A Passport to Engagement & Growth

Entry Details

The Johnson & Wales University- Charlotte Student CMAA Passport has enhanced membership retention and growth operations by engaging students in an interactive reward system for participation in CMAA events. The program allows students to collect rewards by participating in private club or CMAA-targeted events. The passport program allows students to earn stamps by participating in private club tours, attending guest speaker events, obtaining official CMAA membership, and more. Through stamps, students earn rewards and grow their knowledge of the club industry. Furthermore, the program boosts student engagement and encourages students to join CMAA. So far this year, the JWU-CLT chapter has visited six club tours, hosted one guest speaker visit, and participated in multiple campus volunteering initiatives. The chapter anticipates two major events in the spring for professional networking and fundraising.

Implementation

At the beginning of the fall semester, the chapter held a CMAA informational session. After this session, students enrolled in official CMAA membership and students received a Johnson & Wales University- Charlotte Student CMAA Passport. Through enrollment and participation, students continue to earn stamps in their passports. When students grow their stamp collection, they also grow their knowledge and leadership through CMAA. Additionally, as students earn stamps, they earn rewards for collecting stamps. The passport program proves successful, as data shows increased participation through implementing the program. Over six students participated in 15 or more CMAA events throughout the fall semester. These dedicated students have been awarded the opportunity to attend the CMAA World Conference. Additionally, the chapter awarded eight students to participate in the National Student Education Conference.  Student involvement continues to grow as the chapter plans to host more events in the upcoming semester. Overall, the Johnson & Wales University- Charlotte Student CMAA Passport proves as a successful strategy for overall membership growth and retention allowing members the ability to grow as leaders and maintain connections with each other and club industry professionals.