December 2025

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2026 World Conference: The Student Experience!

World Conference 2026Get ready for an exciting week in Anaheim, CA! CMAA’s World Conference and Club Business Expo is packed with student-focused education, networking, and career-building opportunities. Here are the highlights and deadlines you need to know:

Education & Sessions

Student programming begins Tuesday, February 17, and continues through Friday, February 20. Students are welcome at all student-specific education and may attend general sessions as schedules allow.

Concurrent student sessions:
Thursday, February 19 | 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Choose the topic that fits your goals:

  • Building a Career in Hospitality Management—perfect for those exploring the club industry.
  • Membership: The Heart of Private Clubs—for students already familiar with club operations.

Student Events

  • Student Networking Event
    Tuesday, February 17 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
    Meet fellow students and kick off Conference with food, conversation, and a fun icebreaker co-hosted by our Student Chapters Co-hosts, Cal Poly Pomona and University of Hawaii.
  • Student Achievement Lunch
    Wednesday, February 18 | 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.
    Celebrate Student Chapter accomplishments, scholarship recipients, and annual award winners.
  • Career Connections Lunch (formerly the Student/Mentor Lunch)
    Thursday, February 19 | 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
    Connect with managers and mentors for guidance on your next steps.
  • Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase
    Thursday, February 19 | 1:00-3:00 p.m.
    Discover internships, job opportunities, and industry contacts.
  • Student Chapter Showcase [NEW!]
    Friday, February 20 | 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    Share your Student Chapter’s standout initiatives and network with peers and managers. Sign up!

Competitions & Submissions

Student Shark Tank

The Student Shark Tank Competition gives students the chance to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit for a shot at the $1,000 grand prize! From crafting a one-minute pitch video to presenting live on stage at CMAA’s World Conference and Club Business Expo, participants will have the opportunity to impress a panel of club management “Sharks” with their product, software, or concept. This is your moment to dive in, make waves, and bring your innovative vision to life!

How It Works

Round One:
 Start by completing the entry form and submitting:

  • A one-minute video introducing your idea
  • A high-resolution PDF poster/advertisement showcasing your concept (NEW!)
    CMAA will print your poster and display it at various events during the World Conference. For inspiration, consider watching a few episodes of Shark Tank to refine your pitch style.

Round Two:
 If selected, you will present a five-minute pitch to a panel of club managers—the “Sharks.”

Round Three:
Finalists will deliver a live five-minute presentation on stage during the World Conference  and Club Business Expo in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, February 18, from 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Once all the finalists have presented, the winner(s) will be announced in front of a live audience!

Please note: Students must attend the 2026 World Conference in person to compete in this round.

This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity, problem-solving, and vision for the future of club management.

Deadline: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET

Participate!

 

Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair

The Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair highlights creativity, collaboration, and impact within CMAA’s Student Chapters. Held annually at the World Conference & Club Business Expo, the Idea Fair provides a platform for Student Chapters and Faculty members to share initiatives that elevate the student experience.

Submissions are showcased throughout the Conference, and top entries are recognized during the Student Achievement Lunch. One Student Chapter entry and one Faculty entry will be awarded “Best in Show,” each receiving a $1,000 grant sponsored by The Club Foundation.

This program encourages connection, knowledge-sharing, and the continued development of meaningful Student Chapter initiatives across the club management profession.

Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET

Participate!

 

Additional Opportunities

  • Student Coaching Sessions
    Wednesday, February 18 | 3:00-4:00 p.m.
    Group coaching with Kevin MacDonald & Shelley MacDougall to focus on career goals and personal development. Contact Haley Habosky to reserve a spot.
  • Mentorship Program
    Request a mentor during Conference registration and get paired in mid-January to plan time together during Anaheim.

Watch the video today and see what’s possible with CMAA! 

Submit Your Student Chapter Officer Form

If you’re part of your school’s CMAA Student Chapter leadership, please submit the Student Chapter Officer Form so we can make sure your Chapter’s information is up-to-date.

Student Chapter Best Practices: Creating a Succession Plan

A strong student chapter ensures leadership transitions smoothly, maintaining momentum year after year. A well-crafted succession plan helps pass the torch from upperclassmen to underclassmen, keeping the chapter active and engaged. 

 Why It's Important 

  1. Continuity: A succession plan ensures the chapter stays active when seniors graduate. 
  2. Skill Development: Underclassmen gain valuable leadership experience early. 
  3. Engagement: Consistent leadership fosters ongoing member involvement. 
  4. Future Leaders: It builds a strong pipeline of leaders for years to come. 

 Steps to Create a Succession Plan 

  1. Identify Future Leaders Early: Look for underclassmen who show leadership potential and engagement. 
  2. Create a Mentorship System: Pair seniors with underclassmen, allowing for knowledge sharing and guidance. 
  3. Allow Shadowing Opportunities: Have underclassmen shadow current board members to learn about leadership roles. 
  4. Encourage Committee Involvement: Get underclassmen involved in committees to gain experience before assuming leadership roles. 
  5. Develop a Transition Timeline: Start the transition process at least one semester before graduation to ensure ample training time. 
  6. Document Key Processes: Create a resource library with event plans, responsibilities, and important contacts to guide future leaders. 

By establishing a clear succession plan, your student chapter will continue to thrive, with new leaders ready to take on the next challenge! 

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