Hundreds of religious meeting professionals will convene in Tampa, Fla., January 29 – February 1, 2002 for the 30th Annual Conference and Exposition of the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA).

This ecumenical event attracts meeting planners and suppliers from throughout the U.S. and overseas who manage conferences and assemblies attracting 18 million attendees.

According to Dr. DeWayne Woodring, executive director of RCMA, "The conference gives all religious meeting planners, whether they’re seasoned professionals or new in the field, the tools and knowledge they need to produce successful events."

Meeting in the Tampa Convention Center, the conference will focus on the theme "Currents of Change" and present a variety of learning experiences aimed at bolstering the planner’s meeting and management skills, plus providing numerous networking and fellowship opportunities.

A special feature of the conference will be an innovative "Behind-The-Scenes Experience" in which attendees will personally participate in the inner operations of a hotel, convention center, television station, newspaper or convention bureau. Registrants will have the opportunity to actually work beside the professional staff in various areas performing daily tasks.

Another unique event will be a mock trial, entitled "You Be The Judge," in which all conference attendees will have the opportunity to serve as jurors and determine the guilt or innocence of the parties involved in a legal case.

In addition to the in-depth educational experiences, the Expo 2002 trade show affords attendees the opportunity to speak directly with over 800 representatives from a host of meeting destinations, convention bureaus, hotels, airlines, colleges and conference centers.

For more information contact: Religious Conference Management Association, One RCA Dome, Suite 120, Indianapolis, IN 46225; Phone (317) 632-1888; Fax (317) 632-7909; Website: www.rcmaweb.org; Email: rcma@rcmaweb.org.)