The First Annual Frequent Traveler Awards was an amazing evening last year.

And now the time is approaching to do it again. The goal last year was to ensure that an award was given out in 2010. But late in the year doesn’t make sense, when members are being asked for their views of loyalty program accomplishments in the previous calendar year. So the plan from the start was to shift to a regular date in the spring, and we’re doing that — the last Thursday in April, April 28.

A venue for the awards has been announced: Citi Field, the Mets stadium in New York!

Frequent travelers will have an opportunity to attend, more infomration on that to come, but what an amazing night to be a part of — your favorite frequent flyer programs, their leadership, fellow travelers all in one place. And in a ballpark to boot, looking out on the field and the Manhattan skyline!

You can sign up to follow the Frequent Traveler Awards on Twitter, watch its website for details, or I’ll certainly be posting them here when the time comes to RSVP.

Voting will take place during the month of March. You’ll be hearing more about that soon enough! And there will be the introduction of a new category this year, Best Customer Service. We’ll also only be asking members to rank-order their top three programs this year, rather htan their top four. The rankings idea seems to work well, but four programs was too much for many members. That was great feedback and we listened to it.

I’ve been busy talking to the various programs, and they’re all excited too. April will be here sooner than we realize!