StaRGazing 2027 Mommy Letter

Version 2 · July 17, 2026

Dear 2027 StaRGazing Attendee(s):

The following is basic information provided to facilitate your enjoyment at the 2027 GLAAM RG — StaRGazing, the annual Greater Los Angeles Area Mensa Regional Gathering! Everything below (and more) also lives at glaamrg.org.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Jana Bickel (ten.knilhtrae@lekcibanaj) or Randall Mills (text: 2771-563-013), or email gro.grmaalg@ofni.

Please Note: This event is for Mensa Members and their Guests. Mensa Members may be asked to show their Membership Card (or provide their Membership Number) at Check-in. All adult attendees should wear their badges at all times.

Registration Hours

The Registration Desk is located in the Marina Foyer of the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside, 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City (look for the sign!). The full-weekend rate at the door is $209 ($199 by check — please make checks payable to Greater LA Area Mensa). For cash payments, exact amount only — we do not maintain a change box! You must enter the program rooms and Hospitality with your badge. Please time your arrival according to the following schedule:

  • Friday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

If you arrive outside these hours, contact Randall (text: 2771-563-013).

Programs

A full weekend of speakers (very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise!) and games (which you may already know, or will be taught as you go!). Our keynote Saturday evening is Dave Lopez — 48 years of L.A. news at KCBS Channel 2. Also featured: Dave Lehman (JPL Project Manager), Jerry Rishe (immigration attorney), and Colleen Adair Fliedner (author & historian). Full schedule: glaamrg.org/schedule.

Friday night is Karaoke Night — kick off the weekend on the mic! And Saturday night brings our headline entertainment: TBD in the Marina Ballroom.

Meals

All meals are included with full registration and snacks available in Hospitality almost all the time. Feel free to help us refresh the foods on the tables.

Mensa Admission Testing

Know someone who belongs in Mensa? Testing is Saturday, February 20 at 9:30 AM sharp (no late admissions!) in the Culver Room. The testing fee is $30. The easiest path: reserve and pay ahead at glaamrg.org/testers. Test-takers must be 14+ and bring a valid government photo ID; under-18s need a signed parental consent form (it's on the testers page). Best of all: test-takers stay free as our guests for the rest of Saturday — speakers, games, keynote, and the evening entertainment!

Kids Track

All-day Sunday program for gifted youth in the Culver Room (10:15 AM – 4:00 PM), priced per child with accompanying parents free. Questions about Kids Track or Gifted Youth? Email gro.grmaalg@ofni.

Parking

Please note (a change from past years): hotel parking is $5/day for RG attendees and $15 overnight for hotel guests.

Pool

Bring your suit and a towel if you want to enjoy the pool! It's outdoor — and heated, so a February swim is no act of bravery.

Smoking

For those from out of state who may be unaware: smoking is not permitted in any public rooms, including Hospitality. Designated outdoor areas only (this includes e-cigarettes).

Volunteers

As with every RG, we have plenty of volunteer opportunities! See the Registration Desk for sign-up sheets, and consider pitching in whenever you notice something that could help. (Volunteering in advance? Email Jana (ten.knilhtrae@lekcibanaj) — volunteers get discounted admission.)

We look forward to seeing you at the RG!

Jana Bickel and Randall Mills
Vice Chairs, StaRGazing 2027 — the GLAAM RG