Preview of 40th RCMA World Conference and Expo

RCMA's 40^th Anniversary World Conference and Exposition Kansas City Convention Center
Kansas City, Missouri
January 24 - 27, 2012

Monday January 23

Arrival day for personal activities in Kansas City

Tuesday January 24

8 A.M. : Behind-The-Scenes Experience

(ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

Immerse yourself in the inner operations of a marketing/advertising agency, production company, 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. Over the years, this RCMA exclusive learning event has been a conference highlight. Registrants in the program are served a complimentary breakfast and luncheon.

Noon-6 P.M. : Registration

REFRESHMENTS: DAYTON (OHIO)/MONTGOMERY COUNTY CVB

1:30 P.M. : New Member Orientation

Religious meeting planners attending the conference for the first time will join in a period of fellowship with RCMA's Board of Directors and other professionals in the field to gain insights into the intricacies of the conference and exposition, and to learn how to maximize the experience for their personal and professional development.

2:30 P.M.: Sightseeing Tours

(ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

1. National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

   The National World War I Museum is an extraordinary emotional and educational experience that shares the history of a war whose impact is still felt today. With one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world, the state-of-the-art complex uses highly interactive technology to bring history to life. Designed by Ralph Appelbaum, whose credits include the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., the museum tells the story of the war through the eyes of those who lived it. Officially designated as the National World War I Museum by the 108th Congress, the facility is the only American museum dedicated exclusively to preserving the objects, history, and personal experiences of this world conflict.

2. 18^th & Vine American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

   The American Jazz Museum pays tribute to our top jazz musicians. This uniquely American music comes alive through interactive exhibits. Docents, who are local jazz artists, will guide you through the museum, bringing a personal touch to the tour. It's been said that jazz was born in New Orleans and it grew up in Kansas City, Chicago, and New York. During its golden age, the Kansas City jazz scene was a thriving force, driving not only artistic creativity but economic development as well during a time when the country was at the height of the Depression and Prohibition.

   The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum recreates the look, feel and sounds of African-American baseball from the 1800s through the 1960s. Video presentations, exhibits, and memorabilia chronicle the leagues' history and heroes from their origin after the Civil War to their demise in the 1960's

3. Arabia Steamboat Museum

   The Arabia Steamboat Museum is home to a true time capsule of frontier life. The Arabia was headed up the Missouri River in 1856 when she struck a tree snag and sank just north of Kansas City. Her cargo hold was full of 200 tons of supplies bound for general stores and pioneer settlements. As the years passed, the river changed course and left the Arabia buried beneath a Kansas cornfield. In 1988 a group of modern-day adventurers uncovered the lost steamboat and her magnificent cargo. Their find has been called the King Tut's Tomb of the Missouri River. Discover the treasure for yourself and meet those involved in the discovery.

7-9 P.M.: Grand Reception

Welcome to Kansas City, the City of Fountains, with more than 200 fountains (second only to Rome). Tonight you will have the opportunity to experience the best of the Show-Me State. Join us for an evening of fun Kansas experiences, and enjoy a vast variety of tasty foods.

Wednesday January 25

8 A.M.: Opening General Session and Breakfast

SPONSOR: KANSAS CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS ASSOCIATION

Join your colleagues to hear keynote speaker Juliet Funt as she presents her address on the topic “Dare to Dream … in An Age of Never Enough.”

10 A.M. - 12:25 P.M. : Grand Opening/Expo 2012

Welcome to the largest exposition in the world exclusively for the religious meetings market and those who serve within it. This arena provides planners with the opportunity to build relationships with hundreds of representatives from destinations, facilities, and service companies. This is your chance to shop for the best deals for your meetings and conferences.

12:35 P.M. : Luncheon and General Session

SPONSOR: GO WICHITA

In a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected, Mike Schlappi addresses how to bridge the communication and generational gaps in his lively presentation entitled “Dare to Dream … Bullet Principles for Personal Success.”

2:20-3:25 P.M.: Tutorials

1. The Standard of Excellence: Certified Meeting Professional Program

   (PRESENTED ONCE)

   The CMP program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Learn from RCMA members who are CMPs, about the steps in earning the designation, eligibility requirements, timelines, how to earn points, and informational resources.

   J. ARMANDO ESCOBAR, CMP, SALES MANAGER, UCLA CONFERENCE SERVICES

   DESHAWN WYNN, CMP, PLANNER, METROPOLITAN CHURCH OF CHRIST

   MELVIN WORTHINGTON, CMP, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY EMERITUS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS INC.

2. The P.O.W.E.R. of Sales

   (FOR EXHIBITORS PRESENTED ONCE)

   The landscape of selling is changing and sales professionals need to adjust their strategies, skills, and communication styles to meet and anticipate the needs of today's meeting planner customer. This session will review the critical and emerging skills necessary for successful sales professionals.

