World Gathering 2006

Here is what you need to know before you go.

To: GPM Membership
From: John Randel, GPM Email Coordinator
Re: American Mensa World Gathering Mommy Letter. This is a copy of the letter American Mensa sends to WG registrants containing details about the August World Gathering in Florida, for your information.

This is your official "Mommy Letter" for the 2006 World Gathering, hosted by
American Mensa. You're receiving this as the primary registrant in your
group of registrations. Please share this information with others who will
be attending the gathering with you.

WE WANT YOU!
It's said that volunteers are the lifeblood of American Mensa. More so,
they're the lifeblood of a gathering, especially one the size of the World
Gathering! With more than 2,000 Mensans from more than 40 countries and 49
of the 50 U.S. states registered so far, we expect that this will be the
largest-ever Mensa Gathering.

To make this an unforgettable experience for everyone, the WG06
Committee needs you - your talent and your desire to help! A few hours of
your time will make a big difference, and what a great opportunity to meet
other Mensans and share in the success of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Among other volunteers, we need still speaker shepherds to escort
speakers to their rooms, introduce them, and make sure they have everything
they need. As well, we need Hospitality hosts and hostesses, registration
support, audio/visual assistants, security professionals and international
hosts and hostesses. We also need donations for the welcome packets.
If you, your Local Group or Special Interest Group can donate a little
time to assist in the celebration, email Volunteer Coordinator Kay Klasen at
volunteers@wg06.us.mensa.org.

MEAL PLANS
In addition to Hospitality fare, three meals can be purchased for $148,
or meals can be purchased individually for the prices in parentheses below.
Visit www.wg06.us.mensa.org/register to purchase your meal plan today!
The International Buffet ($49) on Thursday will include pasta, Oriental
stir-fry and classic Caesar salad stations, as well as a "sweet corner."
Attend the Friday Awards Luncheon ($32) and begin with a variety of
garden greens served with tomato, cucumber, carrot, cheddar cheese and a
balsamic herb vinaigrette, as well as fresh baked rolls and butter. The main
course will be breast of chicken crusted with pine nuts and parmesan and
served with tomato coulis, julienne vegetables and roasted shallot whipped
potatoes. The dessert course will include key lime pie, soon to be Florida's
State Pie, as well as coffee and iced tea service.

Mensa's 60th Anniversary Gala ($75) on Saturday night begins with
spinach leaves served with sliced marinated mushrooms, chopped egg and
smoked bacon served with herb vinaigrette and fresh baked rolls and butter.
The main course will be Toro con Salmon, a duo of pan-seared beef tenderloin
and fire-grilled salmon fillet, served with lemon pepper linguini tossed in
cilantro-infused olive oil and grilled vegetables. The dessert course will
be anniversary cake and coffee and iced tea service.

A chef's selection vegetarian option will be available for the Friday
luncheon and the Saturday gala. Prices for the meals include city taxes and
hotel service fees.

TOURS
Tour buses for the Kennedy Space Center and the Fossil Expedition will
leave from the Porte Cochére outside the main convention area. Please refer
to the map inside your program booklet when onsite.
Kennedy Space Center: The Kennedy Space Center tour has SOLD OUT. If
you're interested in this tour, please contact
registration@wg06.us.mensa.org about being added to our waiting list. IF YOU
HAVE REGISTERED FOR THIS TOUR, the buses will leave the hotel at 8 a.m.
sharp on Tuesday, Aug. 8! Please plan on checking in between 7:15 and 8:45
a.m. at the Porte Cochére outside the convention area. As this is a
self-guided tour of the center, please plan on being on the bus to return to
the hotel at 4 p.m.

Fossil Expedition: Mammoths and mastodons? Sloths the size of bulls?
Did peccaries, llamas, camels and horses once roam the Sunshine State
thousands of years ago? Mark Renz of Fossil Expeditions was exploring an
ancient riverbed in Florida's interior when he discovered dozens of bones
that once belonged to these extinct animals - huge bones, giant teeth, all
tossed together like pick-up sticks. After a half-million years of lying in
the mud and muck of Pleistocene Florida, the cache is uncovered as the dry
riverbed gives up its secrets. This and other similar sites are within 70
miles of Orlando. On Monday, Aug. 14 (the Monday after the WG), Mark will
lead an expedition to one of the sites that has yielded incredible fossil
finds recently. Tour price is $62, including transportation. Please note
this trip falls during southwest Florida's rainy season. If the dig sites
are flooded, Fossil Expeditions will have no choice but to cancel. If this
happens, we will reimburse your tour price.

