From the LocSec
Mensa's Diamond Anniversary
By Travis Hardin Feb 2006
Originally published in the newsletter of North Alabama Mensa

Mensa’s World Gathering will be August 8-13, 2006 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, one of the largest two-level convention hotels in the eastern United States. Located near Disney's Animal Kingdom®, 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. The Coronado Springs is classed as a moderate resort. In-room Internet access costs extra, but Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, public areas in the convention center and restaurants.

Convention dress is "almost anything goes," according to the Gathering Website www.wg06.us.mensa.org . The entertainment package for World Gathering attendees will include tours of Disney's Magic Kingdom® Park and the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, which is approximately 45 minutes east of Orlando.

The Gathering celebrates the 60th anniversary of Mensa, begun in 1946 at Oxford, England, after two barristers, Lancelot Ware and Roland Berrill (no doubt in more formal dress than Florida demands) met on a train and discussed the idea of an organization for people of high mental ability. Sixty years later, Mensa has a world membership of about 100,000. Honorary President of Mensa International David Schulman estimates a Gathering attendance of over 2,000 and "would not be surprised if 3,000 turned up."

At least eight people from north Alabama plan to go; one, Jimmy McWilliams will be a speaker; another, Martha Williams, will be in charge of the children’s program Kids Trek. That’s right – Martha will entertain the children of those 2,000 guests, and she could use help. See her article.

For more information, or to register for the World Gathering go to:

www.wg06.us.mensa.org

Send comments about this page to Travis Hardin, ke3y[delete]@comcast.net Last updated April 2016