- Connect with your mentee several weeks before the World Conference to discuss goals and interests (a brief Zoom meeting works well).
- Share your World Conference schedule in advance to coordinate meetings.
Mentorship Program Best Practices
CMAA’s Mentorship Program is designed to foster professional growth, networking, and knowledge exchange by pairing experienced professionals (mentors) with less experienced attendees (mentees). The program aims to provide guidance, support career development, and enhance the World Conference experience through meaningful interactions.
Please save the date for the Mentorship Program Kick-Off Call, scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The following guidelines are designed to help both mentors and mentees get the most out of their time together.
Best Practices for Mentors
Mentoring a Student Member
Student mentors are established club management professionals (Professional, Alumnus, or Honorary status CMAA members) who guide students eager to learn about the industry.
- Conferences are busy—when meeting with your mentee, give them your full attention.
- Find a quiet spot to minimize distractions.
- Introduce your mentee to peers, speakers, or industry leaders.
- Explain who your mentee is and why the connection matters.
- Recommend specific conference sessions or networking events suitable for their level.
- Help your mentee interpret sessions, panels, or networking events.
Encourage Follow-Up and Growth
- Suggest ways to stay engaged post-conference, such as joining relevant student groups or online communities.
- Offer to connect via email or platforms like LinkedIn for ongoing advice.
- Encourage reflection on their conference experience to identify actionable next steps.
Mentoring a Professional or Alumnus Member
Professional or Alumnus mentors are seasoned CMAA members who guide early-career professionals and/or first-time Conference attendees seeking advice on leadership, advancement, or navigating the World Conference.
- Connect with your mentee several weeks before the World Conference to align on goals, interests, and career focus area—a brief Zoom or phone call works well.
- Share your conference schedule in advance to coordinate potential meeting times.
- Conferences are busy—when meeting with your mentee, give them your full attention.
- Find a quiet, comfortable spot to minimize distractions and foster meaningful dialogue.
- Introduce your mentee to peers, speakers, or senior industry leaders who can broaden their network.
- Provide context—explain who your mentee is and why the connection is valuable.
- Recommend sessions and events aligned with their professional goals and current career stage.
- Help them interpret key insights from sessions, panels, or networking events and relate them to real-world practice.
Encourage Follow-Up and Growth
- Suggest ways to stay engaged post-conference, such as participating in chapter events, committees, or professional development programs.
- Offer to stay connected via LinkedIn or email for continued guidance.
- Encourage reflection on their conference experience to identify actionable next steps for growth.
Best Practices for Mentees
Student Mentees
Student mentees are typically undergraduate or early graduate students exploring career paths in club management, seeking guidance on academics, internships, or navigating the CMAA World Conference.
- Know your mentor’s background and the World Conference agenda.
- Set specific goals: e.g., learning about career paths in country club management, securing an internship, or understanding how to manage club events.
- Be flexible and understanding of last-minute changes.
- Don’t monopolize—allow space for organic interactions.
Ask for Introductions Thoughtfully
- Be specific: “I’m interested in meeting someone in [?].”
- Follow up with a thank-you and maintain the connection.
- Attend sessions aligned with your goals, even without your mentor.
- Bring discussion points or takeaways to your mentor.
- Send a thank-you message after the World Conference.
- Reflect on what you learned and share how you plan to use it.
- Stay in touch for future guidance or to share academic/career updates.
Professional or Alumnus Mentees
Professional or alumnus mentees are early-career club management professionals (e.g., assistant managers, event coordinators) and/or first-time Conference attendees seeking guidance on career advancement, industry trends, or World Conference navigation.
- Know your mentor’s background and the conference agenda.
- Set specific goals: e.g., people to meet, questions to ask, or skills to observe.
- Be flexible and understanding of last-minute changes.
- Don’t monopolize—allow space for organic interactions.
Ask for Introductions Thoughtfully
- Be specific: “I’m interested in meeting someone in [?].”
- Follow up with a thank-you and maintain the connection.
- Attend sessions aligned with your goals, even without your mentor.
- Bring discussion points or takeaways to your mentor.
- Send a thank-you message after the conference.
- Reflect on what you learned and share how you plan to use it.
Ideas for Mentors and Mentees During the World Conference & Club Business Expo
Make the most of your time together by building connections and sharing experiences throughout the event.
- Schedule at least one formal meeting and, if possible, check in informally during the week.
- Attend at least one education session together to spark discussion and share takeaways.
- Debrief after key sessions or networking events to exchange insights and perspectives.
- Explore the Club Business Expo Floor together—introduce one another to vendors, partners, or colleagues, and discuss emerging products or trends.