1972

• Three clergyman, including Leonard Wymore with the North America Christina Convention, conceive the idea of creating a group for religious conference managers.

1973

• Wymore is appointed executive secretary and the Religious Convention Managers Association holds its first annual conference in Louisville, Ky. There were 23 people in attendance.

1982

• Organization is incorporated as the Religious Conference Management Association; Dr. DeWayne Woodring appointed to lead the association.

1983

• First annual Who's Who In Religious Conference Management is published.

1984

• RCMA establishes office with full-time staff in Indiana's Hoosier Dome.

1987

• The association creates RCMA Highlights, its own daily newspaper covering events and tutorials during the annual conferences.

1990

• The Indiana Society of Association Executives names RCMA “Association of the Year.”

• Religious Conference Manager magazine is launched in black and white.

1991

• RCMA establishes the first industry scholarship program to help members needing financial assistance to become Certified Meeting Professionals.

1992

• The full color Religious Conference Manager magazine debuts, the first periodical dedicated to this professional field.

1994

• RCMA expands its world headquarters and services to its ever increasing membership.

1996

• Complimentary AD&D insurance is provided to all RCMA members.

2000

• RCMA creates its own Web page and e-mail address.

• Religious Conference Manager awarded best design in magazines.

2005

• RCMA conference has first online registration (pc/nametag).

2005

• RCMA begins annual donation of $100,000 to the World Food Program.

2007

• DeWayne Woodring receives the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governor of Indiana during the 35th Anniversary RCMA World Conference in Louisville, Ky.

2008

• RCMA relocates its headquarters from RCA Dome to 7702 Woodland Drive, Suite 120, Indianapolis, Ind.

2011

RCMA board elects Harry Schmidt as executive director following the retirement of Woodring.