In an earlier article (Going Forward, Sept. '03), I quoted Meredy Amyx as saying that the 2003 American Mensa Annual Gathering in St. Paul, Minnesota, could be "arguably the last Annual Gathering of American Mensa." Those words are beginning to ring true.
Each year, beginning in 1963, American Mensa has had an Annual Gathering (AG). In 2004, in Las Vegas, we had an Annual Dispersion. Sure, lots of people "attended" the AG, but how many were really there most of the time? I heard many stories of people hitting the casinos, taking in shows, sightseeing, etc. Every time I went through Main Hospitality, looking for people I knew were at the AG, I'd see a few tables of people, but not the crowds I've experienced at past AGs. It would have been nice to meet up with a few to go out to eat somewhere, especially given that this year's AG wasn't providing anything beyond minimal sustenance.
In past years — yea, decades! — we have been known to be the largest client group at the AG venue hotel(s). We knew that, as we walked down the halls, as we sat at breakfast in the hotel coffee shop, or as we lounged about the lobby reading our early morning newspapers, others around us were in all likelihood other Mensans (Ms) or guests of Ms. We knew that if we arrived a day or two early, we would be able to find other Ms with whom to share a drink, a laugh, some conversation. We would be able to gear up for the several days of merriment and camaraderie ahead of us. This year was a totally different story.
I arrived at the Paris hotel late in the afternoon of June 29th, the day before the 2004 AG, ExtravAGanza, was scheduled to start. I intentionally wore my Hell's M's t-dress in order to attract the attention of any other Ms traveling on my flight from Chicago or at the hotel. I will admit that I did share a shuttle bus from McCarren Airport with several other Ms; but, once we exited the bus, everyone quickly dispersed, never to be seen again. After checking into my room, I wandered downstairs in hopes of finding others for a bit of "AG Foreplay." I did a full tour of the Paris hotel's "streets" and casino (both upper and lower levels), even eyeballed the many bars and restaurants in my wanderings. There were other people I knew were also arriving early, but none were to be found!
We were a drop in the bucket in proportion to the number of people in the Paris alone, not to mention Bally's next door and other hostelries, casinos, and restaurants all over Las Vegas. Finding other Mensans outside the convention area was a logistical nightmare. Many people chose not to wear their AG name badges in the hotel's public areas, much less on the streets of Las Vegas. How was one to know if the person at the next chair at blackjack or a slot machine or next to you at one of the bars was one of us? Sure, some people wore Mensa-oriented t-shirts, but what of the many other tourists wearing t-shirts with catchy or humorous designs? "Is that person a Mensan?" we'd ask each other. We couldn't tell!
Next year in New Orleans promises to be better. We're to be served breakfast and lunch, I'm told, and in the evenings given the opportunity to explore the many fine restaurants and eateries nearby. A warmer, more personal space than existed in Las Vegas will house Hospitality.
My question: What is going to happen at the World Gathering in Orlando, Florida, in 2006? Will we be scattered hither and yon across Disney World and other Orlando attractions?
Isn't this the tail wagging the dog? Whose "brilliant" idea was it to have a Mensa World Gathering with Mickey, Minnie, and (ahem) Goofy? Is this really what a "Gathering" is about? A place that a couple of thousand Mensans from around the world will come to queue up with thousands more tourists, to go on the rides? Oh, yeah: How could I forget Fantasyland? Someone's dream come true.
Some day my prince will come, too. Until then, I hope someone among The Powers That Be comes to his/her senses and brings Mensa back down to earth, where its members are. We want Gatherings where Mensans actually gather — together.
See Peg Shambo's original article about AGs ("AG: For Members or Media?") in the GF back issues.