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Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 33 NEWS NOTES The Higher Ground Christian Music Festival will celebrate its fifth year August 14-15, 2009 in Winsted, Minnesota. The two-day festival will feature artists such as Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Mark Schiltz, Kutless, Stellar Kart, Disciple, Esterlyn, Lightswitch, Justin McRoberts and many more. The event is designed to be a weekend getaway with the intimacy and simplicity of a classic outdoor concert. The event will feature several beverage and food tents, medical and handicapped facilities, 24-hour security, primitive camping, great merchandise, lawn sports and volleyball areas. There are also a number of local motels for those who won't be camp- ing. Additionally, an Inflatable Village supplied by K & K Fun Time will be on site. The obstacle course, slides and bouncing rooms are air-filled fun for all ages. Wristbands can be pur- chased for unlimited access to the Inflatable Village. Drawings for prizes will be held both days. Attendees can reg- ister at the Higher Ground info booth for the chance to win tickets and camping passes for Higher Ground 2009 and other prizes. For more information go to www.hgmusicfest.com or con- tact Joe Neumann at (320) 485-2182 WORDS & DEEDS The 37th RCMA World Conference and Exposition was held January 27-30, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Arriving amidst fierce winter storms, attendees, given complimentary mittens at the airport, were whisked to a Carnival On The Beach themed opening reception, complete with Ferris wheel and sand castles. Gospel singer Marvin Sapp opened the ceremony fol- lowed by keynote speaker Stef du Plessis, a philanthropist from South Africa. Terrorist attack survivor Jackie Pflug shared her story, and former nurse turned inspirational speaker Bobbie Staten demonstrated how humor can help the mind and body. The University of Expanded Knowledge exposed atten- dees to a mock CMP examination using an electronic response system. Daily tutorials ranged from "Going Green At Your Next Conference," "How To Be A World Class Negotiator," and "Getting The Most Out Of A Site Visit," to "Healthy Habits For Conference Planners," "Creativity For The Meeting Professional," and "It's A Brand New Day: Branding Your Event." Attendees were also able to interact with over 700 representatives of meeting destinations, and facilities. And, the innovative Behind-The-Scenes- Experiences gave attendees hands-on access to all the tasks that go into preparing for a convention. The New Shanghai Circus gave a special performance Wednesday evening, while Thursday evening's gala featured a variety of Broadway musical hits. The President's Award winner was Church of God convention and meeting planner Jackie Walker. Five RMCA members were elect- ed to the Board of Directors: Obadiah Jenkins, Church of Christ (Holiness) USA; Lerry Fogle, Church of the Brethren; Jackie Walker, Church of God; Melvin Worthington, National Association of Free Will Baptists; and Harry Schmidt, Christian Life College. The 2010 host city for the conference will be Fort Worth, Texas. Go to www.rcmaweb.org for more information. April 3, 2009, "Empower Your Intuition, Energy, and Emotional Freedom," Unity Church, Unity Village, MO. Contact (816) 524-3550 for information. April 3-5, 2009, "Aziza Scott at Hidden Treasure Retreat Center," Sufi Order of Austin, Hidden Treasure Retreat Center, Smithville, TX. Contact Batina Sheets at (512) 296- 7063 for information. April 4, 2009, "Acquire the Fire - Battle Cry 08-09," Teenmania Ministries, Conseco Field House, Indianapolis, IN. Contact Tara Milburn at( 900) 324-7719 for information. April 10-12, 2009, "10th Annual ISNA Education Forum - Preserving the Legacy," Shaping the Future," ISNA, Westin O'Hare Hotel, Rosemont, IL. Contact Bisharat Saleem at (317) 839-8157 x129 for information. April 13-15, 2009, "COGIC Annual Spring Call General Assembly," Church of God In Christ (COGIC), Cook Convention Center, Memphis, TN. Contact Vicky M. Johnson at (901) 522-1331 for information. April 13-17, 2009, "46th Annual Midwest Regional Annual Session," Michigan Progressive Baptist Convention, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dearborn, MI. Contact Dr. Sandra Fox at (313) 923-0226 for information. April 16-18, 2009, "Women's Conference 2009 – Dwelling in the Overflow," Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York, Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia, PA. Contact Rev. Dr Elaine M. Flake at (718) 206-4600 for information. April 16-18, 2009, "AME Church Ministries in Christian Education," African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hotel BY PATRICE KELLY Continued on page 35 CALENDAR OF EVENTS