January 2026
Important Dates
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January 14: Shark Tank Competition Submission Deadline
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January 16: Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair Submission Deadline
- January 20: Monthly Student Chapter Call at 4:30 p.m. ET
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January 28: Student Chapter Showcase Reservation Deadline
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February 17-21, 2026: World Conference & Club Business Expo
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November 7-9, 2026: National Student Education Conference
2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo: One Month Away!
We’re officially in the final countdown to Anaheim! With World Conference just weeks away and student competition deadlines only days from closing, now is the time to finalize your plans, submit your entries, and get excited for the biggest student gathering of the year.
World Conference offers five days of learning, networking, career exploration, and connection with fellow students and professionals from all corners of the club industry. Whether this is your first Conference or you’re returning for another year, you’ll find countless opportunities to grow, explore future career paths, and elevate your Student Chapter experience.
Student Events & Education
- Student Networking Event—February 17 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Kick off your Conference experience with an engaging mixer designed to help you meet students from across the country. - Student Achievement Lunch—February 18 | 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.
Celebrate standout Student Chapters, scholarship recipients, and annual award winners alongside CMAA leadership. - Student Coaching Session—February 18 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Join CMAA coaches Kevin MacDonald and Shelley MacDougall for a powerful group coaching session focused on personal and professional growth. Don’t forget to email Haley Habosky to register! - Student Shark Tank Session—February 18 | 4:15–5:15 p.m.
Watch student innovators pitch ideas to elevate the club industry and cheer on your peers. - Career Connections Lunch (formerly the Student/Mentor Lunch)—February 19 | 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Gain valuable insight from managers and mentors who can help guide your career path. - Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase—February 19 | 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Meet hiring managers, discover internships, and explore full-time opportunities.
Reminder: Register Your Chapter for the Student Chapter Showcase
February 20 | 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Show off your creativity, highlight your chapter’s hard work, and connect with peers and industry leaders. Make sure your Student Chapter is signed up before spots fill!
Act Now: Competition Deadlines
These deadlines are rapidly approaching, so don’t miss your chance to participate:
- Student Shark Tank Entry Deadline:
January 14 at 12:00 noon ET - Student Chapter & Faculty Idea Fair Entry Deadline:
January 16 at 12:00 noon ET
If your Chapter is preparing an entry, now is the time to finalize it and get it submitted.
CMAA Connect: Join the Conversation Before Conference
With World Conference right around the corner, now is a perfect time to get connected with other students and Chapters on CMAA Connect, our private online community.
CMAA Connect allows students, faculty, and managers to:
- Share ideas and resources
- Ask questions and exchange best practices
- Engage in chapter-to-chapter conversations
- Stay updated on announcements and upcoming opportunities
- Access a library of documents and helpful files
Your Student Chapter will automatically be placed into key communities, but you are also encouraged to join open groups like the Best Practices Exchange to learn from broader club management discussions.
How to Get Started
- Log in at CMAA.org
- Click “CMAA Connect” in the upper-right corner
- Sign in using your CMAA credentials
- Complete your profile so other members can get to know you
- Explore and join your communities
- Post a question, introduce your chapter, or share an update
- Check Connect regularly to stay involved
Example First Post
Title: Hello from [Your Chapter Name]!—Fundraiser Ideas
Body: Hi everyone! We’re the [Chapter Name] at [School], and we’re planning our annual fundraiser. We’d love to hear what has worked well for your chapter. Any suggestions?
Monthly Student Chapter Call
Don’t miss our first Student Chapter Call of the year! Join us on Tuesday, January 20 at 4:30 p.m. ET for updates, shared resources, chapter highlights, and Q&A. All Student Chapter leaders and members are welcome. Mark your calendars and be part of the conversation!
Meeting ID: 986 4567 9063
Passcode: 3qzDAe