1. BARBARA DUNN, lawyer/partner, Howe & Hutton Ltd.

   JONATHAN T. HOWE, lawyer/senior partner, Howe & Hutton Ltd.

2. Leading Your Group to the Extraordinary

   Teambuilding gives your group the common-sense tools you need to succeed when everything and everyone around you seem to be going crazy. Using participation and laughter, lead your team to listen, honor, support, empower, and serve each other. You'll make your team stronger and learn how to build teams with vendors along the way. In this fast-paced and hilarious workshop, acquire new leadership tools while you laugh and play in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere.

   STEPH DEWAEGENEER, sales director, World Comedy League Inc./ComedySportz

   PATRICK SHORT, executive director, World Comedy League Inc./ComedySportz

3. Hot Technology Trends Impacting The Meetings Industry

   Harness the power of technology and implement its tools for your meetings and events. The intelligent application of technology solutions can increase your efficiency and productivity as a meeting professional and put some extra “zing” in your meetings. Join one of the industry leaders in digital integration for a fast-paced but understandable look at today's hot technology trends for meeting professionals.

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

4. How to Plan Effective Teen Conferences

   (Offered once)

   What does it take to effectively plan a convention for teens? Learn the importance of pre-event preparation, relevant programming, effective use of planning committees, and post-event follow-through. Gain helpful hints on meeting the needs and interests of the individual young person.

   DWIGHT LOKEN, CMP, convention coordinator, Ohio Teens for Christ

5. Keys to Successful International Meetings

   (Offered once)

   With the trend toward globalization, more and more religious organizations are holding international events. This arena presents challenges to the meeting planner's skills and talents, yet provides many rewards for attendees. Learn what to consider before going overseas, such as dealing with customs, ground operators, airlines, hotels, safety issues, costs … plus step-by-step instructions for dealing with foreign attendees at a U.S. meeting.

   MARCIA BULLOCK, regional director, groups & conventions, Jamaica Tourist Board

   SHERRI CLEMMER, associate meeting planner, General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

   KEN TORRES, U.S. representative, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau

   JACKIE T. WALKER, convention-meeting planner, Church of God Executive Office

10:45-11 A.M. Refreshment Break

Sponsor: Plano Convention & Visitors Bureau

11 A.M.-12:05 P.M. Tutorials

1. Top 10 Legal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

   (Offered once)

   Everyone makes mistakes, but some mistakes may cost you and your organization dearly in terms of monetary damages and legal fees. Join an interactive session about the top 10 legal mistakes and how to avoid them. Topics to be addressed include closely reading the indemnification wording, understanding the legal boilerplate provisions, and ensuring that the contract reflects the negotiation. This session has something for everyone, so don't miss it!

   BARBARA DUNN, lawyer/partner, Howe & Hutton Ltd.

2. Identifying and Developing Business in Emerging Markets

   (For exhibitors, offered once)

   As the hospitality industry continues to change, sales efforts will need to be geared toward developing new business opportunities. This session will provide professional selling tools and best practices to identify a range of prospects within the emerging markets of today's world. Learn how to focus your research and efforts in expanding your business resources during difficult economic conditions.

   TIM MEYER, regional vice president-revenue, Hyatt Hotels Management Corp.

3. Coping With Contracts in Difficult Times

   (Offered once)

   The economy is in terrible shape, and the meetings industry is under attack. Hotels are cutting back; contracts are all over the lot. Attrition and cancellations are the rule, not the exception. This interactive session will help you to understand what you need to face, how to cope with it, and what to do to preserve and grow business relationships. Bring your issues and questions.

   JONATHAN T. HOWE, lawyer/senior partner, Howe & Hutton Ltd.

4. The Power of Momentum: How the Best Get Better!

   (For planners, offered once)

   Every professional needs to build momentum to move toward goals. Uncover the secrets to building momentum and how to avoid the one habit that just might disrupt it. Discover how momentum is built, the three momentum factors that professionals can control in any economy and how to maximize all of them, why momentum building is everyone's strength, and how to change your momentum to impact your productivity.

   ELOISE OWENS, president/CEO, The Momentum Co.

5. Negotiations for Decision Makers

6. Leading Your Group to the Extraordinary

7. Hot Technology Trends Impacting The Meetings Industry

12:15 P.M. Luncheon and General Session

Sponsor: The State of Texas

Address: “Aim High … In an Age of Speed”

VINCE POSCENTE

1:55-4:30 P.M. Expo 2010

Join in a mutual sharing of information. Visit with your peers, make new contacts, and conduct business one-on-one. Discover the latest that cities, convention centers, hotels, colleges, retreat centers, and service companies have to offer.

6:15 P.M. Grand Reception

Mix with industry professionals during this vibrant social gathering.

7 P.M. RCMA's 38th Annual Gala

Sponsor: Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

This festive evening is a conference highlight, featuring exquisite cuisine, the President's Award, and electrifying entertainment that combine to create an exciting time of fellowship and celebration.

Friday
January 29

8 A.M. Breakfast and General Session

Sponsor: Tampa Bay & Company

This spirited breakfast offers a preview of the 39th RCMA World Conference and Exposition slated for Tampa, Fla., January 25-28, 2011.

After a brief business meeting, share in a lively closing program by TV personality vicki hitzges on the theme “Aim High … Those Are Trees Out There.”

9:45 A.M. Adjournment