HalloweeM 39: WeeMter Wonderland

Programs

October 23: The latest Program Book is online. As always, the Program-At-A-Glance available on-site may reflect changes since the program book went to press. The information contained in the printed PAAG will supersede that in the Program Book.

As usual there will be many different programs available — so many you’ll find it difficult to choose. We have the online version of the latest Programs At A Glance (PAAG) (when it becomes available) if you'd like to peruse. Please keep in mind, of course, that this is a working copy, and offerings are subject to change. In addition to multiple tournaments, contests, 24-hour gaming, and an array of meet-ups, here is a quick sampling of the topics being covered:

A sampling of the topics to be covered at this year’s WeeM include:

While our Programs Chair is hard at work planning out this year’s exciting offerings, you can read about this year’s keynote speaker, learn about some of our traditional events, and get a list of topics covered in previous years. We find that presenters love to come to WeeM because the Mensa audience is so receptive, engaged, and interested. Many of the 2013 program presenters have been lined up. Some changes may occur between now and WeeM but you can expect the programs listed above and below and, of course, more that haven't been finalized. Also don’t forget, there will be Tournaments in addition to the programs.

We will also offer the following traditional and keynote events:

Thursday

• The Annual Pig Roast

  
  

  Gather in the hospitality area and catch up with your friends while enjoying this tender, moist delicacy accompanied with tasty sides. Although technically a meal, this dinner has become an event that draws many people into attending on Thursday.

Friday

• Keynote Speaker

  

  Who's Who of Owls — To some people, owls are symbols of wisdom but to others their hoots are harbiners of death and doom. Join award-winning naturalist Mark Spreyer as he reveals the truth about many of our North American owls and the other raptors (he will also bring a peregrine falcon). Owls’ amazing hunting adaptations are explained. Slides and special feathered guests illustrate just who's who! Mark also recently appeared on Fox Chicago.

  
  

  Bio: Mark Spreyer did his graduate work in Minnesota on great gray owls and then went on to organize and direct Chicago’s peregrine falcon release program. Under his leadership, Chicago hosted the first nest of peregrines anywhere in Illinois in thirty-seven years. In 1989, he returned to Minnesota where he worked with the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation organizations. In 1995, after completing work on a raptor exhibit with the Science Museum of Minnesota, Mark migrated back to Illinois to become Executive Director of the Stillman Nature Center in Barrington. He co-authored the life history of the monk parakeet, published in 1998, for the A.O.U.’s Birds of North America series. His articles on birds of prey and introduced species have appeared in various publications including Birder’s World and the Journal of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. During his career, Mark has also worked for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, National Audubon Society, and Chicago Academy of Sciences plus he has taught courses for the College of Lake County and Aurora University.

• Costume Parade

  
  

  The Friday night costume party is one of the things that set Chicago Area Mensa’s RG apart from all the others. Mensan grown-ups take dressing up to a new level. Costumes range from fanciful to funny to elaborate and elegant, but the thing for which Mensans are best known are the pun and word-play costumes. In all of them, Mensa-style creativity is obvious. Bring your costume, sense of humor, and your wits, because our puns will keep you guessing and giggling all night long. Make sure to consider this year's theme, ripe for pun-filled humor! View our pictures to see costumes from ’WeeMs past.

  
  Kids Costumes

  There is a kids-only costume party before the keynote speaker and the adult party after the keynote speaker. You can still bring your kids to the grown-up party, but for those of you who have younger children who might be overwhelmed by hundreds of strangers, who have children with early bed-times, or who simply want to avoid having to explain some of the (occasionally suggestive) puns, this will give kids a chance to dress up and compete for prizes at their own party. Then get yourself into costume and come to the main event.

Saturday

• A photo id will be required for any adult picking up Pretentious Drinking coupons. You will not be able to get them for other adults in your party.
  The ID will also be required at the Pretentious Drinking event.

  Pretentious Drinking

  
  

  Liqueurs. The fancy stuff. Polished, cosmopolitan, perhaps even a bit snooty. The stuff you graduate to from beer and wine. You’d like to know more but, gosh, look at that price. What if that pricey potion isn’t quite the palate pleaser you expected? Rejoice! As in years past, you can sample some truly amazing liqueurs, and your money’s no good here! We will supply a wide range of weird and wonderful concoctions from around the world. You can determine which you’d like to own, which should be left on the shelf, and which you should give to your arch-nemesis as a thoughtful gift. Obviously, you must be of legal drinking age to join us. Snobbish accents and extended pinkies optional.

• Werewolf Tournament

  For those under 21 but still awake at that late hour, in addition to the daily version, we will offer a special Werewolf tournament just for teens and tweens during the same timeslot as Pretentious Drinking.

  Prohibition Drinking

  For those who are not of age or those who are of age but who prefer not to indulge in alcohol, we will have a room set aside for an improved version of last year’s socializing without alcoholic lubrication event.

  
  

  Epicurean Experience

  Come test your skills at ad hoc haute cuisine. The competitors in the fourth annual Iron Chef Hospitality will have one hour to create a three-course meal from whatever food they can find in hospitality supplies, including leftovers from previous meals. Some small additional ingredients may be brought in from the outside, but all preparation must take place at the event. *Allez cuisine!* It may start earlier this year.

Sunday

• Amazing Race: WeeM Style Tournament

  Join us for the first-ever Amazing Race for Mensans! Based upon the popular TV reality show, teams of 2-4 competitors complete a variety of tasks, some cerebral, some lighthearted, on their way to the final “Pit Stop” and victors’ bragging rights. Our version is designed for all ages and activity levels, and is sure to be one of the most memorable things you’ll do this weekend!

Past Programs

Also, you can access our archives to download the full program booklet for previous years: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007. (All are in PDF format.)