Disney "Behind the Scenes": Ever wondered what goes on behind the
action at the happiest place on earth? The Disney Institute is hosting a
series of tours for all interested Mensans. Showcasing the attention to
detail that Disney is famous for, attendees will get an unforgettable
glimpse into the "World" most guests never see on tours titled Disney in
Action, Innovation in Action, Backstage Magic, Gardens of the World and
Hidden Treasures. The tours will take place at various times from Monday,
Aug. 7, to Thursday, Aug. 10.

For more information on any of these tours, visit the Tours section at
www.wg06.us.mensa.org.

REGISTRATION
On-site registration will open at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and will
be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on subsequent days. If you arrive after hours,
someone with Hospitality or Security can issue you a temporary ID badge to
use until Registration opens the next day. Registration will close early on
Saturday.

The adult daily rate is $25 per calendar day when purchased on-site.
The young Mensan daily rate is $20 per calendar day when purchased on-site.
A 5% processing fee will be taken for cancellation and refund requests
through July 29. Please contact registrations@ag.us.mensa.org for more
information.

What about those small green, red or yellow dots on other attendees'
name badges? Many Mensans like to hug in greeting at gatherings, but they
also respect personal space. So, avid huggers will sport green dots, folks
who like you to ask first will sport yellow dots, and those who keep their
personal space intact will wear red dots.

HOSPITALITY
Our Hospitality area at the Coronado is huge - 11,000 square feet.
Enough room for the Mensa Boutique, entertainment, and Internet kiosks as
well as our snack and beverage offerings. It's where you'll go to meet your
friends, nosh, relax, plan your trips to the Disney parks and decide which
program to go to next. It's the Popola Placo (Esperanto for people's place).
It will be the busiest location at the Coronado, all day, every day. Snack
types will change and there will be surprises. The basic food/drink menu is
posted at www.wg06.us.mensa.org in the Food FAQ.

For complete, "sit down" meals, the Coronado has two full restaurants
on site, the Maya Grill and the Pepper Market. The latter is a "have it your
way" type of restaurant where you can build your own meal from the variety
of menu items, as much or as little as you wish. (Please note that the
Pepper Market prices include tip and service charges.) There is also an
outtakes store where you can purchase salads and sandwiches to eat at
lakeside tables and chairs. Hop onto the free shuttles to the Disney parks
and you have dozens of eateries from which to choose. You don't have to go
outside the parks to find inexpensive eats.

Also note that there is an on-site convenience store, and each guest
room has a half-height refrigerator.

TRANSPORTATION
Currently, around 50 airlines use the Orlando International Airport to
provide scheduled service to 72 non-stop/13 true-direct U.S. destinations
and to 13 non-stop/9 true-direct international destinations, as well as
service to more than 100 cities worldwide.

Getting from the airport to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and back
is a breeze, thanks to the Disney's Magical Express service for Disney
guests. If you registered for the magical express and for more details,
visit http://disneymeetings.disney.go.com and click on the Disney's Magical
Express graphic.

Need a rental car? American Mensa members get discounts from Alamo,
Hertz and National. Mensa International members can contact the American
Mensa National Office for access to the members-only portions of the Web
site.

For those who plan to drive to the WG, major highways connect Orlando
with other Florida cities and with the northern states. The Walt Disney
World® Resort is located southwest of Orlando, off Interstate 4, west of the
Florida Turnpike. Visit the Driving Directions page on the resort's Web site
to get directions from any address in the United States. Guests park free at
the resort's hotels.

International visitors should be aware that the United States has
updated its laws governing visitor entry and exit following the terrorist
attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. For more information about U.S. visas, visit
www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/index.html.

