Wednesday, July 2

Gala Dinner featuring keynote speaker Ken Jennings
 

 

Ken Jennings, the Jeopardy! legend synonymous with human knowledge and quick thinking, will take the Annual Gathering stage on July 2 to discuss an entirely different kind of intelligence. In his Gala Dinner keynote, Artificial Intelligence: Are Humans in Jeopardy?, Jennings will reflect on the rise of AI — an evolution he’s witnessed firsthand, having famously faced off against IBM’s Watson in a groundbreaking 2011 match. Jennings, whose 75-game Jeopardy! streak remains unbeaten, found himself on the losing end of a contest with a machine, and it forever changed his view of intelligence.

Drawing on his storied career, from dominating Jeopardy! to his role as the show’s co-host, Jennings will delve into his personal journey: what it felt like losing to a machine and how that moment continues to shape the broader conversation around AI today. With his signature humor, he’ll explore the moral and societal implications of AI and discuss what it means for humans to remain irreplaceable in a world where machines are closing in on our abilities.

His keynote ties seamlessly into the Mensa Foundation’s Colloquium a day earlier, Human Intelligence in the Age of AI, held at the same venue. The Colloquium will focus on how AI can enhance—but never replace—essential human qualities like emotional intelligence, creativity, and ethics. Jennings' experiences with Watson make his keynote the perfect complement, as he underscores the enduring importance of human agency, problem-solving, and curiosity.

With 13 books to his name — including New York Times bestsellers Maphead and Because I Said So — Jennings brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the interplay between human and artificial intelligence. His keynote promises to be as engaging as it is thought-provoking, offering not just a glimpse into the world of trivia and quiz shows, but a broader look at how AI will shape the future of intelligence itself.

This special Wednesday evening engagement marks a departure from Mensa’s typical Friday or Saturday Gala Dinner, giving Jennings a prime spot to set the tone for the entire week of the Annual Gathering. Be sure to arrive early for the Colloquium on July 1 and stay for Jennings’ keynote on July 2 at the Chicago Hilton — two events that will challenge your thinking and inspire deep conversations about the future of intelligence.

Both the Gala Dinner and the Colloquium are ticketed events. Purchase is available with your Annual Gathering registration.

 

Dinner Menu

Entrée options include: 

• Pan-seared chicken breast with mushroom risotto, baby carrots, and sautéed spinach. Served with a house green salad.
• Braised salmon with mushroom risotto, baby carrots, and sautéed spinach. Served with a house green salad.
• Heirloom potato and vegetable quinoa cakes, baby carrots, and sautéed spinach. Served with a house green salad.

And for dessert, enjoy chocolate ganache cake with salted caramel sauce. Bread, water, tea, and coffee will be served as well.

 

Prices listed online are for advance-sale only. On-site purchases will include a $15 convenience surcharge per ticket. Please note that a 10-percent processing fee will be charged for cancellation and refund requests through May 31. Refund and cancellation requests received after May 31 will be reviewed case by case, based on circumstance and event viability.