   BOB GILBERT, PRESIDENT/CEO, HOSPITALITY SALES & MARKETING ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

3. Obtaining Maximum Value Through Effective Negotiations

   To get the best meeting for your organization's money, you must know the options available to you in negotiations. Consideration must be given to the myriad negotiable points, what kind of approach to take, and the proper use of timing to make the most of your negotiating power. Many of the small details commonly overlooked will be examined.

   JONATHAN T. HOWE, SENIOR PARTNER, HOWE & HUTTON LTD.

4. Using Social Media to Create a More Engaging Conference Experience

   You might already use Facebook and Twitter, but how can you leverage these online tools for your meetings? How do you meet your attendees where they are — online? This session will build on what you already know and explain the benefits of using social media for your organization. Explore ways to integrate social media into your marketing mix and how to make your digital efforts more effective. In addition, you will walk away with actionable methods to connect with your audience before, during, and after a conference.

   PATRICK PADLEY, SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB CONSULTANT, DIGITAL EVOLUTION GROUP

5. Menu Planning on a Tight Budget

   Are you tired of serving the same food at every banquet function just because you have a tight budget? Do you think chicken is your only option? Learn from an industry expert with more than 15 years' experience, about different ways to enhance not only your menu, but your event.

   CHRIS FREEMAN, CONVENTION SALES MANAGER, KANSAS CITY CATERING

6. Cutting-Edge Ways AV Can Improve Your Meeting

   Ever wonder, what's the deal with HD video? Do I need it, and why does it cost so much? Do you ever feel those audiovisual “experts” you've hired are simply making up words and jargon to confuse you? Join the team from Harvest Productions, the preeminent AV production experts, as they lead you through a demystification of the world of audio, lighting, and video production.

   BILL HARTNETT, VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, HARVEST PRODUCTIONS INC.

3:25-3:40 P.M. : Refreshment Break

SPONSOR: VALLEY FORGE (PA.) CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

3:40-4:45 P.M. : Tutorials

• A FOUNDATION FOR STRATEGIC MEETINGS MANAGEMENT
  (FOR PLANNERS, PRESENTED ONCE)

  Everyone is talking about strategic meetings management today. However, a fundamental element of your success is based on how you work with your suppliers. This session will address the components necessary for a successful relationship, and how that ultimately translates into a successful conference.

  BOB GILBERT, PRESIDENT/CEO, HOSPITALITY SALES & MARKETING ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

• VOLUNTEERS: HOW TO ORGANIZE, DEPLOY, AND MOTIVATE THEM
  (PRESENTED ONCE)

  Volunteers can be a vital asset to any conference, but they can also be one of the biggest challenges for a meeting manager. Find out how to develop a volunteer workforce that fits your goals and that keeps coming back for future events. What are the most effective ways to manage volunteers to maximize their contribution? What do volunteers look for as a reward? How do you harness the ingenuity of people who give their time and labor?

  AARON LUKKEN, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY SCHOOL OF LAW

• OBTAINING MAXIMUM VALUE THROUGH EFFECTIVE NEGOTIATIONS

• USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO CREATE A MORE ENGAGING CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

• MENU PLANNING ON A TIGHT BUDGET

• CUTTING-EDGE WAYS AV CAN IMPROVE YOUR MEETING

6:30 P.M. : Dinner Buffet

SPONSOR: KANSAS CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS ASSOCIATION

8:00 P.M. : Evening Extraordinaire!

SPONSOR: BRANSON LAKES AREA (MO.) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CVB

Thrill to award-winning talent as we spend the evening at the renowned Kansas City Music Hall, one of North America's timeless and storied event venues. Featured will be segments from the musical hit Joseph, based on the Biblical account in the Old Testament Book of Genesis. Master of Ceremonies will be television icon Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in the hit TV series The Brady Bunch.

Also highlighted will be masterful musical entertainers John and Ambrus Presley, the classic-rock vocal group The Platters, plus Todd Oliver and Friends, a hilarious canine act that has appeared on the David Letterman Show, The Tonight Show, and others.

Thursday January 26

8 A.M. : Breakfast and General Session

SPONSORS: ARKANSAS, THE NATURAL STATE, AND ITS CVB PARTNERS: FORT SMITH, LITTLE ROCK, VISIT HOT SPRINGS, AND ROGERS

In a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected, Al Walker addresses how to bridge the communication and generational gaps in his lively presentation entitled “Dare to Dream … of a World Fit to Live in.”

