As someone who’s obsessed with everything travel related, what’s not to love about the Freddie Awards? This lowly blogger gets invited to mingle and share some cocktails with the travel industry elite – from the heads of loyalty at the major airlines and hotels, to the best travel writers and bloggers in the business. This was my second trip to the Freddies and I was just as appreciative and inspired as last year. The Freddies are a real awards ceremony, though more time is spent chatting at the pre and post ceremony happy hours than actually handing out awards. In any case, it was once again a fun night and below I share a picture tour for those of you who were not in attendance…

A welcoming party (and red carpet) greets each guest upon arrival at USA Today headquarters in McLean, VA

To the ceremony…

Two Freddie wins at the table behind us for Jet Airways…

…and finally the swag. Interestingly enough, all giveaways were notebooks this year…yea, very exciting! Look out for a post next week with a reader contest to win one of these from AMEX, Priority Pass, and USA Today…

I’m still down in DC for Frequent Traveler University. If you’re here, come find me! I’ve met some great people and I’m excited to meet even more readers.

Oh, and I guess I should mention the winners as well…

Program of the Year

Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage

Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: IHG Priority Club Rewards

Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Europe/Africa Hotel: Le Club Accorhotels

Best Promotion

Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage

Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Jet Airways JetPrivilege

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Taj Hotels & Resorts InnerCircle

Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Europe/Africa Hotel: Le Club Accorhotels

Best Redemption Ability

Americas Airline: AviancaTACA LifeMiles

Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport

Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Europe/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Best Customer Service

Americas Airline: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Emirates Skywards

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport

Europe/Africa Airline: SAS EuroBonus

Europe/Africa Hotel: IHG Priority Club Rewards

Best Elite Program

Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage

Americas Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Airline: Virgin Australia Velocity

Middle East/Asia/Oceania Hotel: Hyatt Gold Passport

Europe/Africa Airline: Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Europe/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Best Loyalty Credit Card

Americas: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card

Middle East/Asia/Oceania: JetPrivilege HDFC Bank Credit Card

Europe/Africa: Flying Blue American Express Card