Lead. Connect. Grow. Inspire.: Education and Innovation at the Wisconsin Badger Chapter Trade Show

Entry Details

The Wisconsin Badger Chapter Trade Show was designed as a high-impact, boutique professional-development experience that brings together leadership education, innovative club-industry solutions, and meaningful networking in one accessible event.

The program began with an inspiring keynote presentation from Mark Ostach, focused on fostering deeper connections, prioritizing well-being, and reimagining leadership in a fast-paced world. The keynote established a thoughtful, people-centered foundation for the day and encouraged attendees to consider how they lead their teams, support employee wellness, and build stronger club cultures.

Following the education session, attendees connected with the Chapter’s corporate partners in an intentionally curated trade show environment. The boutique format gave club professionals and department managers time for meaningful conversations with partners offering relevant products, services, and operational solutions. Food stations throughout the event encouraged networking, conversation, and relationship-building among attendees and partners.

The entire program was complimentary for CMAA-managed clubs and open to department managers, extending professional development beyond the individual CMAA member. By eliminating the cost barrier and welcoming leaders from throughout each club, the Chapter created an opportunity for more professionals to gain leadership insights, discover practical solutions, and develop relationships that can benefit their clubs.

Implementation

We developed the Trade Show as a full-day experience that intentionally paired keynote education with partner engagement and networking. The event was promoted to CMAA-managed clubs as a complimentary opportunity for members and department managers, encouraging General Managers to invite key leaders from throughout their organizations. It was also an opportunity to extend an invitation to non-CMAA-managed clubs to see what the association and chapter are all about.  A new member resulted from this invitation. 

The day opened with Mark Ostach’s keynote, which emphasized connection, wellness, and modern leadership. Attendees then participated in a curated trade show featuring Chapter corporate partners and their products, services, and expertise. Food stations were incorporated throughout the event to create a relaxed, welcoming environment and encourage organic conversations among club professionals and partners.

The response was positive because participants received relevant education, valuable networking, and exposure to industry resources in a single event. Corporate partners benefited from meaningful interaction with club decision-makers, while club teams appreciated an accessible and practical professional-development opportunity. The event reinforced the Chapter’s role as a connector between club professionals, leadership education, and trusted industry partners.