The Student Experience
The World Conference offers a full slate of events and activities specifically for students.
Education
We kick off student programming with the Student Networking Event on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, and have student-specific sessions on Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19.
CMAA invites Student Members to participate in student education sessions presented for the duration of the conference. Please note that concurrent education sessions are on Thursday, February 19, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Select the session that best aligns with your current needs and career development.
- Welcome to Your Future: Building a Career in Hospitality Management, presented by Haissam Baityeh, CCM, CCE, is ideal for students who are not familiar with the club industry and seeking to explore what the career path has to offer.
- Membership: The Heart of Private Clubs—A Sibling Perspective, presented by Nadine Liauw and Nicko Liauw, is tailored for students who are familiar with the club industry and are looking to pursue a career in club management.
See additional sessions by visiting the 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo Schedule.
Additionally, students are encouraged to attend the Opening Business Session, daily General Sessions, and Closing Business Session, and any other non-student specific education sessions when their schedule allows.
Please Note: Students are not permitted to attend Good Vibrations: CMAA Welcome Reception or the Club Business Expo Happiness Hour.
Student Networking Event
Tuesday, February 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Kick off your Conference experience by connecting with fellow students at this fun networking social! Student Chapter co-hosts will welcome attendees and lead an engaging icebreaker to get the conversation flowing. Enjoy good food, great company, and plenty of opportunities to make new connections.
Student Achievement Lunch
Wednesday, February 18, 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.
Esteemed leaders of CMAA and members of the National Headquarters Team will join students at this achievement lunch. Chapter and individual achievements will be showcased during the awards presentation. The Club Foundation's Joe Perdue Scholarship recipients will be recognized along with the 2025 New Member Recruitment Contest winners and the 2025 Student Chapter of the Year winners.
Career Connections Lunch (formerly the Student/Mentor Lunch)
Thursday, February 19, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sit down with club managers and other mentors to gain insights and guidance on the next steps in their journey through the club management industry.
Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase
Thursday, February 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Held at the Club Business Expo, this job fair and networking forum is the place where students and managers can gather to discuss employment and internship opportunities, as well as network and discuss goals regarding students’ future in the club industry.
Student Chapter Showcase
Friday, February 20, from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
[NEW!] Experience the innovation and energy of CMAA’s Student Chapters at the interactive Student Chapter Showcase. You’ll have the chance to share your Student Chapter’s most impactful initiatives and experiences while connecting with fellow students, alumni, and club managers. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and showcase the talent and creativity of the next generation of club management professionals.
Student Shark Tank Session
Wednesday, February 18, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
The Student Shark Tank Competition is for any student member (or a group of up to five) who has an innovative mind. Do you have an idea or product that you think the club industry could benefit from? Tell us about it! Learn more about this program and the chance to win a $1,000 Visa gift card. Entries are due on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET.
Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair
The Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair is your chance to share as many ideas as you’d like across five different categories for a chance to win a $1,000 Chapter grant from The Club Foundation. Faculty members will have four categories in which to enter ideas. Show off everything your Chapter has done to be successful! Entries are due January 16, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET.
Student Coaching with Kevin McDonald and Shelley MacDougall
Benefit from on-site Coaching Sessions. Coaching is a highly effective way to learn to make significant changes in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to help achieve personal and professional goals. Experience group coaching sessions with CMAA Coaches Kevin MacDonald and Shelley MacDougall on February 18, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Contact Haley Habosky to sign up for the session. Spaces are reserved on a first-come come first first-served basis.
Mentorship Program
Are you looking to have more one-on-one time with a club management professional? If you answered yes, this program is for you! Mentors and mentees will be paired in mid-January to give you plenty of time to make a game plan for your time together in Anaheim.
Schedule Royal Cup coffee breaks, a lunch or two, a “field trip” to the Club Business Expo, and/or make suggestions for which education sessions to attend based on interests and learning opportunities… the possibilities are endless! To request a mentor, indicate your interest when registering for the World Conference, and the CMAA National Headquarters Team will follow up with additional details.
