GAM 2026 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri): Full Schedule

Welcome to the Gifted Association of Missouri’s 2026 Annual Conference!
Join us October 16–17, 2026, at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, Missouri, for this year’s conference, Adventures in Gifted Education. Designed with both gifted specialists and general education teachers in mind, this year’s conference invites you to explore practical, engaging ways to support advanced learners in every classroom.

Our adventure begins with opening keynote speaker Karen Rambo-Hernandez, who will explore the wide variability of student needs and challenge the idea that “one size fits all” in today’s classrooms. Grounded in research and real-world application, her message will resonate with anyone working to meet students where they are—especially those ready for more challenge.

We’ll close our journey with Bryan Pearlman, a nationally recognized educator and speaker known for his dynamic, inspiring approach to teaching and learning. Bryan will leave you energized with creative ideas and a renewed sense of purpose as you continue your work with students.

Throughout the conference, you’ll have opportunities to engage in sessions that offer immediately applicable strategies, fresh perspectives, and meaningful collaboration—no matter your role or experience with gifted education.

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired—register early and take advantage of the discounted early bird rate of $300, available through August 3rd. After that, registration increases to $375 starting August 4th.
We can’t wait to see you in St. Louis for this exciting adventure!

Parking
Free parking is available at Lindbergh High School in the GREEN lot.

Hotel Information
Comfort Suites St. Louis - Sunset Hills - Choice Hotels or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St Louis Route 66
Click on the Hotel & Meal tab for morning information!

Meals
A coffee/pastry bar will be provided both Friday and Saturday. The awards luncheon on Friday will take place at Royale Orleans (2801 Telegraph Rd. 63125). A boxed lunch will be provide for attendees stay on Saturday for the GAM general meeting to occur at 1:30 pm.

2:15pm CDT

Future City Competition

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT

LHS Room 16

The Future City Competition is a project-based STEM program that challenges middle and high school students to imagine, design, and build cities of tomorrow. This year’s theme, “Fire Resilient Future!”, invites participants to develop innovative solutions that help cities prevent, withstand, and recover from fire-related disasters. Teams explore engineering principles and sustainability while completing deliverables: a scale model, an essay, a live presentation to judges, and a project plan. The competition is open for grades 6-12, but the curriculum can be used with younger gifted students. Curriculum and rubrics will be shared.

Speakers

Jennifer Hawkins

Friday October 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT
LHS Room 16

Breakout, Educators, Students

3:05pm CDT

Curiosity: A "Wonder"ful Way to Learn

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT

LHS Room 56

Did you know that there are specific areas of your brain devoted to curiosity? It is one of the oldest drives in our species right along with hunger and thirst. When we are actively curious, we learn better and remember more. Come satisfy your curiosity, and find ways to enhance your students' learning through the power of curiosity.

Speakers

Dr. Denise Ford

Friday October 16, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm CDT
LHS Room 56

Breakout, Educators, Students, administrators

9:45am CDT

Mensa and Giftedness: find your tribe and make the most of your intelligence.

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

LHS Room 56

Greg will give a introduction to Mensa, the high-IQ organization. Mensa is often described as a social organization for nerds, but the mission is much larger. The first statement of purpose for American Mensa is: “Identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity.”

This includes nurturing intelligence found early on one’s lifetime and, to this end, Mensa provides support for intellectually gifted students and their parents.

Among the programs are: The Mensa Honor Society, Mensa Foundation - Excellence in Reading, Mensa Foundation - Excellence in Science, Mensa Youth Virtual Activities, and a partnership with John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.

These programs are available to students as young as kindergarteners, typically ending after their senior year in high school.

Mensa is not just a place for the highly intelligent to find their peers, it is an organization to help with making the most of their gift.

Greg’s presentation will include anecdotes from his childhood, from his parent’s point of view, indicating his level of intelligence was “not normal”. He’ll include some cautionary tales and suggestions for keeping your young scientists and engineers safe.

The presentation will end with “You Might be a Mensan If…” listing some signs you (or your child) might be in the top 2% of the population in intelligence.

Speakers

Greg Krumrey

Former Gifted Student, Retired IT Instructor, Mensa Member

Having been a gifted student before most gifted student programs existed, I understand how offering exceptional students opportunities can impact the student experience, growth and future career.

I witnessed the impact of those improvements through the eyes of my daughter as she navigated a very different educational experience at Parkway West high school. The knowledge and confidence she gained during those years launched her into a lifetime of learning and a career in journalism... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
LHS Room 56

Breakout, Educators, Parents, Administrators, Students

9:45am CDT

Real World Mathematical Patterns

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

LHS Room 52

We will connect math to the real world, complete hands-on open ended investigations, follow directions, use geometric construction tools, visualize and develp spactial reasoning skills while discussing famous mathematicians such as Fibonacci, Rubik, and Sierpinski.

Speakers

Michelle Bobo

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
LHS Room 52

Breakout, Educators, Parents, Students

10:45am CDT

Curiosity: A "Wonder"ful Way to Learn

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

TBD

Speakers

Dr. Denise Ford

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
TBD

Breakout, Educators, Parents, Administrators, Students

10:45am CDT

Math Contests - an Underutilized Tool for Gifted Students

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

LHS Room 56

Math competitions are an underutilized tool for engaging students and developing resilience. This session will cover how math competitions can complement classroom instruction and their benefits to students. This session will also cover the features of the most common math competitions available at the elementary level and how to determine which will best benefit your students.

Speakers