Built on a complex history of discovery first by the Washoe tribe more than 10,000 years ago and then in 1859 with the unearthing of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, Nevada and the eminent Gold Rush bringing in more than 300,000 prospectors seeking their fortune, Lake Tahoe developed over the next century into a resort destination with beautiful landscapes around the 2nd deepest lake in the United States.
ZorkFest 2023 is therefore honoring a history of change and evolution not only in the casino and resort space, but also for travel at large. Our theme is Lavish Nostalgia playing on the deep history of the area, the draw of luxury and the potential to “Strike it Rich!” Our sessions and experiences will be anchored on this theme to both educate and entertain.
Our host property is Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, which itself holds an “old school” vibe with classic spaces influenced by contemporary trends. Our meeting “hub” will be in a non-traditional venue once serving as the most opulent high roller suite of the time.
New for this year, ZorkFest took the feedback of past guests and built a better experience with more content for you:
THE stalwart Vegas historian, Dr. David G. Schwartz aka “Dr. Dave” will serve as our opening speaker - More about David G. Schwartz. (Author of At the Sands: The Casino That Shaped Classic Las Vegas, Brought the Rat Pack Together, and Went Out With a Bang, Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas, Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling, and Boardwalk Playground: The Making, Unmaking, & Remaking of Atlantic City),
Gary Leff of View From The Wing a true legend in the travel loyalty space. 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.”
FOMO free!: No overlapping sessions so you can enjoy as much of the experience without a Fear of Missing Out
Conscious consideration of your time with intentional breaks to allow for flexibility to do what you wish outside of the event and a couple of planned mixers to hang with the crew
The 360Vegas Mixology Experience with 360Vegas Keren & Tony comes to ZorkFest and will be open to all attendees! Learn to make some classic cocktails with a twist and get a fun takeaway
A mix of Gambling and Casino topics and Points and Miles discussions, including featured guests like Gilbert Ott (God Save the Points), Carissa Rawson (Upgraded Points), Ben Komenkul (Ben's Big Deal), and Justin Vacula (Hurdy Gurdy Travel)
To satisfy "hunger" for more miles&points, we included a "bonus day" of Frequent Traveler University Classes Sunday, October 15th, 10 am-4 pm
Casino Loyalty Discussion includes Sports Betting and Sports and Gambling Apps. We are going deeper into using sports betting and online casino apps as a conduit for advanced (point earning) techniques and also earning and retaining status and bonuses at land casinos associated with online apps.
And of course, when in a casino we gamble! Join us for Coffee Dice © with some of your favorite gambling podcasters and Matt Bridger for an epic Group Slot Pull
VIP dinner INCLUDED for all ZorkFest ticket holders
Early arrivers Coffee Reception and Evening Cocktail Reception also included!
ZorkFest has amazing speakers and presenters that will be present not just for their sessions but throughout the event so you can casually chat with your favorite people about your favorite topics, whether its maximizing points and miles, garnering the best comps, or trying out a new winning strategy at the tables!
What is a Slot Pull?
In a Slot Pull, a team of people invest equal amounts of money into a single slot machine, and each take an equal number of pulls. The winnings from the set number of pulls is then equally distributed amongst the players. In short, it is a way of playing high denomination slots (with all the excitement that goes with it) whilst spreading the risk.
To participate in the slot pull you must buy a ZorkFest ticket.
Airports Located Near Lake Tahoe:
• (RNO) Reno-Tahoe International Airport (59 miles from Harrah's Tahoe, Approx. 1-hour 15-minute drive)
Many rent a car when visiting the Lake Tahoe Area, but you will not need a car if participating in ZorkFest and staying in the Harrah's/Harveys area.
Airport Transfer from RNO: South Tahoe Airporter
Harrah's/Harveys does have VIP Limos for (qualified) Caesars Rewards Players - inquire with your host.
• (SMF) Sacramento International Airport (116 miles from Harrah's Tahoe, Approx. a 2-hour drive)
• (SFO) San Francisco International Airport (202 miles from Harrah's Tahoe, Approx. 3-hour 25-minute drive)
HARVEYS - LUXURY KING NON-SMOKING (Renovated)
HARVEYS - LUXURY TWO QUEENS NON-SMOKING (Renovated)
++ Room Taxes and Resort Fee ($25.95 per room, per day) + Taxes
RESORT FEE INCLUDES
* All event specifics (including speakers, program, food & beverage) are subject to change and modification.
** Slot Pulls are an extra add-on cost with limited spaces. Private gaming tables (coffee dice) require a minimum buy-in per player with limited spaces. Must be a Caesars Rewards Loyalty member to participate.
Harrah's Lake Tahoe, 89449