August 9-11, 2026

Capital Improvements Symposium

The Capital Improvements Symposium focuses on construction management in clubs and the competencies a club management professional needs to complete a successful project, renovation, or deconstruction. Topics will be diverse and extensive and cover every aspect from start to finish of a major project.

Chicago has a rich architectural heritage, a city with impressive skyscrapers like the Sears/Willis Tower, Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (nicknamed “The Bean”), notable homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and outstanding clubs providing community and connection in the city’s center. The storied Chicago Club will host the 2026 event.

Get the blueprints to make your club’s next project a success!

Presented in Partnership with The McMahon Group and RSM

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CMAA Member Registration: $950
Attendance will be limited to the first 75 registrants.

Earn Credits: 15 CMI Credits
Learn more about CMAA certification and understanding your credits.

Full attendance at the Capital Improvements Symposium will be required for the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation under updated criteria, effective in 2030.

Register now

Schedule

All Times CT

All programming subject to change.

Sunday, August 9—The Chicago Club

Business Casual Attire: no jeans, shorts, cargo-style pants, or shirts without collars.

Time	Event
5:00 p.m.	Registration
6:00–8:30 p.m.	Evening Welcome Reception and Club Tour

Monday, August 10—The Chicago Club

Business Casual Attire: jackets for men (suit or sport), no jeans, shorts, cargo-style pants, or shirts without collars.

Time	Event
7:30–8:00 a.m.	Breakfast and Announcements
8:00–9:00 a.m.	Panel Discussion: Highlighting Different Club Projects, Floor Plans, Communication/PR Pieces, and Timelines Presenters: Joe Krenn, CCM, CCE, Matt Lambert, CCM, CAM, and Todd Bruen
9:00–9:15 a.m.	Break
9:15–11:15 a.m.	Creating an Effective and Efficient Project Management Team (Hiring the Architect, Project Manager, Interior designer, etc.) Master Plan Development Working with a Historic Building Gaining Confidence of the Membership for Project Approval Presenters: Joe Krenn, CCM, CCE, GM/COO, and Paul Estevez, CPA
11:15–11:30 a.m.	Break
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m	Funding Capital Improvements Presenter: Paul Estevez, CPA, The Country Club at Mirasol
12:30–1:15 p.m	Lunch
1:15–3:15 p.m.	Assembling the Construction Team and Roles and Responsibilities/Deadlines Presenter: Matt Lambert, CCM, CAM, GM/COO, The Country Club at Mirasol
3:15–3:30 p.m	Break
3:30–5:00 p.m.	Construction Feasibility and Valuation Presenter: David Luker, CPA, Director, RSM US LLP

Tuesday, August 11—The Chicago Club

Business Casual Attire: jackets for men (suit or sport), no jeans, shorts, cargo-style pants, or shirts without collars.

Time	Event
7:00–7:30 a.m	Breakfast and Announcements
7:30–9:00 a.m.	Construction/Project Cost Estimating Presenter: Todd Bruen, Director of Facilities and Construction, Desert Mountain
9:00–9:15 a.m.	Break
9:15–10:45 a.m	Construction Contracts & Project Administration Presenter: Daniel Graham, Member, Clark Hill
10:45–11:00 a.m.	Break
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Specs and Contracts (Draw Schedules) Presenter: Tom Gotschall, Construction Arbitration Associates, Ltd.
12:30–2:00 p.m.	Lunch (1:00-2:00)
2:00–3:30 p.m.	Construction Scheduling & Project Controls Presenters: Bill McMahon and Frank Vain, McMahon Group, and Mike Cottick, Project Director, Bulley & Andrews
3:30–3:45 p.m.	Break
3:45–4:30 p.m.	Construction Safety Presenter: Todd Bruen, Director of Facilities and Construction, Desert Mountain
4:30–5:15 p.m.	Panel Project Wrap Up: Hiring, Training of Staff, Equipment and Mediation Presenters: Daniel Moriyama, Joe Krenn, CCM, CCE, and Todd Bruen

Important Information

Address: The Chicago Club, 81 East Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Rate: Varies depending on room type

Reserve: Please call the Club at 312-427-1825 and ask for Member Services Manager Sean Honsinger. You may also email Sean at shonsinger@thechicagoclub.org.

CMAA makes every effort to keep attendee expenses including registration fees and accommodation rates for the event as economical as possible. We work diligently to negotiate the best rates and to make the best use of your registration dollars to keep the event affordable and accessible.

CMAA encourages all participants to reserve a room at the location above; this supports not only this event, but also future meetings. While in some instances, less expensive accommodations may be available from third party online consolidators, booking within CMAA’s established block helps to underwrite the cost of meeting space and other concessions. When commitments to our host property are not met, CMAA must pay penalties which will ultimately increase the cost of events.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is serviced by most major airlines.
The smaller Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is 10 miles from downtown Chicago.
The Amtrak Chicago Union Station is located 1 mile from The Chicago Club.

All registration cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing by the individual whose name appears on the registration. No refunds will be made after July 9, 2026. To be valid, submit all requests to CMAA Registration. CMAA regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows. Substitutions are gladly accepted; substitutions of registrations are permitted prior to the event. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with the substitution. Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited.

CMAA is dedicated to providing a safe, hospitable, inclusive, and productive environment for all participants at CMAA Events. CMAA has established minimum expectations of behavior for participants at all CMAA events. Please review the policy. It is intended to supplement any other applicable CMAA policies, including the CMAA Code of Conduct and Ethics.