Do you want to improve your skills as a meeting planner? Would you like to be motivated to pursue your personal and professional dreams? Do you enjoy visiting with and learning from colleagues? Would you like to visit Florida in the winter?

Then you need to attend 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, develop strategic partnerships with all types of vendors, and improve your performance through the finest lineup of tutorials that RCMA has offered.

Orlando is ready and eager to host RCMA. “We felt that we had the right mix of accommodations, venues, and services to appeal to this group and that the time was right to showcase all that Orlando offers religious groups,” says Gary Sain, president of the Orlando/Orange County CVB.

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 that they make with other members and associate members. The spirit and camaraderie at RCMA are unique.

Early Bird 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 19 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, let yourself go 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, enjoy tasty food and fine fellowship.

Opening Ceremonies, Expo

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. “We carefully manage the planner-to-supplier ratio so that every attendee will have the one-on-one time they need to meet with hoteliers, CVBs, and other facilities and service providers with whom they are considering doing business.”

Visionary Learning

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

Part of Your Plan

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

On Wednesday night, thrill to the most honored dinner show in the world, the Arabian Nights. Closing the evening will be another special treat as you 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, the 36th Annual Gala will put a beautiful bow on the week. This festive evening is always a conference highlight, featuring exquisite cuisine, the President's Award, and delightful entertainment.

Register Online

•Take advantage of the ease of online registration and register today for RCMA 2008. Go to www.regonline.com/rcmaorlando. (For meeting-planner members only. Registration for associate members is closed.)

Speaker Bios

Ken Medema

From the time Ken Medema was born, he has been unable to see with his eyes — only being able to distinguish some shapes and degrees of light and darkness. Yet he has demonstrated an extraordinary musical vision since the age of 5. He founded Brier Patch Music, an independent recording, publishing, and performance company. Brier Patch music celebrates the human experience, with an emphasis on spirituality and the universal themes of peace, justice, and the environment.

Jeanne Robertson

Jeanne Robertson is a funny speaker, but she does more than make people laugh. She helps audiences learn how to develop a new approach to humor and the magic that it works in our daily lives. At a time when meeting professionals are facing numerous challenges, a sense of humor might be just the edge needed. Jeanne challenges people to look for humor in everyday situations. She is the author of Humor: The Magic of Giving, Mayberry Humor Across the USA, and Don't Let The Funny Stuff Get Away.

Albert Mensah

Dreams, opportunity, success, change, fear, communication, passion, and enthusiasm are the words that summarize the life of Albert Mensah. Born in a mud hut and abject poverty in West Africa, he walked 8 miles barefoot twice a day to carry firewood and water to help his family survive. His powerful message of hope and inspiration is based on his own life experiences. He believes that any person can become more successful if they can conceive a dream that touches the heart of their existence.