If you Google the phrase “transitional moment,” you’ll find an interesting diversity of meanings that are relevant to the transitional moment that the Religious Conference Management Association is experiencing under its new leadership.
Music: a bridge linking two parts of a composition
Physics: a molecular change that results in a change in energy level
Sports: a change from defense to offense or offense to defense
History: a pivotal event that changes the direction of attitudes and customs
Aiming to build on the legacy of Dr. DeWayne Woodring, RCMA’s new executive director,Harry Schmidt, communicated a spirit of enthusiasm and collaboration in his welcoming remarks at last month’s annual meeting in Kansas City, where RCMA marked not only a historic leadership transition but also the milestone of its 40th anniversary convention.
The momentum of change accelerated at the meeting with the announcement of an expanded role for the board of directors, as well as the hiring of veteran planner Dean Jones to become the association’s first director of conferences and events.
But for RCMA to evolve further as an organization, members need to step up and be part of the change. Lots of people did that at the annual convention by stopping by the Welcome Center-—a new addition to the conference this year—and filling out a survey that will provide valuable feedback. If you missed the opportunity to fill out the survey form at the meeting, send your feedback and ideas to rcma@rcmaweb.org. This is your chance, your moment, to help take RCMA to the next level of development, one that will see an expanded role for members in shaping the future of the organization.
As Schmidt said at the closing session: “Last night we had one of those special moments when we honored and shared our love for a great man, Dr. Woodring, who served us so well for the past 30 years.” There will be more great moments in the future, he went on to say, as long as the association stays focused on its mission.
“With mission you have purpose and with purpose you will have progress,” Schmidt said, adding that the audience was not just a crowd of people but part of a movement.“Together, we can continue with the movement that we call RCMA.”