News for CMAA Leaders: February 2026

All Officers

Please save the date for the 2026 Leadership/Legislative Conference to be held September 14-16, in Detroit, MI! We hope to see you all there!

Calling All Chapter Leaders! Encourage Your Members to Vote

Your voice carries weight with CMAA members, and we’d appreciate your help in encouraging eligible members to vote in the 2026 CMAA Board of Directors election.

Online voting is open now and can be completed in minutes. It’s a simple two-step process: 1-Request Your Code, and 2-Vote Online! The online voting portal closes on February 18. Members attending the World Conference & Club Business Expo may vote in person in Anaheim, February 19-21, during select hours listed in the Conference App.

Member participation is essential to strong, representative leadership at the national level. A brief reminder from you can make a real difference. Thank you for helping ensure our members’ voices are heard.

Managing Directors

It’s not too late to reinstate! Members who were dropped for non-payment of their 2026 national dues simply need to submit a payment and they will automatically be reinstated. Have them log into their profile on cmaa.org and click on the “My Invoices” tab to locate and pay their invoice.

Advocacy/Legislative Chair: A New Year for Your State Legislature

Many state legislatures are in session with a bustling agenda. CMAA monitors several trending issues, including:

• Wage increases;
• Tax changes for tip and overtime income;
• Pay transparency;
• Water and input bans and monitoring;
• Paid family and sick leave;
• Predictive scheduling;
• New taxes on dues; and
• Property tax changes.

Check out our grassroots website, clubindustryvotes.org, to access the latest in your state. You can also access legislator directories and learn more about the legislators representing your club and home.

Communications/Public Relations Chair: New Official Numbers and Information

CMAA has been experiencing expansive membership growth. As of January 1, the Association now represents more than 8,700 members. Additionally, interest continues to expand in the collegiate sector and our current and prospective student chapters now number 45.

We have now updated our official information on our website. If you are using CMAA’s information in your Chapter’s press releases, on your website, or other marketing and branding documents, please ensure you are using this updated boilerplate language.

About CMAA

Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 8,700 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 38 professional chapters and 45 current and prospective student chapters. Learn more at cmaa.org.

For questions, please contact CMAA’s Vice President, Communications & Advocacy Melissa Low, CAE, at 703-739-9500 ext. 286.

Membership Chair: Does Your Chapter Have a New Member Engagement Strategy?

Does your Chapter use a specific strategy to engage new members? If so, are you using it? If not, think about developing and implementing one. A positive first impression is critical when it comes to retention; show new members all the wonderful things your chapter has to offer them!

Professional Development Chair: Are Your Ready to Plants Seeds of Success at World Conference?

This year's event features more than sixty engaging education sessions with 50 percent new speakers. Each session will be introduced by volunteers, a role crucial to our program's success. And that’s where we need you!

Interested in volunteering? It's simple!

Visit our Volunteer Page, browse the sessions you plan to attend, and click on the "Click Here to Reserve" link next to your chosen session. You'll receive a confirmation email with the session details: date, time, and room location. Please consider introducing one or more sessions.

When on site, visit the Member Services Pavilion in the Grand Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott 15 minutes before your session. Our Education Department team will provide you with a brief script. A team member will also be available near the session room to assist you.

If you have any questions, signed up by mistake, or need to cancel, please contact Michelle Carrington.

Student Chapter Liaison: World Conference Is Almost Here—Spotlight on Student Chapter Innovation

The countdown is on for the 2026 CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo, taking place February 17–21 in Anaheim, CA. As the conference quickly approaches, professionals are encouraged to check out two impactful student-focused experiences that highlight the innovation, leadership, and future talent shaping the club management profession.

Student Chapter Showcase

NEW for 2026, the Student Chapter Showcase, to be held on Friday, February 20, from 11:00 a.m.- 12: 30 p.m., creates an interactive environment where CMAA Student Chapters connect directly with club management professionals, faculty, and alumni to share their work, ideas, and impact.

Designed to foster conversation and mentorship, the Showcase features engaging displays and chapter storytelling that bring student initiatives to life. Many Student Chapters will be highlighting ideas submitted to the Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair or Shark Tank, offering professionals a unique opportunity to see student creativity in action and provide real-world insight.

Professionals can expect to see Student Chapters highlighting:

• Fundraising & Partnership Initiatives: Successful projects and industry collaborations
• Career Connection Opportunities: Résumé discussions, mentorship conversations, and career pathways
• Future Engagement Opportunities: Guest speaking, club visits, and ongoing chapter partnerships
• Chapter Storytelling: Visual displays that showcase student leadership and engagement

Each booth offers professionals the chance to engage with motivated students, share expertise, and help strengthen the next generation of CMAA leaders.