Record-setting attendance, exceptional speakers, and top entertainment combined to make the Religious Conference Management Association’s 36th Annual World Conference and Exposition one that attendees will remember for years.
The RCMA conference, held February 5 to 8 at Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Fla., attracted 1,411 attendees and continues to be the only not-for-profit meeting in the world dedicated solely to serving the religious meetings community. The theme for the conference was “Exploring New Horizons.”
RCMA’s general-session speakers all drew raves: musician Ken Medema, former beauty queen Jeanne Robertson, adventurer Paul Templer, the inspirational Albert Mensah, and communication expert Linda Larsen. Tutorials offered practical information on a wide range of topics, including food and beverage, negotiating, marketing, and site selection.
After boarding about a dozen motor coaches Wednesday night from Rosen Shingle Creek, attendees took in the Arabian Nights dinner show, followed by a dessert reception at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park and viewing of the fireworks and light show, Illuminations. Three of Branson, Mo.’s finest entertainers—Tony Orlando, Jim Stafford, and Jim Barber—were the highlights of Thursday’s gala dinner.
Other news and notes from the conference: