Religious Conference Brings Millions of Dollars to Omaha

​Omaha is set to host Emerge, a conference for religious meeting planners and exhibitors from across the country.  The Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) will be in Omaha January 30 through February 1, 2018.  

The economic impact of the three-day event for Omaha is just over $2 million.  This event is the largest conference for faith-based event planners and suppliers with more than 700 meeting planners and exhibitors in attendance.

“According to RCMA, its membership of religious planners generate $6 billion worth of meeting and event business annually,” said Keith Backsen, Executive Director for Visit Omaha. “The Emerge conference is our opportunity to try and land some of that business for Omaha by convincing planners in attendance that our city would be a good location for their meetings in the future.”

While in the city, attendees will meet at CenturyLink Center Omaha and stay at hotels within the convention district, as well as visit the Omaha Zoo, Boys Town, take a city tour, and experience the local food scene.  Attendees will also spend time in the community volunteering at several non-profits including; the Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Open Door Mission and the Rainbow House. RCMA also plans to donate to local charities including the Stephen Center and the Women’s Center for Advancement of Omaha.

This is the first time RCMA has held its annual meeting in Omaha.  The RCMA leadership team choose Omaha because it offers amenities meeting planners appreciate, “an airport within five minutes of the downtown convention district, a safe and friendly environment plus entertainment options within walking distance from attendee’s hotels.” In the past, locations have included; Chicago, San Diego, Minneapolis and Kansas City.  


Visit Omaha, also known as the Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau, is the official tourism authority for the City of Omaha and Douglas County.