MCAA 2004 OPENING SESSION SOARS WITH WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT WILLIAMS, ADDRESS BY RUDY GIULIANI, FLIGHT OF CHALLENGER (THE EAGLE):

Following a fun-filled Sunday evening Opening party that was marked by a stunning laser show and fabulous music, MCAA President Thomas L. Williams opened the association’s 115th annual convention to thundering applause from more that 1800 appreciative attendees. President Williams began this morning’s program by sharing his insights and perceptions about meeting and overcoming the challenges of modern life – i.e. the frustrations we all face with “device creep” – that keep us connected, but complicate our personal and professional lives.He also reminded MCAA members that the association can help their business’s development with exceptional educational programs that provide strategic, leadership and operational tools.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, internationally renowned for his extraordinary leadership capabilities, both delighted and riveted the audience with stories of how he helped restore economic stability and vibrancy to the Big Apple, and then, how he helped bring calm, comfort, security, and order to a shocked and shaken New York following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. And then, members watched in stunned, amazed silence as Challenger the eagle, a foundling American bald eagle raised by his rescuers, spread his magnificent wings and took flight. Following the Opening Session was Ret. General Barry McCaffrey-National security and terrorist analyst for NBC news, former national drug czar, and military commander in Desert Storm-who explained how he planned and executed various military and anti-crime campaigns during his distinguished career. Other fascinating speakers were Scott Milligan of the Disney Institute who explained how the Disney culture motivates employees to new levels of excellence in service to customers of the Walt Disney World Resort®. FMI’s Hugh Rice provided his industry forecast for the coming months, and Sarah Whitney and Chris FitzGerald explained how Six Sigma can be applied in any business environment to improve productivity and profitability. MCAA members will glimpse the future as they watch finalists in the 2003 Student Chapter Competition face off this afternoon for cash and glory. Organized around the theme, Experience the Experience, the remainder of the convention presents an extraordinary array of major sessions, nationally renowned speakers and special interest workshops that offer members new perspectives, insights and ideas to enrich their personal and professional development. Featured speakers, drawn from many facets of American life and culture, include U.S. Senator Robert Dole, White House historian Michael Beschloss, NBC Special Correspondent Dr. Bob Arnot, and Closing Session featured speaker Frank Abignale, whose life inspired the hit movie Catch Me If You Can. On Wednesday evening, attendees will gather for the Sensational Finale, a delicious dinner, unique entertainment and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth that will light up the sky and the senses. MCAA 2004 ends on Thursday morning with the closing session.