Past Events

In 1980, American Mensa’s then-Chairman Gabe Werba proposed an annual Colloquium, saying, “I want to stimulate within Mensa a climate of intellectual excitement in which concepts can be explored, dialogues can be started, and ideas can be generated that will move us in new directions.”

The first Colloquium was held in October 1982, citing as its purpose: To offer a forum for any interested Mensan to explore, debate, evaluate and offer judgment on a major issue of long-range importance to society.

Using the format of that first event as a springboard, each Colloquium has made changes, learning from previous experiences and adding new features. The day-long educational event is also open to the general public. The Mensa Foundation now hosts and supports events such as Colloquiums to encourage and expand learning, research, and intelligence.

Past Colloquiums

Giftedness Across the Lifespan: The Talent and Potential of Neurodiversity
July 4, 2023
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Md.

Giftedness Across the Lifespan: A More Complete Picture
July 5, 2022
Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, Nev.

Advances in Food Science
Aug. 23, 2021
Hilton Americas-Houston, Houston, Texas

Privacy in the 21st Century: Mystery or Myth?
July 2, 2019
Sheraton Grand Phoenix, Phoenix, Ariz.

The Evolution and Revolution of Manufacturing
July 3, 2018
JW Marriott, Indianapolis, Ind.

The Health Care of Catastrophes: Innovation Driven by Disaster
July 5, 2017
Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Fla.

The Nature of Genetics: Flora, Fauna and the Future
June 28, 2016
Town & Country Resort, San Diego, Calif.

Brain Health: Research, Challenges and Breakthroughs
June 30, 2015
Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky.

Crime Scene Intelligence
July 1, 2014
Sheraton Boston Hotel, Boston, Mass.

Between Science Fiction and Science
July 2, 2013
Worthington Renaissance, Fort Worth, Texas

Social and Video Games
July 3, 2012
Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, Nev.
Marc Lederman, Chairman

Electronic Gaming and Its Impact on Society
Feb. 18-20, 2011
Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, Austin, Texas
Marc Lederman, Chairman

Weather Or Not
Feb. 27-March 1, 2009
Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center, Dunwoody, Ga.
Cyndi Kuyper, Chairman

Tracking Granny’s Granny: The Genealogy Quest
Sept. 12-14, 2008
Hilton Salt Lake City Center, Salt Lake City
Eldon Romney, Chairman

Aspects of Humor
March 23-25, 2007
Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Ill.
Chris Edwards, Chairman

Revolution in Cosmology
October 6-8, 2006
Albany Marriott, Albany, N.Y.
Judy Keating and Harry Ringermacher, Chairs

Earth in Mind: Fueling the Future
March 4-6, 2005
Sheraton Tucson, Tucson, Ariz.
Joanna Soper, Chair

Consciousness: Thinking on the Edge
August 16–18, 2002
Northfield Hilton, Troy, Mich.
Debbie Gleason & Steve Goodhall, Chairs

Medicine in the 21st Century
October 8-10, 1993
Holiday Inn Center City, Philadelphia
Steve Slepner, Chair

The Politics of Politics
October 4-6, 1991
Marc Plaza, Milwaukee
Marcy Hotz, Chair

Gifted Children: Identification, Education and Nurturing:
Where Are We Today? Where Will We Be Tomorrow?

May 18-20, 1990
Ramada Hotel O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill.
Russ Kratowicz, Chair

Science & Society: Our Critical Challenges
October 7-9, 1988
Capitol Marriott, Austin, Texas
Mike McCormick, Chair

The Impact of the Arts on Civilization
November 14-16, 1986
Seelbach Hotel, Louisville, Ky.
Rose Lee Crutcher, Chair

The Gifted in Society
November 23-25, 1984
Scottsdale Conference Resort, Phoenix
Marilyn Rollins, Chair

Forecasting a Valid Tomorrow: Destination A.D. 2000
October 29-31, 1982
Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston
Kay Grant, Chair