Michelle Penner

Executive Assistant/Event Manager
Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I learned I should do a request for proposals, find a vendor, and say: “This is what we want: What would make you look good; what would make me look good? What can you do for me?” It was the best advice I got — that vendors want to look good, too.

I also made great friends at RCMA and am going to visit them soon.

Also valuable were tips on stretching event dollars.

I became an RCMA member just before the conference, so it was absolutely a good experience.

Mike Blackwell

Festival Coordinator and Pastor
United Church of God
Springfield, Mo.

I received several things, including one session on being ready for emergency procedures. I am using some of those tips. We reviewed our evacuation procedures. Some convention centers have plans, and some don't. If you have a major meeting going on and have an emergency or need to evacuate, it's nice to have something of your own. We have the basics and change them based on the facility. And we learned that it's good to have a lawyer working with you.

Fogel Video was probably the most beneficial Behind-The-Scenes I've attended. The hands-on was very practical.

George Adams

Site Selector
Adventist Laymen's Services and Industries Seventh-day Adventist Church
Frederick, Md.

I enjoy being able to survey lots of different locations — what they have and don't have. It's the most concentrated place to study them. It's all there. You can quickly rule in or rule out locations. Networking is always fun. The sessions are beneficial, and the main speakers at meal times are always uplifting.

Patti Kriss

Meeting Manager
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Dallas

This is just my third year at RCMA, so I'm still learning.

The seminars and breakouts are very helpful; information about contracts, for example, is great. The Behind-The-Scenes featured convention centers this year, and it was great just learning what goes into planning conventions from that standpoint. We got to put together our own food plates for lunch. It was invaluable. I also enjoy the speakers; they're always useful and I reflect back on how they can benefit us.

It's a training time for me every year; I'm always looking forward to attending.

It's also encouraged me to prepare for my CMP. I'm planning to do that in the next year or so.

Patrice Wells

Director of Women's Affairs
Mountain View Community Church
Temecula, Calif.

This is my second year attending RCMA, and the information I've received was great. RCMA has transformed and revolutionized our approach to event planning.

The valuable advice that I received from the conference came from the tutorial “Contingency Planning: Are You Ready?” by Brad D. Weaver. Brad discussed having a contingency plan for events, whether they are natural disasters, geopolitical issues, biological, or unexpected occurrences. I never associated having a contingency plan for unexpected occurrences other than a natural disaster, nor did I ever think to ask for a contingency plan from the hotel or location of my venue. Contingency planning will now be incorporated into our event planning.

Also valuable was the advice that our events must be in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. I did not know prior to attending the tutorial “Don't Make a Costly Mistake. Keep Your Organization Out Of Trouble!” by Barbara Dunn and Jonathan T. Howe, that I must provide services to the disabled, if requested, when my event is open to the community and not limited to church membership. That liability will be considered in our event planning.