The Student Experience

Education

We kick off student programming with the Student Networking Event on  Sunday, February 7, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., and have student-specific sessions on Monday, February 8, through Wednesday, February 10.

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 Tuesday, February 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Select the session that best aligns with your current needs and career development.

9:30 -10:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions:

• Raise Your Hand: The Behaviors That Accelerate Careers, presented by Rob Oosterhuis, CCM, CCE, PGA, CAM. This session is ideal for students exploring their career path and preparing to launch their professional journey.
• The Art of Tact: Preserving the Relationship, while Upholding the Standard, presented by Nicole Bodchon. This session is tailored for students looking to take their club management skills up a level.

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions:

• Stepping Up: Leadership Fundamentals for New Managers, presented by James Cronk. This session is ideal for students that want to build their foundation as a professional in the club industry.
• Navigating the Unstructured Path: Steering Your Development After the Training Program Ends, presented by Hannah Greenland. This session is tailored for students seeking to navigate post-graduation life.

Additionally, students are encouraged to attend the Opening Business Session, daily General Sessions, Closing Business Session, and any other non-student-specific education sessions as their schedule allows.

Please Note: Students are not permitted to attend The Centennial Celebration Gala & After Glow

Student Networking Event

Sunday, February 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Kick off your Conference experience by connecting with fellow students at this fun networking social event! To celebrate our centennial year, come dressed in your favorite decades wear. 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.

Career Connections Lunch 

Monday, February 8, 12:00 -1:00 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to expand their professional network and connect with club managers and industry mentors to refine their career goals and navigate their professional path.

Please note: All Student members are encouraged to attend this event. It is included in your registration.

This event is open to all Professional/Alumnus members and is not limited to existing mentor/mentee pairings. Tickets are limited and must be purchased separately.

Student Achievement Lunch

Tuesday, February 9, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Esteemed CMAA leaders 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 2026 New Member Recruitment Contest winners, the 2026 Student Chapter of the Year winners, and the recipient of our inaugural Ultimate Student Chapter of the Year award. 

Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase

Tuesday, February 9, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Held on the floor of the Club Business Expo, this job fair and networking forum is the place for students and managers to gather. Connect with top employers to explore exciting employment and internship opportunities, build your professional network, and discuss your goals for a bright future in the club industry. Secure your future job and check out which clubs are participating in our Verified Internship Program (VIP) program!

Student Chapter Showcase

Wednesday, February 10, from 9:30 -11:00 a.m.

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, fundraising successes, and experiences while connecting with fellow students, alumni, and club managers. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, build valuable relationships, and showcase the talent, creativity, and pride of the next generation of club management professionals.

To participate, Student Chapters must reserve a table by Wednesday, January 27, 2027, at 12:00 noon ET.

Student Shark Tank Session

Monday, February 8, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Whether you're a dynamic duo or a fantastic group of five, the Student Shark Tank Competition is calling all innovative student teams! Have you and your teammates developed a game-changing product or a bold new solution that could revolutionize the club industry? Here is your chance to step into the spotlight together, command the room, and pitch your vision directly to industry leaders. Learn more about this program and the chance to win a $1,000 Visa gift card. Entries are due on Wednesday, January 6, 2027, at 12:00 noon ET..

Participate

Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair

The Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair offers you the opportunity to showcase your Student Chapter’s successes and compete for a $1,000 Student Chapter grant from The Club Foundation. Enter as many ideas as you like across five student categories and four faculty categories to highlight your accomplishments. Entries are due Wednesday, January 6, 2027.

Participate

Student Coaching with Kevin McDonald and Shelley MacDougall

Ready to make meaningful strides in your personal and professional growth? Experience group coaching led by CMAA Coaches Kevin MacDonald and Shelley MacDougall [Time TBD]. Learn key strategies to shift mindsets, build confidence, and achieve your goals. Contact Haley Habosky to sign up for the session. Spaces are reserved on a first-come first-served basis.

Participate