Harding University Students Experience Emerge

In 2022, Harding University, a private, Christian university in central Arkansas, added event management as a major in response to growing demands in the corporate and hospitality industries for leaders trained and equipped to plan and execute major events.

As part of their training, event management students have attended the Emerge Conference for the last two years, participating as planners and assisting RCMA's Director of Conferences and Events, Dean Jones, in the Emerge trade show. Harding’s Director for Alumni and Parent Relations, Heather Kemper, teaches event management courses and leads the student trip.

“The RCMA conference provides our students a fantastic opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the event management field and best practices,” Kemper said. “This experience, combined with classroom education and faith, prepares them to lead with excellence, creativity and a servant's heart in every event they plan.”

Elaina Cardiel, a junior from Haltom City, Texas, describes the value of attending Emerge as a student. “I am extremely blessed to have participated twice and left more knowledgeable each time,” Cardiel said. “I have learned a lot in my classes, but getting to network and see the industry on a big scale has contributed to my education. I feel more prepared when I graduate and enter the event industry.”

Carlie Shelton, a senior from Mobile, Alabama, used the 2025 Emerge Conference as an opportunity to network in preparation for graduation in May. “I was blown away by how many connections I was able to make even in just a few days,” Shelton said. “During the expo, I had many one-on-one conversations that offered insight into the event/hospitality industry and potential job leads!”

RCMA’s Emerge Conference provides an unmatched opportunity for Harding University students to learn from business leaders, network with planners and suppliers, and experience and assist with a major conference showcasing the best of the meeting planning industry.