HOTEL
The World Gathering will take place at Disney's Coronado Springs
Resort, one of the largest single-level convention hotels in the eastern
United States. Located near Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, the resort
is nestled around a 15-acre lake; in the shadow of a towering Mayan pyramid
guests enjoy an archeological dig site and an expansive feature pool.
Disney's Extra Magic Hours program gives extended park access to Disney
resort guests. In the month of August, these parks will include Walt
Disney's Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios,
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. For more information on Disney's Extra
Magic Hours benefit, dining at Disney, resort amenities or room sharing,
visit the Hotel section at www.wg06.us.mensa.org.

To change, update or confirm your reservations, call the hotel at
407/939-1020.

DISNEY PARK TICKETS
The lowest rates for Disney park tickets are currently available from
our links on the World Gathering Web site at www.wg06.us.mensa.org. Disney
offers a number of options, including multi-day park-hoppers and afternoon
and evening tickets.

WEATHER AND WHAT TO PACK
Average August temperatures in Orlando are a high of 91 degrees and a
low of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60% average humidity. Indoors, air
conditioning is ubiquitous; outdoors, many areas feature misters - fine
water sprays - to help visitors keep cool. Swimming pools are common
fixtures of all hotels in the Orlando area. Afternoon rain showers are
common.

Informal attire is accepted almost everywhere. Bring dancing shoes and
walking shoes, workout clothes for the fitness classes, a bathing suit and
sunscreen. Waist packs and cameras are de rigueur for sightseeing. What
theme clothes should you bring? Pack your Mensa T-shirts, of course. The
anniversary gala on Saturday night is formal. Anything else is up to you!

SPECIAL EVENTS
Presentations, seminars and game tournaments will run almost around the
clock during the WG. However, here is a small sample of the programs to
consider:

Wednesday, Aug. 9
9 a.m.: Mensa Testing Day: The "How-To"
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: AMC Meeting
1:30 p.m.: Piano recital by Mensan Aaron Dai, who will be joined
by guest artist and French hornist Lydia Van Dreel of the
Florida West Coast Symphony.
4:30 p.m.: The Eye of the Storm, by Lt. Col. Warren Madden
- hurricane hunter, Weather Channel reporter and Mensan.
6:30 p.m.: Speed Talking: Start your WG experience with a
hundred separate conversations - with 100 new Mensa
friends - in the space of a few hours.
8:30 p.m.: Jean Auel, Mensan and author of Clan of the Cave
Bear, discusses her research on early human society.
10:30 p.m.: Meet new people and make new friends at the
Get Acquainted Hour (and a Half).

Thursday, Aug. 10
11 a.m.: AML Forums Meet & Greet
12 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: Amateur ham radio station opens.
12 p.m.: Confessions of a Geek with Mensan Shawn Bakken
from "Beauty and the Geek"
4:30 p.m.: American Mensa's Annual Business Meeting
4:30 p.m.: SIGHT: Building Mensa's International Community
6 p.m.: International Reception
7 p.m.: Meal tickets are required for the International Buffet Dinner.
7:30 p.m.: Bust out your Latin dance moves with La Sonora de Orlando.
10:30 p.m.: "Out of This World" presentation by Mensan and
astronaut Bill McArthur
10:30 p.m.: Fishbowl, with an international perspective

Friday, Aug. 11
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: International Board of Directors Meeting
10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Mensa International Bazaar
12 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Meal tickets are required for the American
Mensa Awards Luncheon. The awards presentation is
open to the public
12:30 p.m.: Bikers vs. Brainers trivia contest
8:30 p.m.: Men's Circle
8:30 p.m.: A Mensan's Life in Hollywood, by Alan Rachins
10:30 p.m.: Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

Saturday, Aug. 12
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: International Board of Directors Meeting
10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Mensa International Bazaar
3 p.m.: Mensan Tarek Saab will "talk Trump" about the reality
behind the reality show "The Apprentice."
4:30 p.m.: Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Dark Force in
the Universe, a preview of Colloquium 2006 by Dr. Harry
Ringermacher.
4:30 p.m.: Meet the Faces Behind MIL Publications
7:30 p.m.: Diamond Anniversary Gala
9:30 p.m.: Gala Dance with zoot-suited virtuosos Michael
Andrew and Swingerhead

Sunday, Aug. 13
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: International Board of Directors Meeting
9 a.m.: Weird Florida with Eliot Kleinberg. Eliot's a native
Floridian and wouldn't live anywhere else because the
most interesting (and quirky) things happen in the
Sunshine State.
10:30 a.m.: WG Awards, Announcements & Accolades

INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR
The Mensa International Bazaar will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12. Mensan crafters will be displaying
and selling their crafts on both days.

