Every GMS cohort class is sent to a conference during the fall. This conference is needed in order for the GMS staff, as well as the four other organization's staff, to meet with the scholars in person. The three day conference is also a time for the scholars to network and meet the other half of scholars. These events include guest speakers such as Bill Gates senior and governors such as Gary Locke, among many others. The scholars also get a chance to interact with each other via teamwork building activites. Of course, there is also a time for the scholars to have fun as well at the Saturday night dance. There are two conferences, one for the west coast and one for the east coast (roughly around 500 scholars each). The GMS cohort class of '07 (high school grads in 2007) was sent to the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, CA.