the good work hfp.
    The real question is, who was the FT sneak in our midst?

    11,668 posts

    That’s a rather misleading picture of “a BA lounge”!

    HfP Staff
    2,858 posts

    Well, I am one half of a retired couple, and very happy to be lumped in with you all….. it was a great evening, with lots of tips shared. That comment is either tongue in cheek, or she hasn’t a clue.
    And why shouldn’t we earn points on our cards, we spend, we earn, then enjoy the benefits. Those who wish to learn, can make the effort and join a forum. It won’t be handed to them on a plate. Agree, hate those comments in The Times too, who claim never to be able to find flights….
    Keep up the good work hfp.
    The real question is, who was the FT sneak in our midst?

    Claer was there. See her Instagram reel today.

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