ORANGE COUNTY MENSA’S 2013 RG — AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 HOURS — WAS HELD LABOR DAY WEEKEND in 2013. IT IS NOW A WONDERFUL MEMORY!
Q. What is a Regional Gathering?
A. A Regional Gathering (RG) is the Mensa version of a convention or conference. Compared to many other conferences you may have attended, however, we build more fun into an RG. Of course, we also include a fair share of serious and intellectually stimulating events. Activities range from speakers and workshops to games, trivia, contests, puzzles, arts and crafts, music, food and drink – usually you have a choice of several things going on at any one time. The heart of an RG is the Hospitality Suite, where folks can relax and visit while noshing on a variety of snacks and beverages (included in your registration fee). If you are new and don’t know many people, an RG is an ideal place to get acquainted.
Q. What does this year’s theme, “Around the World in 80 Hours” refer to?
A. Of course, the name is a twist on the title of the 1873 Jules Verne book “Around the World in 80 Days,” as well as several movies of the same name that follow the adventures of Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout. But, we’ll focus very little on the book and movies (except maybe for a few trivia questions.) This theme is essentially an international one. We’re billing this RG as a “virtual trip around the world.” Our Committee is having lots of fun thinking of interesting ways to incorporate international food and drink, speakers and workshops, entertainment and decorations relating to travel and experiencing foreign countries and cultures… without leaving Buena Park.
Q. What is included in my Registration Fee?
A. Our Hospitality Suite will serve a light supper on Friday night, as well as Saturday lunch and Sunday lunch. In between are snacks, desserts, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Also, all the speakers and the evening entertainment are included in your registration fee. Plus, we are giving away some fun prizes.
Q. Tell me more about the Hospitality Suite.
A. The Hospitality Suite is where you can relax and converse with old friends and meet new ones. In conjunction with our “Around the World” theme, our Hospitality Suite will be designed like an international street fair, with stations providing “street” foods and other goodies from around the world.
Q. Tell me about the Meal Package.
A. The meals are: Saturday: “Around the World” all-you-can-eat buffet dinner; Sunday: “A Taste of Italy” all-you-can-eat buffet dinner; Monday: “Getting Away” luncheon. The Deadline for ordering meals is Thursday, August 29.
We encourage all attendees to take the meals. In fact, those who purchase the meals will be rewarded with MensaBucks that can be used to win prizes. Also note that Hospitality will be closed during the meal functions.
Check here for the pricing and the menu that will be served for each meal. Click here for updates on what is being scheduled for the keynote speakers and the evening entertainment.
Q. If I don’t purchase the meal, can I still hear the entertainment or speaker?
A. Yes, we will have extra chairs set up for those who don’t purchase the meal, but the priority seating will go to those who do.
Q. What speakers and workshops are planned?
A. You can get a preview of what is scheduled so far by visiting the Schedule of Events page.
Q. Tell me about the MensaBucks and prizes.
A. Throughout the weekend, your participation will earn you mock foreign currencies, aka MensaBucks. You will get paid, for example, for volunteering in Hospitality, or by winning a contest or tournament. Buying the meal package is another way to earn — we will pay you MensaBucks for each meal you order.
What will you do with all those MensaBucks? On Monday we’ll have a drawing for some cool prizes, and your MensaBucks will be your raffle entries.
Q. Is there anything else I should know?
A. Sunday night is costume night — wear a costume to represent your ethnic background or a country you’ve visited or would like to visit. We’ll give MensaBucks for the best costumes.
Q. What about staying at the hotel?
A. It’s totally up to you. Many attendees like to take a room and make it a mini-vacation. On the other hand, some who live nearby commute each day to save money.
Q. Do I have to be a Mensa member to attend?
A. The RG is for members of Mensa and their guests who accompany them.
Q. What about children?
A. Young Mensans and children of our members are, of course, welcome to attend with their parents. However, it’s important to know ahead of time that there are no special activities planned for children, tweens, or teens.
Q. Do I have to register for the entire weekend?
A. We have really flexible registration pricing. You can register for the entire weekend or just one day. Monday is included when you purchase any other day.
Q. I’m coming from out of town. Which airport should I fly into?
A. Fly into either Orange County (John Wayne/Santa Ana/SNA) or Los Angeles International (LAX).
Q. When is the best time to register?
A. If you want to take advantage of lower pricing, then register now. What if you’re unsure whether your schedule will allow you to attend? No worries… you can always decide to come at the last minute and register at the door. Click here to register.
