Innovative tactics to attract and retain Student Chapter Members, such as creative recruitment campaigns or retention programs tailored to your Student Chapter.
2026 Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair
The Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair is designed to spark collaboration and inspire innovation by giving Student Chapters and Faculty members a platform to share their most creative ideas. Held annually during the World Conference & Club Business Expo, this program allows participants to showcase initiatives that elevate the Student and Faculty experience within CMAA’s Student Chapters.
Winning entries are recognized at the World Conference and throughout the year, with one standout idea in both the Student Chapter and Faculty categories honored as “Best in Show,” each earning a $1,000 grant sponsored by The Club Foundation.
This program not only celebrates ingenuity but also encourages ongoing engagement, networking, and the exchange of best practices to strengthen the future of CMAA’s Student Chapters and the club management profession.
Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
Categories
Student Chapter Categories
1. Membership Growth & Retention Strategies
2. Effective Onboarding & Member Involvement
Best practices for integrating new members and encouraging active participation in Chapter activities through structured systems, processes, or protocols.
3. Career Development Resources
Creative initiatives to support Student Members’ career growth, such as career fairs or recruitment efforts to help secure professional positions post-graduation.
4. Networking & Collaborative Events
Host engaging events—such as socials, dinners, golf tournaments, or game-day gatherings—that foster connections with alumni, other CMAA Student Chapters, senior Chapters, and encourage inter-university collaboration among Faculty and student organizations.
5. Creative Fundraising Initiative
Unique fundraising approaches, from traditional events like car washes to innovative campaigns like moon bounces or field days, to support Chapter goals.
Faculty Categories
1. Advocacy for Club Management Careers
Efforts to promote the relevance and value of club management as a professional field within the academic community.
2. Partnership Development with Student Chapters
Strategies for Faculty to engage with and support Student Chapters, fostering collaborative relationships.
3. Curriculum Enhancement in Club Management
Focus on developing and improving educational programs to equip Student Members for successful careers in club management.
4. Research & Best Practices in Club Management
Efforts to promote scholarly research and share best practices within the field, encouraging Faculty and Student Members to contribute to the knowledge base and advancements in club management.
5. Experiential Learning & Industry Partnerships
Recognizing programs or initiatives that provide hands-on exposure to the club industry through internships, site visits, or partnerships with clubs.
Criteria
Entry Criteria
- All entries must be submitted via the form below
- Boards must clearly display the category name and number.
- CMAA will print all entries on standard-sized poster boards (22” x 28”). To ensure the best quality, please submit a high-resolution PDF.
- Boards must be in portrait format (not landscape).
- Include your Student Chapter name on the board.
Judging Criteria
- Creativity, clarity, and content—How original and well-presented is the idea?
- Transferability—Can the idea or method be applied successfully in other clubs?
- Uniqueness—How distinctive or innovative is the concept?
Past Entries
New to the Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair? Explore past entries for inspiration on designing a standout entry board that showcases your innovative ideas!
Awards
In addition to category winners, the judging committee will select exceptional entries for the signature "Best in Show" award in both the Student Chapter and Faculty categories.
Each "Best in Show" recipient will receive a $1,000 grant from The Club Foundation.
The Student Chapter grant must be used to support their Chapter's professional development activities (e.g., Conference travel, Student Chapter events, or educational programs).
The Faculty grant must be dedicated to supporting their institution's CMAA Student Chapter or other student-focused CMAA initiatives (e.g., student chapter recruitment efforts, funding student attendance at CMAA events, or student research).
Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair Entry Form
Please fill out the online entry form and upload your entry board and we’ll print them for you!