RCMA's Behind the Scenes is the annual meeting's' signature educational program. For the 2012 conference, January 24-27 in Kansas City, Mo., those who register for the program can choose from among seven concurrent sessions. These hands-on, interactive events give attendees a first-hand experience in a number of important convention-planning areas.

Each program runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24. There is no additional fee to participate, and the program includes a complimentary continental breakfast and lunch.

Here's a quick look at BHS options. (For more details, visit regonline.com/builder/site/tab2.aspx?EventID=951271.)

Marketing/Advertising: Sponsored by VML Inc., this session will give you hands-on help marketing and advertising your conference or event. Laptops/smartphones are necessary. This session may already be full due to limited seating available.

Convention Services & Event Planning: Take part in a flow of learning experiences while creating a group booking and understanding the sales process. Discuss setups, banquet event orders and more (two concurrent sessions).

Food and Beverage: Explore the world within the kitchen of a major hotel. Get your hands in the flour and help prepare lunch for your group.

Hotel Rooms Management: Immerse yourself in the daily lives of those who provide housekeeping and front-of the-house hotel services. You'll come away with a new perspective.

Audiovisual: Harvest Productions, handling AV for the RCMA conference, provides an inside look at the world of audiovisual at meetings. Attendees will run cameras, the tech table, lighting, and more. Limited spots available.

Video Production: Take 2 will provide hands-on experience with production, post-production, and motion graphics so that attendees learn how to create innovative digital content for their meetings. Limited spots available.