September 14-16, 2025

Leadership/Legislative Conference

No Leadership Experience Needed

Whether you are a CMAA rising star, a guiding light, or somewhere in between, there’s no event like the Leadership/ Legislative Conference (LLC). Annually, LLC unites CMAA members who want to:

Develop their leadership IQ through interactive programs and sessions;
Learn from informative speakers and presentations on advocacy, volunteer engagement, and tax and legal updates; and
Network at prominent local clubs.

What past attendees have to say about this event:

It’s a great way to dive in on specific leadership topics.
—Christina Gusella

It’s three days packed with great education and it’s a smaller conference, so you really get to meet and spend quality time with different people.
—Jeff Isbell, CCM

Be part of this vibrant and boutique educational and networking opportunity in Washington, DC, September 14-16.

Menu

Register

Attend all scheduled general and concurrent sessions of education and earn up to 12.5 Club Management Institute (CMI) Education Credits.

Event Registration Options

Authorized Chapter Representative—CMAA provides each Chapter with one (1) complimentary registration for an elected Chapter representative. Please note this offer is limited to CMAA Professional classification members only. This category includes all education sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks, the Sunday Networking reception, the Monday Networking Event, and program materials. To access this category, please contact CMAA’s Membership Services Manager Alanna Eckard.
Member or Non-Member Registration—This category is available to CMAA Members and Non-Members and includes access to all education sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks, the Sunday Networking reception, the Monday Networking Event, and program materials.
Members $800/Non-Members $1,200

Chapter Managing Director Registration—This category is available to CMAA Managing Directors and includes access to all education sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks, the Sunday Networking reception, the Monday Networking Event, and program materials.
Cost $500
Past President/Chair and CMAA Fellow Registration—This category is available to CMAA Past President/Chair or CMAA Fellows and includes access to all education sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks, the Sunday Networking reception, the Monday Networking Event, and program materials.
Cost $400
Significant Other/Guest Networking Event Ticket—This category is available to significant others/spouses of registered club management professionals and includes entry to the Sunday Networking reception and the Monday Networking Event.
Cost $150

Register now

Schedule

Official programming will begin on Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m. and conclude on Tuesday, September 16 at 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 14

Time	Event
12:00 noon	Registration Opens Managing Director Meeting and Lunch The Club Foundation Board of Governors Meeting and Lunch
2:00-3:00 p.m.	Stay Ready: Boosting Leadership Efficacy Amid Change & Uncertainty Rebecca Wilson and Ty Moore, Co-Founders of VeraVis Today’s CMAA Chapter Leaders are navigating more change than ever before, with Chapters in a constant state of flux, due to: board turnover, evolving member expectations, and new technology, among others. Yet few of these Leaders are equipped with the mindset and tools to lead through the internal process that real change requires. This interactive kickoff session will introduce a practical framework for understanding and navigating the three phases of transition—letting go, realigning, and beginning anew—while offering grounded strategies that CMAA Chapter Leaders can use to stay clear, calm, and effective in the face of uncertainty. Participants will leave with tools to both enhance their personal ability to grapple with change and help others move forward with confidence during these critical moments.
3:15-4:15 p.m.	Beyond the Ask: Creating a Culture of Volunteer Leadership Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE Recruiting volunteers is just the beginning—the real challenge lies in preparing and supporting them for success. We’ll explore how organizations are shifting their engagement models, ensuring members are equipped for leadership roles that enhance both their personal growth and the organization’s mission. Gain practical strategies to build a sustainable volunteer pipeline that fosters involvement at every level.
4:30-5:30 p.m.	Turning Insight into Impact: Engaging Club Leaders with Strategic Intelligence Michael Gregory, Henry DeLozier, and Eric Brey, Ph.D., GGA Partners Today’s club leaders have plenty of data, but the real challenge is turning that information into meaningful action. This session combines current research with engaging delivery to help you connect insights to solutions to a club’s key areas: members, employees, and operations. Instead of just presenting findings, we’ll model innovative, interactive ways to engage participants to help make complex data easier to understand (and apply). Participants will actively explore emerging trends, solve complex problems for their clubs (or their members' clubs), and leave with strategic tools and content you can use right away. Designed to meet CMAA’s changing educational needs, this session offers both insight and action, intended for leaders who want to improve how their organizations learn, lead, and adapt. In today’s world, success isn’t just about having the right data - it’s about engaging people with it in meaningful ways.
5:30-6:30 p.m.	Welcome Reception

Free evening!

