A noted television personality…Olympian…expert on extraordinary performance…award winning speaker who lost his life savings in the Bernie Madoff scandal…and a talk show host will be featured speakers at the 38th RCMA World Conference and Exposition by the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA).
Convening in the Fort Worth Convention Center, January 26 – 29, 2010, this multifaith event will embrace key religious leaders and industry representatives from throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
American television personality and award winning journalist, Catherine Crier, will present a featured address on “Aim High...You Make A Difference.” Recipient of an Emmy, DuPont-Columbia and Gracie Allen awards, Crier was the youngest state judge ever to be elected in Texas.
Among the other personalities who will address the international audience will be Vince Poscente, Olympic speed-skater; Jim Jacobus speaking on how the “real world fits into what God wants us to be;” Matt Weinstein reflecting on “surviving life’s inevitable downturns;” and Vicki Hitzges, broadcast personality presenting “Those Are Trees Out There.”
According to DeWayne Woodring, executive director and CEO of RCMA, “the conference will focus on the theme “Aim High!” and will feature a variety of learning experiences aimed at bolstering the religious planner’s meeting and management skills, plus provide a variety of numerous networking and fellowship opportunities.”
A special feature of the event will be a range of Behind-The-Scenes Experiences in which the attendees will actively indulge in the inner operations of hotels, the convention center, production company, public relations firm and advertising agency.
Working beside professionals, the planners will perform hands-on tasks, such as creating a multimedia production, develop an advertising campaign for a religious event, prepare food in a hotel kitchen and join in booth set-ups within the convention center exhibit hall.
The broad spectrum of daily educational tutorials will range from “Blessed Be They Who Understand The Religious Market,” “Who, What, When, Where, How to Plan on Land, Sea and Air,” “Blueprints for Successful Meeting and Event Planning,” to “Technology Trends Impacting The Meetings Industry,” “Best Legal Practices in This Sue or Be Sued Society,” and “Social Networking: Today’s Marvel of Communcations.”
“These expert-led educational sessions provide the neophyte planner to the veteran professional with new ideas and practical advice to make their religious events more meaningful, attract greater numbers and operate in an efficient and economical manner,” states Woodring.
The importance of this specific niche market within the meetings industry will be evident as hundreds of convention bureaus, conference centers, hotels, and universities are on-hand to provide information regarding their facilities and services during RCMA’s exposition.
The opening Tuesday night grand reception will recreate the “Wild, Wild West,” taking the visitors along the Texas Trail to explore sights, and sounds, from cattle roping to karaoke.
One of the world’s most acclaimed productions, the World’s Original Indoor Rodeo, will thrill RCMA Conference attendees Wednesday evening, embracing the 114th year of tradition for this event. Considered to be one of the best shows in the nation, the rodeo now attracts visitors from over 80 foreign nations and is Fort Worth’s most attended attraction.
The traditional Thursday evening gala will feature the President’s Award and top talent presenting a variety of musical hits.
RCMA is a nonprofit, faith-based organization of 2,800 religious professionals who have responsibility for planning and/or managing assemblies, meetings and conferences for denominations and religious organizations, as well as those who provide service within this specialized field.
Founded in 1972, RCMA is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of its members and to improving the experience of religious meeting attendees throughout the world.
Complete details of the 2010 World Conference appear on the association’s website at www.rcmaweb.org. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting: Religious Conference Management Association, 7702 Woodland Drive, Suite 120, Indianapolis, IN 46278; Phone (317) 632-1888; Fax (317) 632-7909; E-mail: rcma@rcmaweb.org.
For more information, visit RCMA
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