FAQ

What's up with the colored dots on everyone's badges?
How should I dress for hanging around the AG?
What are the smoking laws in Pittsburgh?
How much should I tip at the hotel?
Do you need volunteers?
What does TeenSIG do at a gathering?
Will there be any Gen-X activities?
Will there be events where I can get all dressed up?
Will there be organized groups going off-site?
Can I still go to the LDWs if I am not a leader in Mensa?
What will Hospitality be like at this AG?
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?
How far is it between the AG hotel and the overflow hotel?
Where can I rent a scooter for the duration of the event?
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. Pittsburgh's summer temperatures reach the low 80s with some humidity. The area gets up to four inches of rain in July, so it might be advisable to carry a light jacket or umbrella if you go out. The location of the hotel is conducive to sightseeing on foot if you are so inclined, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes.

What are the smoking laws in Pittsburgh?

Pennsylvania's statewide smoking ban went into effect on Sept. 11, 2008. Some bars, taverns and casinos are exempted; here's a list of these facilities in Allegheny County.

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 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, and if you put in at least six hours, you qualify for the special-edition Hell's M's T-shirt! 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 any Gen-X activities?

Oh, yes! There will be off-site dinners and other activities for Gen-Xers.

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

Well, there's Saturday night's formal banquet and dance, of course. In addition, a special event has been planned for AG09 that practically screams "dress up" — the AG high tea.

On the other hand, if neither of these events is your cup of tea (so to speak), 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 Pittsburgh with your fellow Mensans in no time flat.

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.

What will Hospitality be like at this AG?

The Nosh Pitt is being planned to reflect Pittsburgh's heritage of simple yet plentiful food that covers a broad spectrum of tastes and nutritional needs. Hospitality will officially open at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. For more information, visit the Hospitality page.

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 48 hours in advance with no charge; if you cancel less than 48 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 26, 2009. 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?

Sure can — as long as your reservations are three days before or after the event dates. Just include the word "Mensa" when you contact the hotel for your reservations.

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 48 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?

How far is it between the AG hotel and the overflow hotel?

Folks have been wondering about the distance between the Omni William Penn, home of AG09, and the Marriott City Center. You can see one hotel from the other; the two hotels are connected by a five-minute walk through a small park and over an interstate. Here's a photo.

Where can I rent a scooter for the duration of the event?

Pittsburgh Wheelchair Exchange is taking advance scooter reservations and will also be available to help you make last-minute or on-site plans. Don't put it off, though; reserve your AG scooter today!

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 AG09 (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 mailed 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.