March 2026
Important Dates
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April 7, 2026: April Student Chapter Check-In
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November 7-9, 2026: National Student Education Conference
The Student Perspective: Anaheim Recap & Beyond!
What a week in Anaheim! The 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo was one for the books.
We are thrilled to announce that we had 248 students in attendance this year! This is our highest student turnout since 2020. Your presence, professional attire, and passion for the industry were noticed by everyone.
Let’s keep this growth going! Next year is CMAA’s Centennial Celebration in Chicago, IL. Our goal is to shatter this year's record and bring our largest student delegation ever to the Windy City to celebrate 100 years of excellence.
Innovation in Action: Student Chapter Idea Fair Winners
Innovation was on full display this year. A huge congratulations to our category winners who brought fresh perspectives to chapter management!
- Best in Show: Johnson & Wales University, RI – Career Opportunities Map (Kiley Kennedy)
- Membership Growth & Retention: Florida State University – Rewards for Engagement and Participation (Dailany Echeverria)
- Effective Onboarding: Florida State University – Club Tour Bonding Activities (Dailany Echeverria)
- Career Development: Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte – Student Networking Etiquette Dinner (Cara Martino)
- Networking & Collaborative Events: Florida State University – Student Organization Fair (Dailany Echeverria)
- Creative Fundraising: University of Massachusetts – Planting Seeds Early: A Workforce-Based Fundraising Initiative (Kendall Famularo)
Shark Tank Special Highlight
The tank was feeding! This year’s live pitch session was intense, and the level of creativity was off the charts.
- The Winners Sam Banhan and Cole Tyner, University of Houston for their pitch, "Ask Milo."
The idea:
Milo is an AI golf aid/caddie meant to help golfers stay consistent, and transition well from the range and the simulator out on to the actual course. For clubs, Milo seeks to aid the issue of the skill gap! We want your members to understand themselves and the game well enough to comfortably navigate the course without worrying about the players behind them catching up.
The experience:
For me, this experience was a full circle moment. I remember watching my first shark tank in 2023 in Las Vegas and dreaming about being on the stage myself one day. So, in the moment, on the stage, all I could think was “we’re finally here”. It was an incredible experience and I hope to be back next year!
—Sam BanhanPresenting live in front of a crowd of professionals for the first time was one of the most nerve-wracking yet rewarding experiences of my life. As a first-year hospitality major, I never expected to come this far. Winning felt like a true full-circle moment for Sam and I, as I had been talking to him about getting into the country club industry ever since my first day at University of Houston. I believe I got this far because I was never afraid to ask questions and put myself in the right environments. I am truly grateful for Sam, my fellow organization members, and my mentor for inspiring me to produce the best project Sam and I could.
—Cole Tyner
Special Shoutout to our Finalists: We also want to recognize our other two brilliant finalists who made the Sharks' decision incredibly difficult:
- Sudeshana Ghose and Sam Holagh, University of North Texas – "ClubIQ"
- Alara Gungor, Jordyn Cline, Damola Olajuwon, and Joseph Snyder, University of Nevada, Las Vegas – "Membership Uncovered"
Celebrating Our 2025 Chapters of the Year
A huge round of applause for the Chapters that went above and beyond this past year! These groups have set the gold standard for recruitment, professional development, and engagement.
- Small Chapter: University of Delaware
- Medium Chapter: Niagara University
- Large Chapter: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Think your Chapter has what it takes for 2026? Submissions for the 2026 Student Chapter of the Year are officially open! Show us the incredible work you’re doing on campus.
Deadline: May 15
Connections & Community
Mentorship Matters: We hope everyone who participated in our mentorship program is staying in touch with their mentors. Those relationships are the foundation of your future career!
Inaugural Student Chapter Showcase: A massive thank you to the 11 Student Chapters that participated in our first-ever Showcase. We heard from so many managers who loved the chance to see you connecting and sharing your chapters' unique missions and ideas. You truly made the student voice heard!
Class of 2026 Grad Stoles
Seniors, your hard work is about to pay off! If you are graduating this spring and want to wear your CMAA Graduation Stole, please remember that orders must be placed at least one month prior to your graduation date. Don’t wait until the last minute, ensure you are ready for the big day!
Looking Ahead: Atlanta & Beyond!
National Student Education Conference
Don't put the blazers away just yet! Mark your calendars for the NSEC in Atlanta, GA.
- When: November 7–9, 2026
April Student Chapter Check-In
Join us to discuss these highlights and more!
- When: April 7, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Link: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 948 5581 5176 | Passcode: 5G2q6P