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United States Mensa Annual Gathering (USAG) 2004
 by Richard Kingston

There are good Mensa meetings and there are poor ones; there are small ones and big ones but the biggest of all is the annual US Mensa spectacular that is the United States Annual Gathering (USAG).

If you have never been to a USAG, you have missed what is probably the greatest annual concentration of Mensans anywhere in the world. Of course, that, in itself would be something to shout about but if you consider the breadth and depth of the interests covered, and the phenomenal organisation involved, then it would probably be fair to say that the USAG is the Mensa event of the year.

Encouragement from the "host colonies" combined with an exceptional exchange rate for their greenbacks means that this year will probably see a record number of members of British Mensa travelling "over the pond" for the event. First some basic information:

Event Dates and Registration

  • The USAG takes place during the "long weekend" closest to the 4th July, a time when those in the New World also like to celebrate some event which took place so far back in the distant past that it has slipped my memory. This year the AG will run from Thursday 30th June until Monday 5th July.
  • Regional groups bid for the privilege to host the event and a "winner" is selected well in time for the organisers to put in place all of the infrastructure and organisation necessary for such a big event.
  • Past events have been held in fine cities such as Orlando Florida, San Francisco California and Minneapolis/St Paul Minnesota. This year's USAG will be held in the original fun city of Las Vegas and organised by Southern Nevada Mensa.
  • The event is always held in a major hotel and this year's AG will be held at the Paris Las Vegas hotel, which is regarded as being one of the finest hotels on the Strip. More information can be obtained on the hotel on the website (www.parislasvegas.com).
  • Registration for the USAG opens at the previous year's event and the cost for registration rises over time. The cost at present is $75 until 7 April 2004 when it will increase to $80 until 25 June. Thereafter and "at the door", the rate is $85. The registration payment includes access to the programme of events and to the hospitality suite for the duration of the AG (5 days) but not to the principal meal events. Daily rates are also available at $20 per day in advance ($25 on site). Young Mensans benefit from generous special rates including free admission for under age 6, $30 age 6-12 and $50 13-20. Registration can be made online http://www.ag.us.mensa.org or by Email to registration@ag.us.mensa.org.

Accommodation

  • Mensa takes over the whole hotel so, if you want to stay at the Paris, you have to book room through the USAG 2004 organisers. Rooms cost $80 per night on weekdays and $140 on Friday and Saturday nights (I understand that this is the rate for the room and you can be sure that records will be set in relation to how many Mensans you can pack into a hotel room in comfort). Book online at http://www.ag.us.mensa.org.
  • If you enjoy company or prefer to share costs, then you may wish to share a room with another Mensan. It is your responsibility to arrange this with your companion. If you are really "boracic" or indeed if you belong to "StingySIG", then you might like to consider an alternative hotel close to the "Paris" although it should be borne in mind that on 4th July weekend, most of the population of California heads for Las Vegas so a surfeit of rooms cannot be guaranteed for the weekend days. Having said that, it is usually fairly easy to find some place to sleep in Las Vegas; and it is even possible that you might get lucky or alternatively, you might not want to sleep at all!

Other hotels are close by however and there are sometimes super deals available. If all else fails - check with the tourist info office on the day of arrival - you may be a block away but could get a very special deal.

Programme of Events

This year's programme has yet to be finalised but Southern Nevada Mensa is offering five tracks of events:

  • Gaming; including playing, security, odds and history
  • Science, Medicine & Technology: "for those with inquiring minds who want raw Mensa fodder for the ultimate in mind challenge"
  • Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll; (Ahem) It is comforting to learn that it won't all be games and technology! Caution - some events will be closed to children and the faint of heart
  • Within 100 Miles of Las Vegas; including such subjects as Geology, History and Culture.
  • All Things AMC; which is the business side of the AG arranged by the American Mensa Committee and including the Annual Business Meeting. (Probably not top of the list for UK Mensans).

Additionally, there will be the usual focus on chocolate in all its forms and a "Kids Trek" although there are no details of this as yet.

Help wanted

Help with organising is always very welcome and also might give you the chance to meet people more easily. You can offer to help with registration, hospitality or other activities when you register.

Food and Drink

Although the hospitality suite (which is usually staffed by Hells M's volunteers) runs 24 hours and includes (usually) "some" alcoholic drinks including wine and soft drinks plus a continuous supply of "food". Most USAG hospitality suites feature "home cooking" and local delicacies but I understand that these will not be available at the 2004 AG because of hotel restrictions. As is the way in the US, quantity is likely to take priority over quality but the standard is usually quite good.

Feature Meals

There will be three major meal events and it is advisable to book well in advance as there may be restrictions caused by space limitations and/or filming.

Costs for the major meal events will be:

  • Awards Lunch $35
  • Saturday Banquet $55
  • Sunday Breakfast $18

But you can purchase all three at the inclusive price of $99.

Reaffirmation of Vows

If you would like to reaffirm your wedding (M&M?) vows collectively with other Mensans, a form of service will be held for Catholics, Protestants and Jews as well as any other religion.

Around the USAG

Many UK Mensans will be travelling to Las Vegas for the USAG this year including a sizeable contingent (it is rumoured) from PartySIG. You can find more information on the USAG online at: http://www.ag.us.mensa.org. If you plan to attend, you can join in the USAG Email group at: M-US-AG-2004@yahoogroups.com. You can probably find further information on their plans for the USAG from PartySIG. Some UK Mensans are considering building a substantial US holiday around attendance at the AG and I will be looking to spend some time in the Southwest both before and after the main convention in Las Vegas.

Don't miss the event of the Mensa year - this really is an experience you will remember - a good time to catch up with old buddies or to make more to catch up with next year. I'm happy to discuss and/or consider a room share with any prospective attendees.

Richard D. Kingston

If you want to take up Richard's suggestion for a room share, contact us and we'll pass your message on.

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