Meaningful Education Topics and Keynote Speakers

Entry Details

NJCMA’s education initiative has significantly enhanced our chapter by delivering dynamic, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities that directly support the professional growth of our members. By bringing in high-level keynote speakers and designing sessions around timely and impactful topics, we have created a culture of continuous learning that equips leaders with tools to elevate both their careers and their clubs. Programs such as The Hero Effect with Kevin Brown empowered attendees to embrace transformational leadership and strive for excellence, while Habits of Consciously Intentional Leaders with Dan Irvin provided practical strategies for intentional goal setting and improved team motivation. Content is King with Ben Lorenzen offered valuable insights into standing out in today’s competitive digital landscape, a skill increasingly critical in hospitality. Finally, Mapping the Member Experience with Rick Poling gave our members an actionable framework to elevate service into signature moments, directly impacting member satisfaction and engagement. Together, these programs have enhanced our chapter by fostering stronger leaders, sparking innovative ideas, and strengthening the professional community within NJCMA. The variety and quality of education not only meet our members’ needs but also position our chapter as a leader in delivering impactful professional development within CMAA.

Implementation

NJCMA provides diverse educational and professional development opportunities, including full and half-day workshops, roundtable discussions, WICM, YoPro, and wine education programs hosted at member clubs. Guided by the Education Committee, the curriculum is intentionally designed to align with CMAA’s core competencies, support career development, and address timely topics to meet the evolving needs of the club and hospitality industry. This idea was implemented through a balanced calendar of in-person and virtual sessions featuring nationally recognized speakers. Highlights include The Hero Effect with Kevin Brown on transformational leadership; Habits of Consciously Intentional Leaders with Dan Irvin on goal-setting and motivation; Content is King with Ben Lorenzen on standing out in a digital marketplace; and Mapping the Member Experience with Rick Poling on creating signature service moments. Member response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong attendance and praise for the relevant content, networking opportunities, and practical takeaways. Feedback highlights the sessions as both inspiring and practical, providing immediate applications in their clubs. These programs have quickly become one of the most valued benefits of NJCMA membership, reinforcing the chapter’s reputation for delivering meaningful, high-quality education that strengthens both individual careers and the profession as a whole.