RCMA Planners Convened in South Carolina for Aspire

Dozens of planners met Aug. 30–31 in famously hot Columbia, S.C., for one of our regional Aspire events. Hosted by the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Columbia Marriott, attendees experienced infamous southern hospitality. The event began with an opening reception at the city’s new Spirit Communications Ballpark, where attendee Dr. Steve Holder threw out the first pitch before the game.

Four educational sessions, two tradeshow segments and lots and lots of food rounded out the two-day Aspire Regional conference. With its unique, intimate size and a one-to-one planner/supplier ratio, RCMA’s goal of building community among faith-based planners and partners was easily accomplished.

Attendees also explored the downtown area, the Columbia Convention Center and the 300-room Columbia Marriott hotel. More than 30 supplier partners interacted with planners during the trade show, breaks, a ballgame and numerous educational discussion times. The educational lineup was capped off with a lively panel discussion titled “Current Trends in the Events World,” featuring Jeff Perrin, Hyatt Hotels; Twila Jones, Columbia CVB; Keith Kershaw, Church of God in Christ; Dedra Herod, Christian Leadership Alliance; and Dr. Harry Schmidt, RCMA.