BUSINESS
The International Board of Directors (IBD) will meet at the World
Gathering instead of during the traditional month of October. The IBD
meeting, American Mensa's Annual Business Meeting and the American Mensa
Committee (AMC) meeting are open to anyone interested in the inner workings
of our organization.
Mensa business meetings are scheduled as follows:
* The International Board of Directors meeting will be
held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11, 12 and 13.
* The American Mensa Committee meeting will be held
on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
* American Mensa's Annual Business Meeting will be
held on Thursday, Aug. 10.
* Leadership Development Workshops will make up their
own program track Wednesday, Aug. 9, through Friday, Aug. 11.

SMOKING
Florida law allows no smoking in public areas of buildings. There will
be an outside, shaded Smokers Hospitality near Hospitality and the program
rooms, and smokers can also smoke in their rooms.

YOUNG MENSANS AND CHILDREN
Kids Trek has been coordinated at American Mensa Annual Gatherings
since 1997 by Martha (Feld) Williams, an incredible teacher and Mensan. Your
4- to 12-year-olds will love this program's planned daily events and
activities. Kids Trek will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug.
10, 11 and 12. To ensure a high-quality program, Kids Trek will be limited
to the first 100 children who enroll. Further, at least one adult related to
the child is required to volunteer for two hours in Kids Trek, either as a
Presenter or as a Guide for a group of five to ten children. For more
information, visit the Kids Trek page in the Programs section of the WG Web
site or email Martha Williams at KidsTrek@us.mensa.org.
If you are bringing children with you who are not your legal wards,
bring a notarized release form that gives you permission to act in their
behalf.

PETS
While registered service animals are always welcome throughout our
event, pets should not be brought into public areas, including Hospitality
areas, meeting rooms, etc.

SAFETY/SECURITY
The Coronado will host many non-Mensa guests during WG week; please
wear your Mensa badge at all times in the hotel for security purposes. By
all means, direct interested non-members to our displays, which will be set
up in higher traffic areas.

Twenty-one is the legal age to drink in the United States. We will
check IDs.

Orlando is a big city, but because of the abundance of money and the
strength of the tourist industry, it is home to high numbers of nearly
invisible police and security personnel. Making visitors feel both welcome
and safe is the key to the growth of Orlando - the No. 1 vacation
destination in the world!

However, as in other cities, use common sense. Limit the amount of cash
and credit cards you take with you, especially if you are out for the
evening. Leave all your valuables, such as credit cards, jewelry or airline
tickets, in the room safe. Write down the numbers of your traveler's checks
and credit cards and put them in your room safe.

Consider not wearing your AG badge outside the hotel if you're planning
to be out alone.

ATMs are a great way to avoid having to carry cash, but check with your
banking institution for the nearest ATM that doesn't charge high fees. Use
machines in well-lit areas of the hotel. Walk in pairs or groups whenever
possible.

Keep track of your hotel key. Close the door securely, even if you are
going for ice. Ask a security officer to escort you to your room if you have
lost your key.

Make sure your family or friends have contact numbers for you while you
are in Orlando. Keep in touch with them and tell them where you are going.
If you are vacationing with young children, the same rules apply.
Instruct them to never talk to strangers or open doors without first knowing
who is on the other side. Make sure they know the name of the hotel, the
phone and room number. Make sure your children are familiar with the 9-1-1
system in case they become lost or separated.

TIPPING
Tipping is customary: 15% of restaurant tab, 15% of taxi bills, $1 to
$3 per bag to the bellman/porter, $1 per round for drinks and $1 to $2 to
housekeeping per night. If you are using a coupon or other discount, the tip
should be based on the full bill, not the discounted amount. If the service
was outstanding, 20% is a great way to show it.

Please note that the Pepper Market prices include tips and service
charges.