Authentic Engagement through Real Testimonials and a Professional Kick-off Reception

Description

This idea has significantly enhanced our chapter’s operations by introducing a more authentic, student-centered approach to recruitment and engagement. Our student chapter, CMAA Future attended the CMAA National Student Conference, 2025, we recorded 13 real testimonial videos from students, faculty, and industry professionals, capturing their personal experiences and reflections on CMAA. By using these unscripted, genuine voices in our chapter’s kick-off event, we moved beyond traditional marketing methods and created meaningful emotional connections with new and potential members. As a result, our chapter gained greater visibility and credibility on campus, attracted more student interest, and deepened member engagement. Additionally, the recorded testimonials now serve as a valuable content asset that can be reused in future events and outreach, allowing for sustainable promotion and continued growth. This initiative also helped us streamline our event planning processes and empowered our student leaders to take greater ownership of chapter activities.

Implementation

The idea was implemented in two phases. In the first phase, we collected testimonial videos during the National Student Conference by interviewing students, faculty, and professionals about their real experiences with CMAA. These videos were not scripted, which allowed us to capture sincere and honest reflections about the value of club management education and the community CMAA provides. In the second phase, we organized an on-campus kick-off reception, funded by our university, with a professional, club-style atmosphere. The edited testimonial videos were showcased during the event as the main content. We also invited our department chair and college dean to deliver messages of support, which added credibility and encouraged student participation. The event included interactive club-themed games and prize giveaways to boost engagement and create a fun, welcoming environment for new students. Chapter members responded very positively. Many said they felt proud to see real student stories being shared and felt that the testimonials made CMAA more relatable and inspiring. Overall, the event was seen as a meaningful, effective, and refreshing way to promote our chapter and grow our community.