Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards
Robert introduces the two Freddie femme fatales, Karen Heldt and Melinda Ferrell, who will be our beautiful “Vannas” for the evening as they hand over the coveted Freddie Awards to the winners.
And without further ado, Robert brings back the man of the evening, Mr. Frequent Flyer Guru himself … Randy Petersen.
Soon, the stars of the evening will be taking the stage – the winners of the 2012 Freddie Awards. Get ready, the Freddies are about to be revealed … it’s time to tell the world who won.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards
Tommy takes the stage. Tommy Danielsen, President of Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (FTEF) was instrumental in carrying the torch for the voice of the frequent traveler through the Frequent Traveler Awards after the Freddie Awards folded in 2009 . With the return of the Freddies, he has stepped in to continue to give voice to the road warrior. With Randy, the party always gets better.
Tommy acknowledges our sponsors for this evening: American Express; Points Pay, a Loylogic company; Points.com; ITA Software by Google; Priority Pass; Swift Exchange; Gogo; Topguest; ICLP and Thanks Again.
Attendees enjoy a video about Points Pay as Steven Landuyt, Global Executive Vice President, Sales at Loylogic, takes to the stage. He wishes all of the award winners tonight all the best. This is the third year they have sponsored the awards.
American Express with American Express Membership Rewards are the Freddie Awards main sponsor and Tommy thanks them for the evening. Lynn Grubb of LoyaltyEdge from American Express takes to the stage. She will reach over 100,000 miles by June — all domestic. Even taxi drivers remember her in her usual stops. American Express is giving everyone a travel pillow this evening with their thanks.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards
Robert Wuhl is an actor, comedian, writer and frequent flyer. He’s also a local boy, having grown up in New Jersey. He appeared in Batman with Michael Keaton, Bull Durham with Kevin Costner, Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams among other films and you can relive 1985 when you watch him as one of the opening actors in Madonna’s “Material Girl” video. He’s also won two Emmy awards for co-writing the Academy Awards with Billy Crystal. It’s obvious that he’s a man who gets around.
Randy introduces Robert Wuhl, who steps up on stage to a round of applause.
Tonight, he is gracious enough to welcome everyone to the 2012 Freddie Awards. Robert comments on how the awards ceremony has grown and that tonight is the 22nd Freddie Awards. He comments on airline mergers and Kingfisher. He talks about losing weight and low-carb diets and quizzes the audience about one-hit wonders and the number of wives of Wilt Chamberlain. He passes the stage to someone who is almost as sexy as Wilt, the self-described chubby Norwegian, Tommy Danielsen.
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards
Randy Petersen, founder of Milepoint and FlyerTalk, founder/editor/publisher of InsideFlyer magazine and founder of the Freddie Awards takes to the stage to welcome everyone to the 2012 Freddie Awards Ceremony – 10 gallon hat and all. The Freddie Awards were introduced in 1988 and allow members of frequent traveler programs to vote for their favorites. The awards took a two-year break during which time the Frequent Traveler Awards carried on the tradition.
He’s got the crowd’s attention and the night begins … He’s been gone for two years and he has missed us all, but the Freddies are back! He never gets tired of hearing from the frequent traveler. The first live Freddie event hosted 70 people and tonight, there are almost 400 here.
And now Randy brings out — a birthday cake! Tomorrow is the birthday of a very special frequent flyer program – the 20th birthday of SAS EuroBonus. Happy Birthday EuroBonus! Warren Edgren and Etienne Thessman of SAS join him on stage.
Randy points out that Freddie Laker, Jr. is in the audience tonight and the Freddie Awards continue to honor his father for his contribution to the industry.
And now, Randy introduces Emmy-award winner, Robert Wuhl…
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards
The dinner is buffet style and the menu tonight is:
Antipasto
Mediterranean Display
Pasta Station
Penne Vodka
Baby penne with Grilled
Chicken and Asiago
Carved Pork Tenderloin
Slider Station
Pulled Pork
Short Ribs
Angus Burgers
Soft Shell Crab
Apr 26, 2012 | 2012 Freddie Awards
The fearless Freddie leaders, Randy Petersen and Tommy Danielson, are shown here confidently in control of event preparations.
Never let them see you sweat, but nowhere does it say they can’t see you standing around looking a bit lost.
These two dapper gents will be on stage hosting much of the event, along with Gary Leff, Robert Wuhl and Freddie Laker Jr.
Assuming of course they haven’t talked themselves hoarse before then.
