August 21, 2026
Professional Development
2026 Leadership/Legislative Conference: Registration and Hotel Deadlines Ahead
So far, more than 160 CMAA’s leaders are bringing their energy to Detroit, a city known for Motown, Motor City, and its Momentum. The 2026 Leadership/Legislative Conference (LLC), September 14-16, is where ideas are shared, leadership is sharpened, and the work of the Association moves forward in real time.
Browse the full, energy-building agenda
Don't delay. Event registration ends September 1.
Send Your Stars to the Mid-Management Conference
Do you have a star mid-manager who could benefit from continuing education? The 2026 Mid-Management Conference will take over St. Louis, MO, October 18-21.
CMAA’s Mid-Management Conference began as a grassroots effort in 1991 by the Greater Chicago Chapter to provide quality educational and networking opportunities for club management professionals who do not serve in the general manager/chief operating officer role. Education is focused on developing new skills, broadening horizons, and advancing career and certification goals.
Send your team and let them explore sessions on personal leadership, club trends, and career advancement.
Providing educational opportunities like these is a wise investment for your club, yielding rich dividends for your entire staff team and membership.
Membership and Member Benefits
Renew Your Membership and Join CMAA for Our Centennial Celebration
CMAA’s 2026 membership year ends on October 31, which is right around the corner. Your dues invoice is currently in the mail on its way to you.
If you’d like to save time and pay online, please proceed directly to the new online renewal service; have your email address and password ready. Please also be sure to verify your personal, club, and Chapter information. You can make any necessary changes by logging into your profile and updating your information.
Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating CMAA’s centennial year with you!
2026 Club Executive of the Year Nominations Due September 10
Do you know a club management professional who sets the standard for excellence? It's time to recognize and honor their contributions! Annually, CMAA’s Club Management magazine honors a high-performing club management professional who exemplifies excellence in leadership with the Club Executive of the Year Award. Created more than 40 years ago as the Club Manager of the Year Award, today the distinction specifically recognizes top-level executives whose sustained contributions have significantly impacted their clubs, community, and the broader profession.
Help us honor an extraordinary club management professional who raises the bar in club management and within the CMAA community. CMAA welcomes and encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds and work experiences.
Please review the full criteria, nomination packet requirements, judging process, and notification information available online. All nomination materials must be received by September 10.
Take Note: The Club Foundation Upcoming Deadlines are Available
There are four Club Foundation scholarship opportunities due on October 1. Each scholarship supports professionals in our industry, and the good news is that you can apply for one or more of these awards through a single application.
Check out these four opportunities to find the one that matches your professional goals:
- DeLozier Family Scholarship: For emerging leaders who are individuals underrepresented in the club industry.
- John and Andrea Dorman Scholarship: For emerging leaders working toward their Certified Club Manager (CCM) credential.
- Sharon and Jay DiPietro Scholarship: For emerging leaders working toward their Certified Club Manager (CCM) credential.
- Sally Burns Rambo Scholarship: For both emerging and established female leaders.
Additional deadlines to consider:
- Warren Arseneaux Honorary Scholarship: For Wine Society Members to cover the cost of attending the Wine and Food Business Management Institute experience. Deadline is October 6.
- James B. Singerling Scholarship: For those who would like to attend World Conference and haven’t attended in the past as a professional CMAA member. Deadline is November 1.
- LaRocca Family Executive Scholarship: For mentors in our industry who are part of a mentor-mentee team. Deadline is November 1.
- Chapter Workshop Grant: for small and medium Chapters to support education activities of the Chapter. Deadline is December 15.
Whether you're taking the next step toward your CCM designation or investing in your leadership journey, The Club Foundation encourages you to take advantage of these opportunities.
Mark Your Calendars: The National Student Education Conference Heads to Atlanta!
Save the date for the 2026 National Student Education Conference (NSEC), taking place November 7-9 in Atlanta, GA!
Registration will open soon for this dynamic event designed exclusively for student members and faculty. Curated education sessions will focus on building essential life skills and sharing insider tips for success in the club industry, all while you connect with peers, faculty advisors, and industry leaders from across the country.
Attendees will have the incredible opportunity to visit five top-tier host clubs throughout the weekend:
- Atlanta Athletic Club
- Druid Hills Golf Club
- Piedmont Driving Club
- Ansley Golf Club
- Cherokee Town & Country Club
We can’t wait to see you in Atlanta. Hotel blocks will be released as soon as registration goes live, so keep an eye on your inbox so you can secure your spot and your room!
