It felt like the Oscars. AV geeks, influencers, celebrities along with bank/hotel/airline execs, and the TPG team themselves were all here in New York to celebrate the global phenomenon in our miles and points world.
Once upon a time, The Points Guy was actually just a Google Form. From 2007-2010, Miki and Paul were just lowly intern students trying to get by in Philly/New York. Back then, they found reward programs enticing since it felt like another form of “currency”. Any redemptions through points felt baller — even on a small propeller plane on U.S. Airways from PHL-ITH….
Then in 2010, TPG (along with other bloggers) helped the community through their “underground” posts/meetups. Who knew a decade later, our travels would become something like this?!
This year, we had the honor to be invited to attend the TPG Awards 2019. It was an absolute thrill to see everyone again!
TPG rented out the entire The Intrepid Air and Space Museum — a fitting venue since the place is decked out with retro planes.
The whole museum transformed into a travel gala where TPG honors loyalty programs and announced this year’s credit card winners like the AMEX Business Platinum Card.
The award ceremony ended with Carly Rae Jepsen surprising everyone on stage for a private concert!
Hey Carly, I know I just met you and this might sound crazy… but here’s my instagram @chaibearworld, so DM me maybe?! 😉
Of course, it’s not a TPG event without an all-out after party!
Icona Pop gave a First Class set for the private after-party
Overall, this was an incredible night. Say what you want about him, but I think it’s personally amazing how much The Points Guy almost single handedly transformed an underground industry into this global mainstream phenomenon in less than 10 years.
Do I miss the past travel culture days? Yes.
Do I miss the cheap redemption points days before all the airline/credit card/hotel industries caught on to us? Yes (those were the days…)
Do I like what travel is now then? Absolutely yes too!
2019 is just the beginning. Thank you so much Brian for having us…. cheers to another 10 years of travel.
Chai Bear World 