Carolinah RG 2008 FAQ

CAROLINAH REGIONAL GATHERING 2008 LAW AND (dis)ORDER Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated April 18, 2008 Click 'Refresh' in your browser to ensure you are viewing the latest version.
Note: some Web links will open in a new window.

Q. Is a special Mensa room rate available at the RG hotel?
A. Yes. PAM has reserved a block of rooms at the Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg, which has 200 guest rooms. We are fortunate that no other conference is expected to be sharing the hotel with us this year. However, we always encourage persons planning to attend the RG to book their rooms as early as possible, and this year is no exception. You must call the Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg at (864) 574-2111 and request the Piedmont Area Mensa rate. The negotiated RG rates at the Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg are guaranteed through April 18, 2008, subject to availability. The negotiated rates may be honored after that date if rooms are available. If you are unable to book a room at the Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg, please contact Registrar Mary Ann Cox for recommended alternatives. (See registration form for contact information.)
Q. What is the location of the RG hotel?
A. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg is located at 9027 Fairforest Rd., Spartanburg, SC, 29301, near Exit 2C off Business Route I-85 (Veterans Parkway), which is just a short distance from Exit 19B off I-26. Driving directions: From Greenville via I-85, take Exit 69 to I-85 Bus. Take Exit 2C. Turn right onto Fairforest Rd. The Radisson is 0.2 miles on the right. From Charlotte via I-85, take Exit 77 to I-85 Bus. Take Exit 2C. Bear right onto Brisack Rd. Immediately turn left onto Fairforest Rd. The Radisson is 0.5 miles on the right. From Columbia or Asheville via I-26, take Exit 19B to I-85 Bus. Take Exit 2C onto Simuel Rd. Turn right (west) onto Fairforest Rd. The Radisson is 0.2 miles on the right.
Q. Does the RG hotel have a web site from which I can obtain driving directions?
A. Yes. Please click here: Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg
Q. Does the RG hotel have high-speed Internet for guest use?
A. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg now provides free Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the hotel for registered guests.
Q. Does the RG hotel allow pets?
A. Unfortunately, the Radisson Hotel & Suites Spartanburg does not allow pets, although it does accept assistance animals. At least one nearby hotel does allow pets; please contact Registrar Mary Ann Cox for information. (See registration form for contact information.)
Q. Is there parking at the Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg? If so, is there a charge?
A. Parking is both free and generally plentiful. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg has an outdoor parking lot.
Q. Does the Carolinah RG registration include meals?
A. You bet! Your registration covers all meals. Saturday lunch and deluxe Sunday brunch will be prepared by the Radisson chef and served in the ballroom. Other light meals will be provided in Hospitality and catered by Sprout's Restaurant, back by very popular demand. Last year people raved about the healthy and delicious foods prepared by Sprout's. Vegetarian choices will be available. If you have other special dietary needs, let us know.
Q. Will there be chocolate?
A. We are making plans to smuggle in a LOT of chocolate. (Shh... don't tell anyone.)
Q. For such a cool RG, you gotta have cool T-shirts. What about it?
A. Our better than cool, not your average RG T-shirts are the must-have apparel of the season! These bright orange T-shirts are the authentic prison garb look that everyone wants to be seen in this year. Made of high-quality cotton knit, your T-shirt can be issued with either short sleeves ($10) or long sleeves ($15)... why not get both! Click here to see our RG T-shirt modeled by some surprisingly stylish inmates. You can pre-order by e-mail until April 28 and then pay for you shirt when you pick it up at the RG. After that date, however, you'll just have to take your chances with the stooges in the yard. RG T-shirt order form in PDF (~42 KB) RG T-shirt order form in DOC (Microsoft Word) format (~22 KB)
Q. Are you planning to provide Mensa testing?
A. Yes. There will be a testing session on Saturday morning, just in case any of our non-Mensan guests would like to become official members. Please contact our Registrar, Mary Ann Cox, for further information.
Q. Are you really going to have live music?
A. We are planning to have live music at lunch on Saturday. The Chief Solicitor also had planned to subpoena a live band for Saturday evening's masked ball, but the subpoena got quashed. Instead, we have invited Doug Dorman, a first-class DJ who has been a very big hit at some of our previous RGs. Doug has plenty of good music for our dancing and listening pleasure. He also is willing to play some of your favorite CDs if you want to bring them along.
Q. If it's a masked ball, do I have to have a mask?
