G4G16 (2026) Recap

Noteworthy G4G16 Stats

• G4G16 had 403 official conference registrants, plus 70 guests.
• Themes:
  • The Number 16
  • Square – Cube
  • Conference relocation to San Francisco, CA

G4G16 on Social Media

• Facebook: #g4g16
• Instagram: #g4g16

Media Coverage

• Exploratorium Announcement
• Skeptical Inquirer: Gathering 4 Gardner 2026
• MathHappens at Gathering 4 Gardner 2026!
• My G4G16 Recap
• Oded Margalit’s Post
• Shyam Sunder Gupta’s Post

Attendee Recaps & Comments

• Pleasant memories of joyful moments at the 16th Gathering 4 Gardner Conference G4G16 (2026) in San Francisco (USA).
  With kind regards,

  – Shyam Sunder Gupta

• The organization and flow of the sessions was excellent. The atmosphere in the room was great — good spirits and friendly exchanges. I loved the bubble guy (Notty)!
  – Joshua Socolar
  
• Just about everything! I’ve really appreciated the level of thought and care that goes into making these events fun, welcoming, and efficient use of time. Both my visits have been great.
  – Anonymous
• Shevek’s sound and lighting were off the charts. Amazing job!
  I appreciated the diversity of topics and speakers (especially the inclusion of younger folks.)
  The gala made me feel like I was at a “nerdy” Las Vegas revue. How did you pull that off with no practice? Amazing.
  – Jenny
• The selection of the talks, the venue itself, the gift exchange, and of course the main speaker Don Knuth. I had so much fun discussing ideas with him, and scribbling some math in between talks. He is so genuine and insightful. But I have to say, in general, everyone was friendly and inspiring. From puzzle designers, to academics, to math enthusiasts. Everyone gave me interesting ideas to think about.
  – Saad Mneimneh
• A great assortment of activities on Saturday afternoon so that people could settle in for something big/long, or just dabble. Fantastic assortment of speakers. This was such a joyful experience!
  – Rodi Steinig
• A/V was impressive and efficient. I also really enjoyed meeting and being in the presence of a lot of like-minded people who are just curious and playful. It was refreshing to be in such a positive, non-ego-driven environment. I really enjoyed the hands-on activities, in particular the ruler and compass Islamic art reconstructions.
  – Jim Conant
• I attended G4G16 with my 15-year-old kid and his 60+ year old uncle. All three of us had a spectacular time in many different ways with so many different speakers. Thank you for running this amazing event!
  – Anonymous
• Everyone was extremely friendly, the venue was lovely, and the featured speakers were excellent. It was great to meet and/or hang out with some of my geek heroes (though of course their time was very much in demand). The A/V tech was outstanding and very impressive.
  – Rick Rubenstein
• It’s hard to pick just 1 thing. For me, G4G is an amazing experience of getting to meet up with other people that are as passionate about their interests as I am. It’s not necessarily about which particular interests we have, rather that everyone is passionate about what they do. I think you all do an amazing job bringing everyone together. I always leave with a new list of people to keep in touch, and hopefully to see at the next Gathering.
  – Braden Ganetsky
• Variety of presenters and topics of talks, hotel/destination was amazing, gift exchange was such a cool experience, Magic roulette was a lot of fun, and vibe was great.
  – Anonymous
• The AV team was great, and everything (not just the technical side) seemed to run very smoothly. It felt easy to navigate as a first time attendee. Also, the environment that you have fostered was warm and welcoming. I struggle to talk to people, but everyone was so friendly and engaged and open to meeting new people. I really felt like part of the community. The round tables really lend to this collaborative atmosphere also.
  – Anonymous
• Overall organization and logistics were great; audio support for speakers was incredible; break food was delicious; love having exhibits in back of main room; proximity of sales rooms was great – only my 2nd G4G, but head and shoulders over my first one two years ago.
  – Phil Webster
• Bob Hearn did a superb job directing the sessions, and producing the program. A/V was done as well as the Atlanta crew, or better! Also, VERY GOOD use of the hotel space.
  – John Miller