In our lives, we strive to fulfill our potential; the quest to be the best person we can be is ongoing. Explore the possibilities for excellence in your life at “Quest for the Best,” RCMA's 34th World Conference and Exposition, January 31 — February 3, 2006, in San Jose.
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 the finest lineup of 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.
Vibrant San Jose is excited to be hosting RCMA.
“The religious market is part of our long-term future,” says Dan Fenton, president and CEO of the San Jose CVB. “Since announcing RCMA's selection of San Jose as the 2006 host city, we have been able to establish a greater presence within the market. We are proud of the success we have already received as a result of RCMA, including The Mennonite Church USA (July 2007), Presbyterian Church USA (June 2008), and others.”
San Jose enjoys many strengths as a meeting destination. “When planners visit our city, they witness first hand how clean and safe our downtown is. Many visitors have made positive comments about San Jose's small-town feel, even though we are actually the 10th-largest city in the nation.”
San Jose is at the center of the famed Silicon Valley, high-tech market, which experienced a market crash five years ago. That forced the CVB to examine its strategies.
“We learned that we could not afford to focus only on one market segment,” Fenton says. “We began diver-sifying our sales efforts, which included national and state associations, sports, ethnic, and religious markets.”
That led to RCMA 2006, and San Jose is ready. “Our entire community has come together, including our hotel partners, attractions, and the public sector to ensure that the planners of RCMA have a pleasant experience,” he says.
You'll be able to see the great California city for yourself with the early bird sightseeing tours and other activities that RCMA has planned for Tuesday, January 31. (See page 27 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 major convention center. Gain hands-on experience as you become involved with key personnel in a range of activities.
Tuesday night, you'll enjoy the opening reception, “Wild, Wild West.” You can pan for gold, learn trick roping, and toss horseshoes. Of course, there will be tasty food and fine fellowship, too.
Wednesday morning, an energizing extravaganza at the McEnery Convention Center will fill you with anticipation for what's 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 2006 tutorials ensure that there is something for everyone.
From risk and crisis management, to cost-effective food and beverage, to developing an event guidebook, and communicating with confidence, these tutorials will provide you with exactly what you need to improve your meetings. (See schedule on page 27.)
The RCMA experience will be completed with evenings of fun, excitement, humor, and wonderful dining.
Celebrated entertainer Ben Vereen will perform Wednesday. The Tony Award winner has starred in Jelly's Last Jam, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Pippin on Broadway, as well as in numerous highly acclaimed television productions, including his unforgettable performance as Chicken George in Roots.
On Thursday, the 34th 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. Make it part of your quest to be your best in 2006.
Wednesday breakfast: “Quest for the Best: In Expanding Your Vision”
You may know Mark Victor Hansen better as “that Chicken Soup for the Soul guy.” Mark has created what Time magazine calls “the publishing phenomenon of the decade” with more than 100 million Chicken Soup for the Soul books sold around the world. For more than 30 years, he has focused on helping people reshape their personal vision of what is possible. Mark teaches the principles of the four types of tithing: thinking, time, talent, and treasures.
Wednesday luncheon: “Quest for the Best: In a Changing World”
Terry Paulson, PhD, is a psychologist and theologian who knows how to communicate wisdom in ways that people can understand in these challenging times. An author of seven books, his publications range from Meditations for the Road Warrior and They Shoot Managers Don't They? to Making Humor Work and Can I Have the Keys to the Car?
Thursday luncheon: “Quest for the Best: In Bridging the Gender Gap”
From serving as human resources specialist for businesses ranging from the Walt Disney Co. to Rockwell International, Mimi Donaldson provides eye-opening techniques for skillful communication. She is co-author of Negotiating For Dummies. Her next book is Bless Your Stress: It Means You Are Still Alive. She has served as a visiting professor at Harvard University's Center for Public Leadership and been a featured guest on radio and television stations across the country.
Friday breakfast: “Quest for the Best: In Juggling Life's Challenges”
“Professor Confidence” Dave Finnigan is a master at helping individuals to improve their self-confidence, stretch beyond self-imposed limits, and release hidden capabilities. With degrees from Cornell and the Univ. of California-Berkeley and doctoral studies at the University of Washington, Dave went on to spend 10 years in East Asia working in health programs. Today he is a teacher extraordinaire. His work has been featured in Money, Smithsonian, and Sports Illustrated magazines.