Renew Your CMAA Wine Society Membership for 2027
If you are a CMAA Wine Society member, we hope you are enjoying your membership and taking full advantage of all it has to offer!
The 2027 CMAA Wine Society membership year begins November 1, making now the perfect time to renew your membership online.
Your 2027 Wine Society renewal invoice can be accessed anytime under the “My Invoices” tab in your online CMAA profile.
Continue Enjoying Your Wine Society Benefits
When you renew your CMAA Wine Society membership, you’ll continue to enjoy a variety of benefits designed to help you learn, connect and explore the world of wine, including:
- Access to the CMAA Connect Wine Society online forum
- A one-year subscription to Wine Spectator magazine
- Complimentary access to Gallo University
- Wine webinars with industry leaders, including select experiences featuring wines shipped directly to members
- Priority registration for in-person Wine Society events, including the Pre-Conference Wine Workshop at CMAA’s World Conference and Club Business Expo and the Wine Society Annual Business Meeting
Renew your Wine Society membership today and continue enjoying all the benefits of membership throughout 2027. We’re looking forward to another year of great wines, learning opportunities and connections with fellow wine enthusiasts!
If you have questions regarding your Wine Society membership, please contact Sara Thom.
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Resources
Escoffier Culinary Training Courses Available on CMAA’s Club Resource Center
Calling all ACF Chefs and those striving to be! Boost your skills with ACF-approved online learning!
CMAA’s Club Resource Center (CRC) hosts 23 culinary courses from Escoffier Global. Earn continuing education hours in culinary, plant-based cooking, baking & pastry, holistic wellness and more. Some of the courses include:
- Culinary Essentials
- Baking and Pastry courses
- Cooking for Holistic Wellness
- Plant-based courses
- Introduction to the Kitchen;
The CRC subscription brings you a broad scope of online interactive training courses for all your club’s staff. Start learning today! Contact Bob Gould for a full CRC course list or more information.
Trends and News
The Club Foundation Announces the Sharon and Jay DiPietro Scholarship
The Club Foundation announces the Sharon and Jay DiPietro Scholarship. The fund was initiated in 2025 through an endowed gift from Sharon DiPietro to honor a life and legacy defined by service, generosity, and shared purpose. Created in memory of her late husband, Jay DiPietro, CCM, the fund reflects the values Jay and Sharon lived and continue to live every day—a deep commitment to the club industry, to the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and to lifting others through education and opportunity.
Jay dedicated his life and career to the club industry, leaving an indelible mark through his leadership, integrity, and generosity of spirit. A long-time CMAA member and former National Board member, he earned his Certified Club Manager (CCM) in 1989, was elected to the CMAA Board of Directors in 1990, joined the CMAA Honor Society in 2009, and was named to the inaugural class of CMAA Fellows in 2019. From 2005 to 2014, Jay served as Chair of The Club Foundation, where his passion and leadership helped raise critical funds to support the professional development of current and future club leaders. He also founded and chaired the CMAA Florida Chapter Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament and Gala, raising more than $6.7 million for children’s and community-focused charities.
Sharon DiPietro is equally admired for her heart-led service and lifelong dedication to giving back. A devoted volunteer and champion of many charitable causes, she has supported initiatives ranging from animal rescue and care to programs serving elderly community members, underprivileged families, and those in need of food and clothing. Her compassion and quiet leadership have touched countless lives.
Sharon and Jay met in Florida and built a life rooted in love, family, and service. United by generosity and commitment and while raising their nine children, they devoted time, energy, and resources to improving the lives of other children and families in need.
Through this scholarship fund, Sharon continues their shared legacy by supporting emerging professionals with funding for Business Management Institutes (BMI) required in the pursuit of the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation—ensuring that future leaders have the opportunity to grow, lead, and serve with the same passion and heart that define both Sharon and Jay.
The Club Foundation will award at least one scholarship annually. Awards are based on merit and demonstrated financial need, ensuring support is directed to the most qualified candidates. Scholarship funds will cover the registration fee for one of the BMIs required for eligibility for the CCM exam.
“I would like to thank Sharon for continuing Jay’s legacy through the establishment of this scholarship,” shares Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, President of The Club Foundation and CMAA. “This generous gift will benefit the education and professional development of club management professionals for years to come.”
As CMAA enters its next 100 years, The Club Foundation is building on its legacy and deepening its impact by championing the club professional’s journey and celebrating the contributions of club professionals across the country.