Frequently asked questions

Are there any other points to note regarding the hotel?

Now that you mention it, yes:

  •     Room rates are guaranteed through June 2, 2012; reservations made after that date will be accepted on a space-availability basis.
  •     All room reservations require a credit card.
  •     A deposit equal to the first night’s rate must be made by cash or credit card at the time the reservation is made.
  •     Check-in: 3 p.m.
  •     Check-out: 11 a.m.
  •     Every effort will be made to accommodate early check-in and late check-out based on availability. The bell desks will be happy to store your luggage if you arrive before check-in time.

Can I get the special room rate for early arrivals or later departures?

Yes, you can book the group rate for seven days prior to and after Colloquium and the Annual Gathering July 3-8, depending on availability, through Apr. 4, 2012; after that date, early arrivals and stayovers will be based on space and rate availability.

I'm looking for information on the bioterrorism Colloquium! How did I get here?

We apologize for the confusion; a second Colloquium event originally scheduled for 2012, "Bioterrorism Strikes Home," has been cancelled. Get more information

I'm making my travel arrangements. When does this event begin and end?

Colloquium 2012.2 begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends after our keynote presentation on the evening of Tuesday, July 3. Whether the conversation and topic exploration continues later than that is up to you.

What about Mensa membership and attendance policies? Colloquiums are open to the public, but the AG is not, right?

Historically speaking, yes, that's true. In keeping with their educational mission, Colloquiums are always open to the public as well as members of Mensa. Annual Gathering attendance policy is set by each AG Committee, but most years — and in 2012 — guests of registered AG attendees (who are members) are welcome to attend. The only way to "wander in off the street" and attend an AG is to sit for the Mensa Admission Test, which is usually given at least once during the event. Such test-takers are often gifted a day pass so they can take advantage of the chance to see what the organization's largest event is all about. We hope that any nonmember Colloquium attendees will be intrigued enough by the day's program to come back and take the admission test at some point during the AG.

What if I have to cancel my registration and hotel reservation?

The hotels will refund your deposit if cancellation is made more than 24 hours in advance of your arrival date.

Please note that an 8-percent processing fee will be imposed for cancellation and refund requests through [date], 2012. Refunds and cancellation requests received later will be reviewed case by case, based on circumstance and event viability. Please email Registration@colloquium.us.mensa.org regarding cancellations.

What's this about a Colloquium being held at an Annual Gathering? Aren't they separate events?

Yes, they have been — until now. The Mensa Foundation is exploring ways to make Colloquium more accessible to more members, and this prototype event is experimenting with making Colloquium a one-day event held just before the Annual Gathering opens. This Colloquium is using the same hotels as the AG so attendees can take advantage of special room rates and all the other the benefits of attending an AG. Please note, however, that the registration fees are completely separate. You can register for Colloquium while you register for the AG, but it is an additional, unrelated fee. The AG Web site has much more information about Reno, how to get around there and what to do while you're there, as well as all the information about the Annual Gathering.