9:40-10:45 A.M. : Tutorials

1. The Wondrous and Rewarding World of Religious Meetings

   (FOR EXHIBITORS, PRESENTED ONCE)

   In an age when many segments of the hospitality industry are experiencing cutbacks, the religious world remains strong and represents an ever-growing source of revenue. Learn from professionals in the field how to develop a special rapport with religious meeting planners, and gain insights into the various types of religious conferences and assemblies — from citywide conventions to weekend retreats.

   CHARIOLETT M. JOHNSON, CMP, ASSISTANT TO THE VICE PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

   RYAN LEWIS, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FREE WILL BAPTISTS INC.

   TIM LITHERLAND, CMP, DIRECTOR OF SPORTS AND SPECIALTY MARKETS, VISIT DENVER

   CHARLES MELEAR, CONFERENCE PLANNER, UNITED CHURCH OF GOD

2. Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself

   Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. Your life can be turned upside down by the time-consuming, hassle-filled experience of restoring your good name and credit. This presentation will focus on how criminals steal your identity and simple steps you can employ to keep your identity safe.

   JEFF LANZA, RETIRED FBI AGENT, THE LANZA GROUP

3. Maximize the Impact of Your Meetings

   Meetings and conferences that cater to the learning styles of their attendees dramatically increase the overall impact and value of the event. This program will explore a contemporary framework to use in tailoring your meetings so that attendees are able to connect and process the content more completely. Engaged attendees are more likely to gain insights from the meeting, thus maximizing the overall benefit for each person.

   LEE SCHMUCKER, TRAINING CONSULTANT, SCHMUCKER TRAINING & CONSULTING

   MARVIN SCHMUCKER, CMP, MEETING PLANNER, MHS ALLIANCE

4. Creating Greater Balance, Success, and Happiness in Family Life

   Juggling the demands of raising a family is harder today than ever before. What are the strategies and practices necessary to being happier and more successful in the job of raising your family? This tutorial addresses how to make your physical, mental, and spiritual wellness a priority; find more time for you and your partner; create more cooperation and have more fun with your kids; learn to ask for help and develop a support network; and organize a functional and happy home.

   AMY HILBRICH DAVIS, FOUNDER/CEO, INSPIRING MOMS AND DADS

5. Get Your Ducks in a Row!

   If you find yourself working endless hours with lots of frustration and stress, then a lack of good self-management skills is the culprit. You will learn how to shift your focus from being “busy” to “Getting Your Ducks In a Row” by zeroing in on four key areas: 1) direction, 2) game plan, 3) system, and 4) benchmarks. Walk away with practical ideas and options that you can apply for more focus, control, order, and balance.

   CHUCK BARNES, CSP, THE GOOD TIME GUY!, MINUTESCOUNT.COM

6. Dodging Risky Business

   Murphy was an optimist when it came to planning meetings. Something will go wrong, but what can you do to minimize risks that may ensue as a result? Learn the five areas of risk management and how to handle contingencies.

   JONATHAN T. HOWE, SENIOR PARTNER, HOWE & HUTTON

10:45-11 A.M. : Refreshment Break

SPONSOR: ROCHESTER (N.Y.)RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER

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

• BUILDING A WINNING TEAM: THE RELIGIOUS PLANNER AND CONVENTION SERVICES MANAGER
  (PRESENTED ONCE)

  From a logistical perspective, the convention services manager and the religious meeting planner are critical to the success of a meeting. They must be able to communicate effectively, and trust and rely on each other's expertise and judgment. This workshop will examine how to develop and nurture this important relationship.

  STACY BARTLETT, VP, CONVENTION SERVICES, KANSAS CITY CVA

• IDENTITY THEFT: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF YOUR MEETINGS

• CREATING BALANCE, SUCCESS, AND HAPPINESS IN FAMILY LIFE

• GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW!

• DODGING RISKY BUSINESS

12:15 P.M. Luncheon and General Session

Master motivator Barbara Glanz presents keen insights into human personality in a blend of unforgettable illusion and inspiration as she speaks on “Dare to Dream … Regenerating the Spirit”

1:55-4:30 P.M. : Expo 2012

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

7 P.M. : RCMA's 40^th Annual Gala

SPONSORS: KANSAS CITY CVA, KANSAS CITY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN

This festive evening is a conference highlight, featuring exquisite cuisine, the President's Award, and the noted Twelve Irish Tenors.

(Entertainment sponsored by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB.)

Friday January 27

8 A.M. : Breakfast and General Session

SPONSOR: MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Preview next year's conference in Minneapolis, Minn. After a brief business meeting, participate in the lively closing program with athlete Ed Hearn speaking on the theme “Dare To Dream…Conquering Life's Curves.”

9:45 A.M. : Adjournment

Thank You, 2012 RCMA Sponsors!

View the complete list of Sponsors for the 2012 RCMA Conference