700+ Attendees Expected At RCMA Emerge Conference

  • Thursday, January 19, 2023

Chattanooga will be hosting the Religious Conference Management Association’s (RCMA) annual Emerge 2023 Conference on Jan. 24-26. This will be the first time the group returns to Tennessee; the first and only time was in 1982 in Nashville.

Emerge 2023 is estimated to generate a total economic impact of $1.6 million in the community.

The conference schedule will be as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 26 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

See the full schedule here. Conference and activities will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center and various locations throughout the city.

According to Chattanooga Tourism, the conference is important to Chattanooga and Tennessee because:

  • National event drawing attendees from across the U.S.
  • Estimated attendees: Over 700 (of those,350 meeting planners that can bring group business to Chattanooga as well as Tennessee).
  • Meeting planner attendees plan and host events ranging in size from 10–50,000 attendees.
  • Closing event entertainment: Blessing Offor
  • Various local partners (attractions, city organizations and local musical artists) assisting with enhanced experiences.
  • RCMA attendees are doing community outreach projects with the following three local nonprofits:
    • Read 20: Donating books and bookcases
    • Chambliss Center for Children: Sorting, organizing, and general maintenance
    • Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Building 75 beds

RCMA, founded in 1972, is a professional, nonprofit, multifaith organization comprised of individuals responsible for planning and/or managing meetings, tutorials, conferences, conventions, and assemblies for their religious organizations. Emerge is the world’s largest faith-based events association conference providing unique experiences for attendees at all levels of engagement. Conference attendees participate in general sessions, educational breakout sessions, an expo, community outreach projects, and networking and fellowship opportunities.

Travel
McLemore Announces International Hospitality Partnership With Seaton House And Dunluce Lodge
  • 6/23/2025

McLemore, a golf club and resort destination perched atop Lookout Mountain, announced a collaboration with recently opened and already famed United Kingdom hospitality properties, Seaton House ... more

Record 1.6 Million Tennesseans Expected To Travel For July 4th Week
  • 6/20/2025

AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers ... more

Chattanooga To Host Global Storytellers For 2026 Women In Travel Summit
Chattanooga To Host Global Storytellers For 2026 Women In Travel Summit
  • 6/19/2025

Chattanooga has been selected as the host city for the 2026 Women in Travel Summit (WITS), taking place May 29–31, 2026, at The Chattanoogan Hotel. Organized by Wanderful, WITS is the premier ... more