Check out recommendations from the Cosmos Club team

Monday, September 15

Time	Event
7:30–8:30 a.m.	Continental Breakfast and Royal Cup Coffee House
8:30-10:30 a.m.	CMAA Business Session Join us for an essential business session featuring key updates and strategic insights. Highlights include the Nominating Report with the 2026 Board of Directors Candidates Forum, 2025 Committee Reports, and the State of the Association Address with Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE. You’ll also hear The Club Foundation update and learn about the Centennial Celebration plans from Pipeline Marketing. This is your opportunity to stay informed, engaged, and connected to the Association’s future.
10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	The Reset Mindset: A Leaders Guide-Reinvention and Innovation Penny Zenker In today's hectic world, 97 percent of managers are stuck in tactical thought, leaving little room for creativity. Dive into The Reset Mindset and uncover the transformative power of the Reset Practice, a pivotal tool in reshaping challenges into opportunities. Learn-think outside the box, embrace change, and ignite innovation and reinvention. Whether grappling with change or seeking a spark of creativity, this program equips you with strategies to navigate challenges and fully realize your potential. You will reshape your perspectives and be ready-spearhead novel solutions.
12:30–1:30 p.m.	Awards Lunch featuring the Chapter Idea Fair Awards
2:00–3:00 p.m.	Compliance in Focus: Unpacking the 2025 Employment Law Landscape Kara Maciel The Club Industry faces unique challenges in navigating evolving employment regulations. Labor and Employment attorney Kara Maciel will break down what’s on the horizon for the EEOC, shifting federal labor laws, and emerging wage and hour requirements that may impact your club. Learn how to stay compliant and adapt your workforce policies amid an ever-changing legal landscape.
3:15–4:45 p.m.	Industry Partner Round Tables Engage with on the latest trends impacting the club industry while leveraging the knowledge and insights of CMAA’s Partnership Network.
6:00-9:00 p.m.	Networking Event: There’s No Place Like Chevy Chase Club Join us for a memorable evening of connection, storytelling, and celebration at the historic Chevy Chase Club. Since 1892, this remarkable retreat just beyond our nation's capital has welcomed generations with its elegant grounds, refined hospitality, and deep-rooted sense of tradition. As we gather in this beautiful and storied setting, CMAA volunteer leaders and industry partners will enjoy not only an exceptional meal, but the opportunity to reflect on the power of teamwork and the stories that define who we are—as individuals, as professionals, and as a community. Come celebrate the spirit of CMAA in a place where tradition meets timeless connection, because truly, there’s no place like CMAA at LLC!

Tuesday, September 16

Time	Event
7:00–8:00 a.m.	Continental Breakfast and Royal Cup Coffee House
8:00–9:15 a.m.	Beyond Defense: Offensive Cyber Tactics for High-End Membership Organizations Duane LaFlotte As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, clubs must evolve from passive defense to active offense. This session led by Duane LaFlotte with Pulsar Security introduces strategic offensive cyber operations, including threat simulation, red teaming, and adversary pursuit. Hot topics will include offensive cyber operations in the private sector; strategic use of AI for threat detection and countermeasures; building a cybersecurity culture among club staff and members; legal frameworks for private-sector cyber engagement; and more.
9:30–10:10 a.m.	Chapter Management Break Out Sessions: Session One Choose from: Education, Certification, and Research (Offered Twice) Membership (Offered Once) Communications & Branding (Offered Twice) The Club Foundation (Offered Once)
10:20–11:00 a.m.	Chapter Management Break Out Sessions: Session Two Choose from: Education, Certification, and Research (Offered Twice) Chapter Presidents (Offered Once) Communications & Branding (Offered Twice) Corporate Relations (Offered Once)
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.	Adapting to Change: Tax Policy and Financial Risks Facing the Club Industry Christopher Cecil, Tax Senior Manager, RSM This session will explore key tax provisions from the 2025 reconciliation bill and their implications for both tax-exempt and taxable clubs. In addition to legislative updates, including changes related to overtime and tip income, the session will address current financial risks affecting club operations and strategic planning.

Important Information

The Mayflower Hotel is a capital classic, a landmark hotel that brings timeless elegance and contemporary style to its role as a vibrant social hub—a Washington, DC original. CMAA has arranged for a special rate of $327 plus applicable taxes. Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 noon.

Please note that all scheduled business and education sessions will take place at The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036.

The last day to book within the group block is August 25, 2025.

Reserve now!

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

CMAA encourages all participants to reserve a room at the host hotel; this supports not only the Conference, 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 hotel concessions. When commitments to our host property are not met, CMAA must pay penalties which will ultimately increase the cost of events.

The Washington, DC, area is served by multiple airports. The closest airport is Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), located 5 miles from The Mayflower.

Other Options include:

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 28 miles from The Mayflower
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) 36 miles from The Mayflower

Please note that travel times may vary due to traffic.

Regional travelers should consider Amtrak. Washington, DC, is served by Union Station, approximately 2.5 miles from The Mayflower.

Additionally, there are two nearby Metro Stations, Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines)

All registration cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing by the individual whose name appears on the registration. To be valid, submit all requests to CMAA Registration. No refunds will be made after August 25, 2025. CMAA will not issue refunds 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 CMAA Events Code of Conduct policy. It is intended to supplement any other applicable CMAA policies, including the CMAA Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Chapter Idea Fair

The purpose of the Chapter Idea Fair is for Chapters to share innovative ideas with each other in specific categories. This award program is presented at the annual Leadership/Legislative Conference (LLC). There will be two overall awards: “Best in Show” will receive a $2,000 education grant and “Most Transferable Idea” will win a $1,000 education grant, both funded by The Club Foundation.

Entries are due on August 26, 2025. For further information, please contact Erica Benjamin, Vice President, Member and Chapter Relations, or call 703-739-9500.

Chapter Idea Fair Poster Boards