The site-selection firm has become a driving force in the meetings industry, marking more than $500 million worth of group business booked in 2009. With the recent hiring of association industry luminary David Peckinpaugh, CMP, as vice president of business development, HelmsBriscoe has signaled its intention to focus more efforts on developing the association segment of its client base. Here’s the strategy.

Money spent on sponsorships for events and meetings declined 1 percent in 2009 in the United States last year, making it the first time in 25 years there's been a year-over-year decrease. However, the good news is that spending on association sponsorships actually increased 3 percent in 2009 and is expected to climb again in 2010, according to the IEG Sponsorship Report, published by IEG Sponsorship Consulting, Chicago.

Read why association sponsorships increased and what the projections are for this year.

The Religious Conference Management Association for the fifth year in a row has made a $100,000 donation to World Food Programme's efforts to feed hungry children. RCMA Executive Director DeWayne S. Woodring made the announcement January 29 during the association's 38th Annual World Conference and Exposition, held in Fort Worth, Texas.

Here's a recap of the RCMA Annual Conference. Also, check out our exclusive slide show for photos of attendees.

Ten years ago, the economy was booming and Hawaii hosted its largest association meeting ever, the American Dental Association, which brought 31,000 participants to Honolulu. Ten years later in October 2009, ADA returned to Hawaii, only this time, it was amidst the worst economic crisis since the Depression. While last year's attendance numbers didn't match the highs of 1999, read why ADA officials considered the ADA's 2009 annual meeting in Hawaii a success.