A. Whether you are in the witness protection program, traveling incognito, or merely planning to have a good time, masks and costumes are entirely optional but would make Saturday evening more fun and more festive. Wear your most imaginative costume and possibly win a prize! Perhaps you would enjoy coming in the guise of your favorite investigator, prosecutor, defendant (not too many OJs, please!) or inmate (not too many Marthas, please!), or any other costume of your choice. Attendees can bring their own masks or purchase them at the RG. PAM will offer a variety of masks for sale, ranging in price from $2 to $5. (You can stash it away to use when you make your big escape.)
Q. What about beverages at the masked ball?
A. There will be a CASH BAR at the ball.
Q. Are you having any other costume events?
A. TWO dress-up events are planned this year. Special dress, though not required, will certainly add to the fun. In addition to Saturday's masked ball, described above, Judge Bobby Bob Calhoun of Kudzu Korner will end his exemplary career after 75 years on the bench. You won't want to miss his final court session and retirement party Friday evening. Suggested dress is extremely tacky, because Kudzu Korner is a backwards community, deprived of the niceties of current civilization. Check the thrift shops or the back of your closet for a suitable outfit.
Q. How do I get to Spartanburg by air?
A. The local airport is Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP). Air service is available via Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, United Express and USAirways (carriers subject to change). Connections can be made through major cities and hubs, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Ft. Lauderdale, Detroit, Las Vegas, Memphis, Newark, New York-LaGuardia, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham and Washington-Dulles.
Q. Is transportation available to the RG hotel from Greenville-Spartanburg Airport?
A. Yes. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is about 15 miles or 20 minutes away. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg does provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport; please call the hotel for details. In addition, rental cars are available at the airport.
Q. Is there a general aviation airport in the Spartanburg area for use by private pilots who may be attending the RG?
A. Yes. Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (KSPA/SPA), 500 Ammons Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29376, (864) 574-8552, is owned and operated by the City of Spartanburg. Open to the public, it is located 2.5 miles SW of the city center and 4.3 miles SSE of the RG hotel. It is staffed by eight full-time and two part-time employees. Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport was South Carolina's first commercial airport. Charles Lindberg flew into town to help dedicate the field in 1927. Today the KSPA FBO is known for great hospitality, reasonable prices and friendly service. Features of interest to transient pilots include: 24-hour instrument landing system (ILS) Asphalt-paved 5,203 ft. x 100 ft. instrument runway (5/23) Lighted taxiway and directional signage Jet fuel and aviation gasoline at competitive pricing Tie-down and hangar storage Aircraft maintenance and repairs Courtesy and rental cars Pilot's lounge and passenger waiting area with refreshment area The airport operates seven days a week. Hours of attended operations are: Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Maintenance Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (864) 574-8560 KSPA is found on the Atlanta sectional map. Consult official documentation for navigation information. (AIRNAV)
Q. I plan to arrive early/stay over after the RG. Will the RG hotel honor the negotiated Mensa rate before or after the RG?
A. Yes, subject to availability. The Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg may honor the RG rate for up to three days before and three days after the RG weekend, if rooms are available. If you do plan an extended stay, however, we strongly encourage you to make arrangements with the hotel as early as possible.
Q. I plan to arrive early or I plan to stay over after the RG. Are there any good restaurants in the area that I should plan to visit?
A. Are there ever! The Radisson Hotel and Suites Spartanburg offers regional specialties in the Blue Ridge Cafe, featuring a newly updated menu inspired by a new chef. We also will provide information on restaurants near the RG hotel as well as in Downtown Spartanburg, which is just a short drive away. The hotel also offers shuttle service within a three-mile radius, which perimeter includes a number of fine restaurants
Q. What about area attractions?
A. Upstate South Carolina is both scenic and historic, and Spartanburg is a vibrant city. Visit the following web sites for local tourist information: City of Spartanburg Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau Spartanburg Online Spartanburg County on SCIway TheUpstate.com
Q. Will there be more FAQs?
A. Probably. Please check back again.


Back to 2008 RG page.
	Copyright © 2000-2008 American Mensa, Limited, and Piedmont Area Mensa. The Mensa logo is a registered trademark of Mensa International, Limited, and American Mensa, Limited. All rights reserved. Mensa does not hold any opinion or have, or express, any political or religious views.

This page last maintained Last updated April 18, 2008.