i3 lecture series: Future schedule for the inspirational talks

By Bill Wilson

What is i3? Now in its sixth season i³ means ideas that inform & inspire!

The yearly programs include a diverse array of speakers who will continue our tradition of exceptional programming.

How did the series begin? On the eve of the 2016 San Miguel Writers’ Conference, where the keynote speaker John “Economic Hit Man” Perkins was being honored at a lavish and lively brunch, the spark of an idea was ignited. The setting was the home of conference ringleader, Susan Page and Mexican folkart impresario, the late Mayer Shacter. 

The late Rob Lerner, co-founder of i3, recalls the story of how SMA got its i’s… "Long after the pancakes had been consumed, and fueled by a third, perhaps fourth round of coffee; the conversation jolted up to such high-minded topics as the ‘state of human civilization’. Suddenly, Diane (Varney) blurted out, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we had a regular lecture series here in San Miguel, something like the City Arts & Lectures series in San Francisco?" I could tell from the glint in Susan’s eye that she thought it was a good idea, too.

“That was the spark, and just a few meetings later we had a name — i3: ideas that inform & inspire — a volunteer steering committee, and our first presenter: former Mexican President Vincente Fox, speaking on US/Mexico relations in the wake of the 2016 U.S. election.”

Based in San Miguel de Allende, i3 is a not-for-profit lecture series which hosts six or more speakers each season. Presentation with Q&A at 5:00 PM in La Casona Event Center.

Informal reception to follow, with complimentary botanas and beverages available for purchase. Advance tickets online $15 USD ($290 pesos); $350 pesos at the door. Advance ticket sales close 24 hours before event start time.The future schedule is:

Perspectives from a Mexican Journalist with Denise Dresser, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 5:00pm

The Monarch Butterfly Migration, Its Rise, and Fall with Monika Maeckle, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 5:00pm

Sheinbaum: Implications for Democracy and US/Mexico Relations with Carlos Bravo Regidor, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 5:00pm

For more information about i3, next events and how to participate, and even become a Patron, visit www.i3sma.org