This category encompasses initiatives, processes, or strategies that significantly improve the effectiveness and productivity of a club’s operations. Entries should demonstrate how specific actions have streamlined workflows, reduced costs, optimized resource utilization, enhanced service delivery, or minimized waste. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, examples of process improvements, automation, workforce optimization, technology integration, and innovative practices that contribute to higher efficiency and operational excellence.
Shark Tank Competition
Attention Student Members: Dive into the 2025 CMAA Shark Tank Competition!
Do you have a groundbreaking product, software, or concept that could transform the club industry? Now’s your chance to showcase your innovative idea and compete for a chance to win $1,000!
All submissions are due by 12:00 noon EST on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Rounds & Categories
Rounds
Here’s how it works:
- Round One: Kick off your journey by filling out the entry form and submitting a one-minute video that gives CMAA a sneak peek of your idea. For inspiration, check out a few episodes of Shark Tank to perfect your pitch!
- Round Two: If you make the cut, you'll present your idea to a panel of club managers (the Sharks) via Zoom in a five-minute pitch.
- Round Three: The excitement culminates at the World Conference and Club Business Expo in Tampa, FL! If selected, you’ll take the stage for a live five-minute presentation in front of both the Sharks and a vibrant CMAA audience. Remember, you must attend the 2025 World Conference to compete in this round—virtual presentations aren’t allowed.
Get ready to make waves in the club industry! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to turn your vision into reality!
Categories
This category emphasizes the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of club management and member services. Entries should showcase how AI-driven tools or strategies have been implemented to improve decision-making, personalize services, or create new value for members. Examples may include AI applications in member engagement, predictive analytics, personalized marketing, or smart facility management. Submissions should highlight innovative uses of AI, and demonstrate clear outcomes/impact of AI on the club's success and member satisfaction.
3. Membership Retention & Relations
This category focuses on strategies and initiatives designed to enhance club member retention, foster strong relationships, and improve the overall membership experience. Successful entries should demonstrate innovative approaches to engaging current members, increasing satisfaction, and reducing member apathy/turnover. Projects may include personalized communication methods, loyalty programs, feedback mechanisms, member support services, and efforts to build a sense of community within the club.
4. Staff Recruitment, Training, & Onboarding
This category focuses on strategies and initiatives aimed at attracting/recruiting and retaining top talent for an organization. Projects in this category should demonstrate innovative and effective methods for identifying, engaging, and recruiting potential club staff members as well as demonstrate how onboarding programs create a seamless integration process for new hires, ensuring they are well-prepared and fully engaged in their roles. Whether through traditional hiring processes, digital recruitment campaigns, or community outreach, submissions should showcase efforts that ensure the club/facility attracts and retains the best possible candidates with the use of customized training modules, mentorship programs, cultural immersion activities, or innovative onboarding tools that accelerate learning and productivity.
5. Food & Beverage Innovations
This category highlights groundbreaking or creative approaches in the food and beverage offerings within private clubs. Whether through menu development, sustainability practices, service enhancements, or unique culinary experiences, entries should showcase how clubs have elevated the dining experience for members. Successful programs may include locally-sourced initiatives, health-conscious offerings and/or menus, technology-driven service improvements, or creative member engagement through food and drink. The focus is on innovation, quality, and the positive impact these changes have had on the club’s overall culture and member satisfaction.
Guidelines
Judging Criteria for Round One
- Videos must be no longer than one minute; points will be deducted for exceeding this time limit.
- If submitting as a group, a minimum of two members must present in the video—individual presentations by a single member are not permitted. All group members must be visible and acknowledged.
- The presentation should demonstrate thorough preparation and execution.
- All participants must be dressed in professional attire.
- The concept must exhibit originality and creativity.
- The idea should be relevant and applicable to the club industry.
Judging Criteria for Round Two
- Presentations must not exceed five minutes; points will be deducted for any time over the allotted limit.
- For group entries, all members must be present via Zoom, and everyone must contribute to the presentation.
- The presentation should demonstrate thorough preparation and execution.
- All participants are required to dress in professional attire.
- The concept must be original and innovative.
- The idea should be relevant and applicable to the club industry.
Judging Criteria for Round Three
- Presentations must not exceed five minutes; points will be deducted for any time over this limit.
- For group entries, all members must be present at the World Conference, and each member is required to have a speaking role.
- The presentation should reflect thorough rehearsal and execution.
- All participants must adhere to professional dress standards.
- The concept must be original and innovative.
- The idea should be relevant and applicable to the club industry.
Award
- First Place = $1,000 Visa Gift Card
- Second & Third Place = $500 Visa Gift Card