He related how in 1981 when his son was abducted, police were unaware of the dark world of sexual predators who were scouring the country for victims. At that time, police did not treat cases of missing children seriously, and there were few resources for parents to turn to for help.

After his son was discovered brutally murdered, he and his wife--who were the first to begin an organized, intensive effort to locate a missing child--found themselves dedicating their lives to speaking out for victim's rights and also measures to help educate police and give them the tools to find missing children.

That advocacy led the head of Fox Network to pursue Mr. Walsh to host "America's Most Wanted."

But he said one lesson to be imparted to the MGAs and their families, some of whom were there for the week's event, is that entrepreneurs can make a difference in getting laws at the state and federal levels enacted to help law enforcement officials.

"The key to dealing with this is when the private sector saddles up," he said.

He called on the members of the AAMGA, charging them with "a mission," to help get government officials to produce a functioning database that will provide the information police need to track down sexual predators and other violent criminals.

He also gave the members a job to advocate in their states for the collection of DNA swabs from those arrested for felonies that can be entered into a database and used by police in tracking down criminals.

Mr. Walsh said 21 states now collect the samples upon arrest and the number needs to be extended nationally.

"This is something that every state needs," he said. "This will solve thousands and thousands of cold cases."

During the association's business session yesterday, it was announced that in response to the demand from members, the association would furnish information about where their states stand on this issue.

Yesterday, Chris Berman of ESPN imparted some advice and observations on what he has learned in his more than 30 years at ESPN--where he was one of a handful of sportscasters who helped launch the cable program--while reflecting on some funny moments in sports casting.

He noted from meeting the members that day that MGAs are a group that realizes the need for one-on-one communication and the importance of "talking with people."

"It comes down to a personal conversation, and for the new generation, I'm not sure if it is quite the same," he observed.

He noted, too, that for business, a one-on-one relationship gives understanding to "what you are and what you are not."

Mr. Berman reflected on the fact that when he speaks into the camera he does not speak at the camera, but one-on-one with the audience, inviting them into the room to share the latest sporting event.

"If you are talking at people, you are not getting the deal done," he said, adding that remembering this point is a good lifelong lesson.