Striving for excellence never ceases — we all want to be better people tomorrow than we are today. “Reaching Beyond,” the theme for RCMA 2007, acknowledges this desire, and the theme will be central to the 2007 conference. Explore your personal and professional frontiers by attending RCMA's 35th World Conference and Exposition, January 30-February 2, 2007, in Louisville, Ky.
RCMA is expected to draw more than 1,300 meeting professionals to this international event. The meeting is constructed to help you increase your knowledge and skills, develop strategic partnerships with all types of vendors, and improve your performance through some of the finest tutorials that RCMA has ever offered.
RCMA makes learning enjoyable. You will be energized by fabulous general session speakers. You will hone your meeting-planning skills at the tutorials, and you will be wowed by top-notch entertainment. But above all, RCMA attendees cherish the connections they make with other members and associate members. The spirit and camaraderie at RCMA are unique and special.
Louisville, the site of the first RCMA conference, is excited to be hosting RCMA.
“Louisville is very proud to have hosted the very first RCMA meeting back in 1972, and we felt that it was very important for RCMA to come back to Louisville for its 35th anniversary,” said James Wood, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Wood points out that his city has undergone a tremendous development phase, and now offers new hotels, expanded convention centers, new entertainment venues, and several new visitor attractions.
Louisville looks different than it did 35 years ago, but its commitment to religious meetings has been steadfast. In the past seven years, 268 religious meetings and conventions have been held in Louisville, consuming more than 520,000 room nights, according to Wood. Louisville has a strong base of religious organizations, and geographically the city is positioned to accommodate convention delegates arriving from all parts of the country.
“Recently Louisville was recognized as the most affordable city in which to hold a meeting or convention, and we will continue to be the ideal city for most religious conferences to come and meet in,” Wood says.
You will be able to see the lovely Kentucky river city for yourself with the early bird sightseeing tours and other activities that RCMA has planned for Tuesday, January 30. (See page 22 for details.)
Also on the early bird lineup is a series of behind-the-scenes experiences, something only RCMA offers. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to explore the inner operations of an advertising company, a public relations firm, a hotel, a production company, or a hotel or a convention center. Gain hands-on experience as you become involved with key personnel in a range of activities.
Tuesday night, you'll enjoy the “Grand Reception … Southern Style.” You will have a taste of experiences that are unique to Louisville. You can hit a home run with a Louisville Slugger, feel the thunder of Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds, and enjoy the music of Dixieland.
Wednesday morning, an energizing extravaganza at the Kentucky International Convention Center will fill you with anticipation for what is to come.
Then it's off to the Expo, which will have booths staffed by knowledgeable suppliers who provide services for religious meetings.
But don't worry about being inundated with a barrage of suppliers, according to RCMA Executive Director DeWayne S. Woodring. “We carefully manage the planner-to-supplier ratio so that every attendee will have the one-on-one time they need.”
At the heart of RCMA's mission are the educational opportunities offered at its expert-led tutorials. This year's lineup continues the RCMA tradition of offering the finest breakout sessions. RCMA's 2007 tutorials ensure that there is something for everyone.
From meeting and crisis management, to cost-effective food and beverage, to putting together an effective small meeting, and how improve your writing, these tutorials will provide you with exactly what you need to improve your meetings. (See tutorial schedule beginning on page 22.)
The RCMA week will be made complete by evenings of fun, excitement, humor, and wonderful dining.
Famed entertainer Wayne Newton will perform Wednesday. The star of stage, movies, and television, Newton is sure to be a delight for attendees to watch and hear.
On Thursday, the 35th Annual Gala will put a beautiful bow on the week. This festive evening is always a conference highlight, featuring exquisite cuisine, the President's Award, and delightful entertainment.
RCMA is a foundation for professional excellence every year. Let it help you “Reach Beyond” in 2007.
Desi Williamson: “Reaching Beyond … To Unleash the Power in You” (Wednesday morning)
Desi Williamson is a modern-day Horatio Alger. Born poor and repeatedly beaten down by life's inequities, he still managed to beat the odds to become a successful author and business leader.
At the age of 11, he ran away from a troubled home to live with his grandmother who, from the beginning, believed that Desi was special. Through her love and direction, he was given the faith to believe in himself. Desi proclaims that every person has hidden assets within them that can yield tremendous results.
Eric Alexander: “Reaching Beyond … To Accomplish the Impossible” (Wednesday afternoon)
World-class skier, climber, and mountaineer Eric Alexander achieves his goals while playing an instrumental role in helping others. He defied the odds and scaled Mount Everest, guiding his blind friend to its lofty 29,035-foot summit. The pair then traveled to Russia and climbed Mount Elbrus, and again found success on Mount Koscusko in Australia.
Eric has successfully climbed the highest point on six of the seven continents while challenging people to overcome the “Everests” in their own lives, redefining the limits of what we can achieve.
Wayne Newton … Showman Extraordinaire! (Wednesday evening)
One of the world's most talented performers, Wayne Newton, comes to RCMA to share his high-energy entertainment. Having established himself on stage, television, and movies, he is the epitome of showmanship.
In addition to his vocal prowess, this entertainment dynamo plays 13 instruments and is one of a very few singers to make a successful crossover to a burgeoning acting career.
As one of the most widely acclaimed and honored entertainers in history, his awards include the “Ellis Island Medal of Honor,” which is presented to outstanding Americans who have distinguished themselves among their ethnic group (Native American) and for their significant contributions to this country.
Debbie and Mike Gardner: “Reaching Beyond … To Calibrate Your Courage” (Thursday morning)
“Courage Coaches” Debbie and Mike Gardner are nationally acclaimed trainers in personal protection who teach updated and explicit crime survival skills, drawing upon their own life-threatening personal mistakes … then successes … during distinguished law enforcement careers.
Their new and healthy approach to this timely topic dares you to replace worn-out safety concepts with proven updates that emphasize “LESS is more, when less is RIGHT!” Their safety message has extraordinary take-home value.
Laura Stack: “Reaching Beyond … In Overcoming the Logjams of Life” (Thursday afternoon)
Laura Stack is The Productivity Pro, who helps people save time in their daily activities. As president of a consulting firm, she specializes in productivity in high-stress environments. Her best-selling book Leave The Office Earlier was hailed as “the best of the bunch” by The New York Times.
Sam Del Brocco: “Reaching Beyond … By Showing ‘Em A Little Razzle-Dazzle” (Friday morning)
A master producer of conference and special events, Sam Del Brocco, president and CEO of PCI Communications Inc. in Washington, D.C., will present an insider's view of the world of creativity. He will provide practical tips on how, through careful planning, meetings can become magical, rewarding, and transformational experiences.