Lessons Learned

In summary

Asilomar Redux came off smoothly, successfully, happily. I never saw an unhappy face among the 52 people who attended (including two well-behaved children). The weather could have been a bit sunnier, but true to form, it didn't rain. We had a single-track program with a variety of presentations, all by attendees. We had a Casino and funny money. We had an auction on Monday morning. Oh, and we wound up slightly in the black. And we're preregistered for 2004.

Planning and staging

• Private individuals can indeed stage RG-like events, even in six weeks. It takes courage, experience, and a bit of financial backing. The primary advantages of private events as compared with Mensa-sanctioned RGs are these:
  • No long lead times occasioned by an approval cycle, or, indeed, need for "approval" of any kind.
  • No unnecessary oversight or restrictions occasioned by perceived "risk" or insurance requirements.
• By making the event BIO, you reduce the number of potential problems with behavior. You also miss out on including people you don't know who could be great fun and interesting additions.
• A small committee can accomplish great things if they know what their responsibilities are and everyone stays in communication.
• Committee meetings by email are great!
• Not everyone you want to invite is available by email, although a great many are.
• You don't need a schedule with wall-to-wall programs. With a place like Asilomar, the natural beauty is an attraction all by itself. Further, many people come just to visit with their friends.

[ Main Page ]