The Religious Conference Management Association, headquartered in Indianapolis, hit record high attendance when it took its annual conference and exposition to the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando in early February.

More than 1,400 participants flocked to RCMA's 36th World Conference and Exposition in the Sunshine State to hear keynote speakers musician Ken Medema, former beauty queen Jeanne Robertson, adventurer Paul Templer, inspirational speaker Albert Mensah, and communication expert Linda Larsen. Medema in particular was a hit with the crowd, particularly when he asked audience members to come to the mic and share a story of how someone had helped them succeed at something in their lives. The musician then performed an original song based on the stories they told.

Also among the offerings were tutorials on many meeting planning essentials, including food and beverage, negotiating, marketing, and site selection. Many of the tutorials were led by local meetings experts who added to the Floridian flavor of the meeting. Attendees also found that, by holding the entire event at the Rosen Shingle Creek, the level of food and service remained consistently high. That said, they were not disappointed to go off-site to an Arabian Nights dinner show, followed by a dessert reception, fireworks, and a light show at Epcot.

RCMA Executive Director DeWayne Woodring also announced that RCMA donated $100,000 to the World Food Programme this year, the third consecutive year that the religious meeting planner organization donated that amount to help feed children worldwide. The organization also named Ken Lupp, senior sales manager, The Founders Inn & Spa, Virginia Beach, Va., as its 2008 President's Award recipient.

Calendar:

November 1 to 5
ICCA Congress and Exhibition, Victoria, B.C.
www.iccaworld.com

December 2 to 4
EIBTM, Barcelona, Spain
www.eibtm.com

December 9 to 11
Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Miami, Fla.
www.iaee.com

Further RCMA news

Religious Conference Manager

Religious Conference Manager Association