Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to attend RCMA. What are yours? To hear great speakers and be motivated to pursue your personal and professional dreams? To visit with and learn from colleagues? To visit Florida?

These are all good reasons to attend, and you're not alone: Registration is at a record-setting pace for RCMA's 36th World Conference and Exposition, “Exploring New Horizons,” February 5-8, 2008, in Orlando, Fla.

RCMA is expected to draw nearly 1,400 meeting professionals to this international event. The meeting is constructed to help you increase your knowledge and skills, to develop strategic partnerships with all types of vendors, and to improve your performance through the finest lineup of tutorials that RCMA has offered.

You will be energized by fabulous general session speakers. You will hone your meeting-planning skills at the tutorials, and you will be wowed by top-notch entertainment. But above all, RCMA attendees value the fellowship they share with other members and associate members.

Tuesday Activities

You'll be able to see Orlando for yourself with the early bird sightseeing tours and other activities that RCMA has planned for Tuesday, February 5. (See page 36 for details.)

Also on the early bird lineup is a series of Behind-the-Scenes Experiences, something that only RCMA offers.

As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to explore the inner operations of an advertising agency, public relations firm, television station, 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.

On Tuesday night, relax and enjoy yourself at the opening reception. Tropical music and color will transport you to the lands of gentle breezes. Try your hand at delightfully enjoyable games. And, of course, partake of tasty food and great conversation.

A Great Start

Wednesday morning, an energizing opening session will fill you with anticipation for what is to come. Keynote speaker Ken Medema will inspire you with his talk: “Exploring New Horizons … In Personal Achievement.”

Then it's off to the Expo, where the booths will be staffed by knowledgeable suppliers who provide services for religious meetings.

But don't worry about being inundated with a barrage of suppliers, according to RCMA Executive Director DeWayne S. Woodring. RCMA carefully manages the planner-to-supplier ratio so that every attendee will have the one-on-one time that they need in order to meet with hoteliers, CVBs, and other facilities and service providers with whom they are considering doing business.

Educational Opportunities

At the center of RCMA's mission are the educational opportunities offered at its expert-led tutorials. This year's lineup on Wednesday and Thursday continues RCMA's tradition of offering the finest breakout sessions. RCMA's 2008 tutorials ensure that there is something for everyone.

Fun-Filled Evenings

The RCMA experience will be topped off with evenings of fun, excitement, humor, and dining.

On Wednesday, thrill to the most honored dinner show in the world, the Arabian Nights.

Closing the evening will be another special treat; you will journey to Epcot for a dessert reception, where the nighttime sky comes to life in a musical fireworks spectacular created by Disney especially for RCMA.

On Thursday, put on your finest for the 36th Annual Gala. This festive evening is a conference highlight, featuring exquisite cuisine, the President's Award, and superb entertainment from three of the best performers Branson, Mo., has to offer: Tony Orlando, Jim Stafford, and Jim Barber. (See page 28 for details).

Make plans now to be part of this thrilling week of exploration and connection.

36 Years of RCMA

1973	Louisville, Ky.
1974	Philadelphia
1975	Chicago
1976	Kansas City, Mo.
1977	Baltimore
1978	Cincinnati
1979	St. Louis
1980	Anaheim, Calif.
1981	New Orleans
1982	Nashville, Tenn.
1983	Indianapolis
1984	Detroit
1985	Atlanta
1986	Fort Worth, Texas
1987	Long Beach, Calif.
1988	Rochester, N.Y.
1989	Milwaukee
1990	Tampa, Fla.
1991	Corpus Christi, Texas
1992	Phoenix
1993	Chicago
1994	Birmingham, Ala.
1995	San Antonio
1996	Charlotte, N.C.
1997	Tulsa, Okla.
1998	Indianapolis
1999	Columbus, Ohio
2000	Dallas
2001	Milwaukee
2002	Tampa, Fla.
2003	Charlotte, N.C.
2004	Pittsburgh
2005	St. Louis
2006	San Jose
2007	Louisville, Ky.
2008	Orlando, Fla.