As part of a sweeping rebranding effort conducted over the last year, the Religious Conference Management Association has unveiled a new name and logo for its annual conference. Formerly known as the World Conference & Expo, the annual meeting has been renamed Emerge, says Dean Jones, CMP, RCMA’s director of conferences and events.
The name was chosen because its dictionary definition, “coming into view or being,” captures RCMA’s momentum as the association moves to define a more relevant role in relationship to its members and the marketplace for faith-based meetings, he explains.
"Our members are emerging in their own right, rising above the challenges of the hospitality world, above economic woes, downsized staffs, increased sales goals,” he says “People in the faith market know how to overcome!"
The 2013 conference, which will be held January 29–February 1 in Minneapolis, will not only have a new name but will be a new experience, with many program and format changes that are designed to encourage community and inspiration. For example, there are several new networking opportunities, including planner/supplier appointments during the trade show, as well peer-to-peer instruction and a mentoring program that pairs seasoned planners with novices.
"We're working hard to create an association that provides value to all of our members,” Jones says, “so that they are more productive, efficient, and successful because of their relationships with fellow members and their participation in RCMA."
Online registration for Emerge will open in the coming weeks, Jones says. For more details about the 2013 conference, visit rcmaweb.org. The October issue of Religious Conference Manager will also include in-depth program and destination information.