October 2006

Striving for excellence never ceases — we all want to be better people tomorrow than we are today. “Reaching Beyond,” the theme for RCMA 2007, acknowledges this desire, and the theme will be central to the 2007 conference. Explore your personal and professional frontiers by attending RCMA's 35th World Conference and Exposition, January 30-February 2, 2007, in Louisville, Ky.

RCMA is expected to draw more than 1,300 meeting professionals to this international event. The meeting is constructed to help you increase your knowledge and skills, develop strategic partnerships with all types of vendors, and improve your performance through some of the finest tutorials that RCMA has ever offered.

RCMA makes learning enjoyable. 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 cherish the connections they make with other members and associate members. The spirit and camaraderie at RCMA are unique and special.

Friends in Louisville

Louisville, the site of the first RCMA conference, is excited to be hosting RCMA.

“Louisville is very proud to have hosted the very first RCMA meeting back in 1972, and we felt that it was very important for RCMA to come back to Louisville for its 35th anniversary,” said James Wood, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Wood points out that his city has undergone a tremendous development phase, and now offers new hotels, expanded convention centers, new entertainment venues, and several new visitor attractions.

Louisville looks different than it did 35 years ago, but its commitment to religious meetings has been steadfast. In the past seven years, 268 religious meetings and conventions have been held in Louisville, consuming more than 520,000 room nights, according to Wood. Louisville has a strong base of religious organizations, and geographically the city is positioned to accommodate convention delegates arriving from all parts of the country.

“Recently Louisville was recognized as the most affordable city in which to hold a meeting or convention, and we will continue to be the ideal city for most religious conferences to come and meet in,” Wood says.

Early Bird Activities

You will be able to see the lovely Kentucky river city for yourself with the early bird sightseeing tours and other activities that RCMA has planned for Tuesday, January 30. (See page 22 for details.)

Also on the early bird lineup is a series of behind-the-scenes experiences, something only RCMA offers. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to explore the inner operations of an advertising company, a public relations firm, a hotel, a production company, or a hotel or a convention center. Gain hands-on experience as you become involved with key personnel in a range of activities.

Tuesday night, you'll enjoy the “Grand Reception … Southern Style.” You will have a taste of experiences that are unique to Louisville. You can hit a home run with a Louisville Slugger, feel the thunder of Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds, and enjoy the music of Dixieland.

Opening Ceremonies, Expo

Wednesday morning, an energizing extravaganza at the Kentucky International Convention Center will fill you with anticipation for what is to come.

Then it's off to the Expo, which will have booths 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. “We carefully manage the planner-to-supplier ratio so that every attendee will have the one-on-one time they need.”

Educational Excellence

At the heart of RCMA's mission are the educational opportunities offered at its expert-led tutorials. This year's lineup continues the RCMA tradition of offering the finest breakout sessions. RCMA's 2007 tutorials ensure that there is something for everyone.

From meeting and crisis management, to cost-effective food and beverage, to putting together an effective small meeting, and how improve your writing, these tutorials will provide you with exactly what you need to improve your meetings. (See tutorial schedule beginning on page 22.)