The Student Experience

Education

We kick off student programming with the Student Networking Event on the evening of Wednesday, February 5, and have student-specific sessions on Thursday, February 6, and Friday, February 7.

CMAA invites Student Members to participate in student education sessions presented for the duration of the conference. Please note that concurrent education sessions are on Thursday, February 6, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Choose from two options. Select the session that best aligns with your current needs and career development.

• Career Paths in Clubs Panel Discussion, presented by Melissa Warner, CCM, is ideal for students who are not familiar with the club industry and seeking to explore what the career path has to offer.
• Win the Right Way: Your Runway to Finding the Right Team, the Right Culture, and the Right Role presented by Carrie Eyler, is tailored for students who are familiar with the club industry and are looking to pursue a career in club management.

See additional Student-specific sessions by visiting the 2025 World Conference & Club Business Expo Schedule.

Additionally, students are encouraged to attend the Opening Business Session, daily General Sessions, and Closing Business Session, and any other non-student specific education sessions when their schedule allows.

Student Networking Event

Wednesday, February 5, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

This social event is designed to allow students to network with each other at the start of their Conference experience. Florida State University and Florida Gulf Coast University have been selected as this year’s student chapter hosts for the event and will welcome all students and facilitate the planned icebreaker.

Student Achievement Lunch

Thursday, February 6, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Esteemed leaders of CMAA and members of the National Headquarters Team will join students at this achievement lunch. Chapter and individual achievements will be showcased during the awards presentation. The Club Foundation's Joe Perdue Scholarship recipients will be recognized along with the 2023-2024 New Member Recruitment Contest winners and the 2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year winners.

Student/Mentor Lunch

Friday, February 7, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sit down with managers working in clubs and other mentors to pick their brains about what steps lie ahead for students on their journey through the industry.

Career Opportunities & Networking Showcase

Friday, February 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Held at the Club Business Expo, this job fair and networking forum is the place where students and managers can gather to discuss employment and internship opportunities as well as network and discuss goals regarding students’ future in the club industry.

At the event, participating organizations will be grouped by region, as in the expandable lists below.

Student Shark Tank Session

Friday, February 7, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

The Student Shark Tank Competition is for any student member (or a group of up to five) who has an innovative mind. Do you have an idea or product that you think the club industry could benefit from? Tell us about it! Learn more about this program and the chance to win a $1,000 Visa gift card. Entries are due Friday, January 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon ET.

Participate

Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair

The Student Chapter and Faculty Idea Fair is your chance to share as many ideas as you’d like across five different categories for a chance to win a $1,000 chapter grant from The Club Foundation. Faculty members have four categories to enter ideas in. Show off everything your Chapter has done to be successful! Entries are due January 7, 2025, at 12:00 noon ET.

Participate

Student Coaching with Kevin McDonald and Shelley MacDougall

Benefit from on-site Coaching Sessions. Coaching is a highly effective way to learn to make significant changes in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to help achieve personal and professional goals. Experience group coaching sessions with CMAA Coaches Kevin MacDonald and Shelley MacDougall on February 6 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. or February 7 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. Contact Sumayah to sign up for one of the sessions! Spaces are reserved on a first come first serve basis.