GPM Forum 2026
Introduction by GPM Forum Chairman, Greg Pitz
From Greg Pitz, GPM Forum Chairman
Because artificial intelligence (AI) has matured sufficiently to be used regularly and consistently by everyone, most of the speaking topics will be about AI this year. In February, Nick Smith demonstrated how to make images, slides, & videos. He also showed how to setup repeating tasks. In June, Eriq VanBibber will give us a deep dive into how to use artificial intelligence. In October Ana Melikian will share with us how artificial intelligence is changing the world around us. In November, Tyler Danner will be sharing her experiences using AI to made the Arizona Department of Transportation website so much quicker and easier to use.
Because artificial intelligence (AI) has matured sufficiently to be used regularly and consistently by everyone, most of the speaking topics will be about AI this year. In February, Nick Smith demonstrated how to make images, slides, & videos. He also showed how to setup repeating tasks. In June, Eriq VanBibber will give us a deep dive into how to use artificial intelligence. In October Ana Melikian will share with us how artificial intelligence is changing the world around us. In November, Tyler Danner will be sharing her experiences using AI to made the Arizona Department of Transportation website so much quicker and easier to use.
After the summer break we are hoping to return to Burton Barr Central Library.
If you know someone who knows a lot about a particular topic? Would you be so kind as to ask if they would be willing to give us a presentation? forum@phoenixmensa.org
GPM Provides an HD projection system for your convenience described HERE.
Want to know what we had in previous years?
Click here: GPM 2024 Forum.
Click here: GPM 2025 Forum.
If you know someone who knows a lot about a particular topic? Would you be so kind as to ask if they would be willing to give us a presentation? forum@phoenixmensa.org
GPM Provides an HD projection system for your convenience described HERE.
Want to know what we had in previous years?
Click here: GPM 2024 Forum.
Click here: GPM 2025 Forum.
Below you will find each Forum's schedule with announcements and relevant content provided by the speaker. Click on the green bar to expand and see the details.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For ALL Forum dates - SETUP starts at 10. PRESENTATION starts at 10:30.
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November 2026 - Tyler Danner will be sharing her experiences using AI to make the Arizona Department of Transportation website so much quicker and easier to use.
November 14, 2026 10:30 AM at TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Speaker Biography:
Tyler Danner
Location: TBD-
October 2026 - Riding the 100-Foot AI Wave:- Depth Over Hype by Ana Melikian
October 10, 2026 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library Rm B
Abstract:
AI is accelerating—reflection isn’t. In this forum, Dr. Ana Melikian will lead an engaging exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping our work and our lives. Together, we’ll examine key mindset shifts that move us from reactive tool-chasing to intentional value creation, then pressure-test them through real-world scenarios. Bring your questions, counterpoints, and edge cases—the goal is not consensus, but clearer thinking and practical next steps that strengthen human judgment, ethics, and performance.
Speaker Biography:
Ana Melikian, Ph.D., is a speaker, Top 1% podcaster, and author of MINDSET ZONE: Actualize Your Potential, a #1 Amazon bestseller in Organizational Learning. With a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees in psychology, Dr. Melikian combines research-based insights with practical strategies to help leaders and organizations thrive. A Board Certified Coach (BCC) and active member of both the Association of Corporate Executive Coaches (ACEC) and the National Speakers Association (NSA), she is currently focused on supporting leaders and teams in navigating the human side of AI disruption—leveraging technology to enhance, not replace, human potential. anamelikian.com
Location: TBD, RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.-
September 2026 - SUMMER BREAK
September 12, 2026 10:00 AM at Burton Barr Central Library (tentative)
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June 2026 - Eriq VanBibber will be showing us how to deeply use AI.
June 13, 2026 10:30 AM at Acacia Library, 750 E Townley Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020 [MAP]
Abstract:
Eriq VanBibber will be showing us how to deeply use AI. Eriq is a top level programmer. He assisted me in generating slides for my presentation to the Arizona Commerce Authority. The publicly available data he was able to access with AI was truly mind-blowing. As one example, figures, values, & money still available in the Chips Act that had to be used to exclusively fund quantum technologies which I thought was all spent. It quite impressed the board of the ACA. Me too. Many other ways to use AI you probably weren't aware as easily accomplished.
Speaker Biography:
Eriq VanBibber is a visionary technology executive with 25+ years of experience in software architecture, enterprise systems, and groundbreaking solutions. His journey spans creating industry leading software solutions, driving six figure service contracts, building global teams — all while aligning technology with business growth.
With deep expertise in AI/LLM, Azure, Office 365, .NET Framework, Microsoft Exchange, and data-driven decision making, he excels in solving complex or perceived impossible challenges, fostering innovation, and delivering measurable ROI. Whether leading cross-function teams or bridging technical and business domains, he strives on driving strategic growth and operational excellence.
Location: Acacia Library, 750 E Townley Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020 [MAP]
Seating is limited. RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.-
May 2026 - How to Unwind Your Stress - Trading in Your Stress for Energy by Kebba Button
May 9, 2025 10:00 AM at Acacia branch, Phoenix Public Library, 750 E Townley Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
How to Unwind Your Stress - Trading in Your Stress for Energy
Abstract:
To most, stress seems everywhere present and unavoidable. People get exhausted from being "stressed out". They have trouble focusing or performing in their work. They become ill and hurt their relationships, In this session, several common stress models will be presented, together with a fresh model that illuminates the true nature of stress and how best to unwind it. Attendees will learn the scientific basis of the impact of joy and bliss on health and lifestyle. Self-help for real stress solutions will be offered, for those who want to change their lives.
Bio:
Kebba Buckley Button passionately pursued a science career, earning 2.8 university degrees and working for engineering organizations. However, a painful health crash drove her to explore stress solutions, energy medicine, and natural answers for pain. Now she is the award-winning author of 4 books and over 800 articles, and has helped thousands to unwind their stress, with her natural healing practice and stress solutions talks and classes.
Vassar College- Baccalaureate, University of Arizona- Master's Degree, Various-specialized medical and holistic health training.
Location: Acacia branch, Phoenix Public Library, 750 E Townley Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85020RSVP to: forum@phoenixmensa.org Mensans, guests, and the public are invited.-
March 2026 - Using AI to Improve Your Life by Nick Smith
March 14, 2026 10:00AM at Acacia branch, Phoenix Public Library, 750 E Townley Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
Migratory Planets and Chaos in the Young Solar System
Abstract:
Our understanding of the Solar system has undergone a revolution in recent decades, owing to new observational discoveries and new theoretical insights into its rich dynamical structure. The emerging picture is one of dramatic orbital migration of the giant planets in the early history of the Solar system. This migration was driven by interaction with the massive primordial Kuiper belt. It produced the Solar system architecture that we live in today. The evidence is all over the Solar system, as close as the Moon and as far away as Pluto and the Kuiper belt and the Oort Cloud. While this evidence is compelling, there is also tension with the observed properties of the inner solar system: the migration of the giant planets should have caused severe, potentially destabilizing, perturbations on the terrestrial planets. I will describe these developments and ongoing work towards a more complete understanding of the dynamical history of the Solar system.
Bio:
Renu Malhotra is Louise Foucar Marshall Science Research Professor and Regents Professor of Planetary Sciences at The University of Arizona in Tucson. Her research spans orbital dynamics in the solar system and in extra-solar planetary systems. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been the recipient of honors and awards from the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union, the Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cornell University, The University of Arizona, and the IIT-Delhi.
Website: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~renu/
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