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Idea Fair

The 2026 CMAA Idea Fair, taking place during the World Conference & Club Business Expo from February 17–21, invites club managers to share practical, transferable ideas through dynamic display boards. Entries will be showcased throughout the Conference to inspire and elevate the club industry.

Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026

Enter now View past winners and entries

Categories and Examples

Outstanding parties, celebrations, announcements, publicity efforts, or temporary club transformations that captivate members and guests.

Exceptional programs for holidays such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, New Year’s Eve, Easter, and others. 

Innovative sporting events, promotions, parties, or organized field trips specifically designed for youth engagement. 

Successful initiatives in staff training, coaching, continuing education, and professional development. Includes programs for staff recruitment, retention, and labor management, as well as efforts to boost morale, teamwork, loyalty, and staff well-being.

Effective safety protocols, emergency preparedness, crisis communication plans, workers’ compensation, and property or health insurance strategies that mitigate risk and promote club security.

Excellence in club publications, websites, handbooks, directories, history books, social media strategies, and event calendars that enhance communication with members and staff.

Creative approaches to new member orientation, recruitment, retention techniques, and membership engagement strategies that foster growth. 

Best practices in board and committee relations, governance structures, and leadership strategies. Includes use of agendas, surveys, and orientations for new members, as well as strategies for managing politics and decision-making processes.

Successful renovations or facility improvements that strengthen club operations. Includes checklists, manuals, tracking systems, or unique approaches to “no demo” renovations. 

Innovative sporting events, tournaments, and recreational activities that promote member engagement. Includes golf operations, golf maintenance and course management, racquets, and alternative sports programs.   

Exceptional fitness, wellness, and spa programs. Includes ideas related to fitness facilities, group exercise, Pilates, family and senior wellness, nutrition plans, and spa services.

Creative menu development, presentation styles, theme dinners, and promotions that drive dining traffic. Also includes innovative wine marketing, craft beverage programs, and non-alcoholic drink concepts. 

Effective methods, procedures, or equipment innovations that reduce club expenses or time required to complete tasks. 

Philanthropic efforts, such as fundraising, scholarships, or community outreach initiatives. Also includes sustainability programs focused on energy reduction, recycling, or green practices that enhance the club’s positive image. 

Unique and impactful internship or mentorship programs. Includes rotational internship structures, check-ins, and specific qualifications for mentors. 

Creative use of artificial intelligence to improve club operations, enhance member experiences, or streamline services.

Criteria

Submit Your Entry Online

Complete the online Entry Form to submit your information directly to CMAA Headquarters. CMAA will handle printing and displaying your Idea Fair boards for you!

Entry Criteria

  • All entries must be submitted online.
  • Boards must clearly display the category name and number.
  • CMAA will print all entries on standard-sized poster boards (22” x 28”). To ensure the best quality, please submit a high-resolution PDF.
  • Boards must be in portrait format (not landscape).
  • Include a business card image of the submitting CMAA member (entries must be from a CMAA member).
  • Each CMAA member may submit up to 10 entries across all categories.

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity, clarity, and content—How original and well-presented is the idea?
  • Transferability—Can the idea or method be applied successfully in other clubs?
  • Uniqueness—How distinctive or innovative is the concept?

Awards

In addition to category winners, and [NEW!] honorable mention selections, the judging committee will also recognize four overall award winners:

  • Most Innovative Idea—For the entry with the freshest, most creative solution
  • Show Stopper Idea—For the idea with the biggest wow factor
  • Chair’s Award—For an outstanding entry that exemplifies industry impact and vision
  • [NEW!] Ripple Award—For the most transferable idea in the competition

Make sure your idea stands out for a chance to win one (or more!) of these exciting award categories!

Credits

For each entry you submit, you will earn 1 Association Activity (AA) credit, with a maximum of 10 entries per member. Winning entries will also receive 1 additional AA credit. 

For further information, please contact Erica Benjamin

Idea Fair Entry Form

Complete the Entry Form, which will automatically send your information to CMAA Headquarters. CMAA will print your boards for you—there is no need to print and ship them. 

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