Monday
January 25

Arrival day for personal activities in Fort Worth.

Tuesday
January 26

8 A.M. Behind-the-Scenes Experience

(Advance registration required)

Immerse yourself in the inner operations of a creative advertising agency, public relations firm, production company, hotel or convention center. Gain hands-on experience as you become involved with key personnel in a range of activities that will enhance your professional knowledge. This RCMA exclusive learning event is a conference highlight. Registrants in the program are also served a complimentary breakfast and luncheon.

Noon-6 p.m. Registration

Refreshments: Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau

1:30 p.m. New Member Orientation

Religious meeting planners attending the RCMA conference for the first time join in a period of fellowship with the Board of Directors and other professionals. Gain insights into the conference and receive tips on how to maximize the experience for personal and professional development.

2:30 p.m. Sightseeing Tours

(Advance registration required)

1. Stockyards National Historic District

   Step back into the Old West and experience a longhorn cattle drive or a cattle auction, or watch a leather craftsman tool a saddle or a pair of boots. Drop by the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and see the Sterquell Wagon Collection.

2. Cultural Capital of the Southwest

   Discover the Fort Worth Cultural District, where you can walk in a parklike setting and visit some of the area's most acclaimed museums: Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Modern Art Museum, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

3. Fort Worth Zoo

   This is the No. 1 attraction in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. Walk the winding paths that lead to 15 permanent exhibit areas, including penguins, primates, the Australian Outback, the African Savannah, and Texas Wild! An 8-acre exhibit takes you on a journey through the regions of the Lone Star State.

4. Botanic Gardens

   Enjoy the beauty of the oldest Botanic Gardens in Texas, home to more than 2,500 species of plants in 21 specialty gardens, including the world-renowned Japanese Garden. Take time to visit the 10,000-square-foot conservatory and the European-style rose gardens.

7-9 P.M. Grand Reception … Texas Style

Texas is a big state known for big welcomes. Grab your trail map and follow the Texas Trail as it ambles through the countryside. Along the way, enjoy Western sights, sounds, and grandiose victuals. From cattle roping to karaoke, you won't want to miss the fellowship and the opportunity to sample a bit of the Lone Star State.

Wednesday
January 27

8 A.M. Opening General Session and Breakfast

Sponsor: Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Address: “Aim High … What Bernie Madoff Couldn't Steal From Me,”
MATT WEINSTEIN

10 A.M.-12:25 P.M. Grand Opening/Expo 2010

Welcome to the largest exposition in the world exclusively for the religious market and those who serve within it. This arena gives planners the opportunity to build relationships with hundreds of representatives from meeting destinations, services, and facilities.

12:35 P.M. Luncheon and General Session

Sponsor: Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau

Address: “Aim High … You Make a Difference”
CATHERINE CRIER

2:20-3:25 P.M. Tutorials

1. DARA HALL, CMP, executive vice president, Event Source Professionals Inc.

   KIM REYNOLDS, CMP, Event Source Professionals Inc.

2. Be on Your Best Business Behavior

   It's the small things that make the difference, including your appearance, attitude, business-card exchange, a firm handshake, and introducing a client or CEO properly. Are you taking advantage of all the connecting opportunities at RCMA, or are you only enjoying the food and friends? Learn the best first impressions to separate you from your competition.

   COLLEEN RICKENBACKER, CMP, president, Colleen Rickenbacker Inc.

3. Social Networking: Today's Marvel of Communications

   What the wiki is a blog, and who gives a tweet anyway? New technologies are making the news every day. Who can keep up? And what do they mean to your meetings? This session will help you better understand social networking tools, including Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln, and more, as we discuss how to incorporate them professionally — all in language even a baby boomer will understand.

   JEFFREY W. RASCO, CMP, partner/CEO, Attendee Management Inc.

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