FAQ

What's up with the colored dots on everyone's badges?
How should I dress for hanging around the AG?
How much should I tip at the hotel?
Do you need volunteers?
What does TeenSIG do at a gathering?
Will there be events where I can get all dressed up?
Will there be organized groups going off-site?
Do I need a passport for this trip?
Can I still go to the LDWs if I am not a leader in Mensa?
What does the registration fee include?
What if I have to cancel my registration and hotel reservation?
Can I get the special room rate for early arrival or later departures?
What is the hotel's refund policy?
Do I have to stay at the AG hotel?
I'd love to share a room to cut down on expenses. Is there a matching service available?
What is a Mommy Letter, and why do I need one?
I haven't received my Mommy Letter. When should I expect it?

What's up with the colored dots on everyone's badges?

It's the hugging code. If you want a hug, wear a green dot. If you want the person to ask first, wear a yellow dot. If you prefer your personal space, wear a red dot. Mensans are very respectful of hug dots!

How should I dress for hanging around the AG?

Nearly anything goes. Detroit's summer temperatures reach the low 80s with some humidity. The area gets around three inches of rain in July, so it might be advisable to carry a light jacket or umbrella if you go out. Bring a swimsuit for the pool area, as well as any other Mensa-wear that you enjoy. You may want to do some sightseeing on foot around Dearborn, Detroit and Windsor, so do make sure you bring comfortable shoes.

How much should I tip at the hotel?

Averages are:

• Food waiters: 15-20 percent, depending on service level.
• Drink waiters: $1-2 U.S. per drink per round, depending on how many drinks were brought.
• Valet parking attendants: $1-5, depending on how fast they get your vehicle to you and whether or not they park it "up front" so it is ready when you leave.
• Porters: $1-2 per bag if they go to your room with them, flat $2-5 if they just get you to the check-in desk.
• Room service: Most hotels add a gratuity charge on your room-service bill, but an additional $2-3 is appreciated.
• Room maid: $2-5 each night.

Do you need volunteers?

Of course! There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at this AG. You can get more information about what you can do, or if you wish to volunteer, please sign up!

What does TeenSIG do at a gathering?

They chill, hang out and chillax. Activities include listening to music, watching movies, dancing, playing board and card games, going to the pool, having scavenger hunts and more! Teens always have a great time and always want to come back the next year.

Will there be events where I can get all dressed up?

Well, there's Saturday night's formal banquet and dance, of course — but you can wear a tux to breakfast if you'd like. After all, this is Mensa.

Will there be organized groups going off-site?

If somebody posts a list on the bulletin board, you can bet that there will be. You'll be experiencing the Detroit area with your fellow Mensans in no time flat.

Do I need a passport for this trip?

Not to come to Detroit, of course — but cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada now requires a passport or other approved travel document. So if international travel is on your AG itinerary, be sure to order your passport in time to receive it before you leave; passports are supposed to be processed within 4-6 weeks, but in the past couple of years, processing time has been as high as 16 weeks. A word to the wise...

Can I still go to the LDWs if I am not a leader in Mensa?

If a topic of interest to you is being discussed, go! The programs are open to all members. And on a related note, don't forget that the Annual Business Meeting is your chance to observe and be heard about how the business of Mensa is run.

What does the registration fee include?

Five days of fun, fun, fun — unlimited access to the Hospitality suite, games room and programs specifically designed for Mensan minds and hearts, as well as their senses of humor and adventure.

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

The hotel will cancel 24 hours in advance with no charge; if you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your arrival date, subsequent room and tax charges will be billed to your credit card.

Please note that AG policy states that a 5-percent processing fee will be taken for registration and meal cancellations. Refund requests will be processed through June 25, 2010. For more information or to cancel, email Registration at ag.us.mensa.org.

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

The Mensa rate of $107 per night for up to four adults is available June 25-July 8. Please note there are limited rooms available the weekend before the AG due to the room requirements of another convention.

What is the hotel’s refund policy?

If you need to cancel all or part of your room reservation, be sure to do so at least 24 hours prior to the first day of your reservation, when a full refund can be given.

Do I have to stay at the AG hotel?

Of course not! However, this is the location where the party will be — and why wouldn't you want to be close to all of the action?

I'd love to share a room to cut down on expenses. Is there a matching service available?

We know that many members are interested in finding roommates to share their rooms at the AG. While the AG Committee isn't supplying a matching service, we do recommend that AG attendees join the members' Yahoo! group devoted to AG10 (just click on the link and send the resultant email). Within the group's area on Yahoo!, you will find a list devoted to roommates.

For those who make a late decision to share a room, there will be a message board near the registration desk at the event. We cannot remember a single year when there were not messages posted that said "Roommate Wanted."

What is a Mommy Letter, and why do I need one?

Traditionally, Annual Gatherings and Regional Gatherings would send out letters to registrants with need-to-know information and things to remember about the event. It didn’t take long before someone said, “Oh, you mean helpful things like Mom might tell you?” Hence, the Mommy Letter was born.

I haven't received my Mommy Letter. When should I expect it?

Mommy Letters are usually sent to primary registrants sometime in May. If you do not receive a Mommy Letter by the end of May and would like one, please email Registration at ag.us.mensa.org. Or, poke around on this site; a PDF of the Mommy Letter is usually posted in the Register section once it's available.