"Despite the economy, the level of engagement of our membership is at an all-time high,” said John Folks at a press conference yesterday during the Professional Convention Management Association Annual Meeting. Folks, the outgoing PCMA board of directors chairman, was upbeat about the show’s attendance numbers (tracking ahead of last year’s New Orleans conference, which drew 3,134 delegates) and its showcase of new formats and new ideas.

Among the innovations at this year’s show are live webcasts of the general and plenary sessions, and “PCMA TV,” a video reel of news highlights and session summaries, created through a partnership with Convention News Television and posted on the conference Web site. Another original effort: The Monday luncheon was set up “in the round,” with a central stage for announcing award winners, and featured comical video clips of PCMA chapter leaders extolling the many benefits of their volunteer positions ("The pay, of course!" "The fame and glory").

At the opening reception on Sunday evening, held at the Dallas Convention Center, the association and the host city created a memorable event, buzzing with four interactive themes: western, sports, fashion, and midway. Attendees could pose for a photo with members of the Dallas Cowboys football team, wobble through a fun house, ride a mechanical bull, get a fashion makeover, and turn into a cartoon at the Dance Heads booth, among other activities.

The conference’s educational agenda began January 11, with an opening general session headlined by Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Brinker spoke movingly about how every person can make a difference to a community, a cause, an organization, or even the world if they put their passions to work, a force she called "the power of one."

That evening featured a "Diamonds and Denim"–themed Hall of Leaders Gala at the Dallas Fairmont Hotel, where the Convention Industry Council inducted five new honorees: M. Theresa Breining, CMP, CMM; Thomas M. Mobley, Jr.; Steve Porter; Preston Robert Tisch; and Jerry A. Wayne.

Look for a slideshow at the MeetingsNet of the CIC extravaganza, and check in with our face2face blog for continuing coverage of the conference.