Club Management Association of America

What Club Management Association of America does

CMAA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association founded in 1927 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. It serves 8,700+ members managing more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs across the United States and internationally, operating through 38 professional chapters and 45 student chapters. The organization delivers its core value through the Certified Club Manager (CCM) certification, advanced CCE and MCM designations, the Business Management Institute (BMI) multi-day intensive programs held at partner universities (Michigan State, Georgia State, Cornell, University of Houston, Harvard Club), and the Joe Perdue Certification Review Course. Its digital infrastructure includes CMAA Connect (member community), CMAA University (online learning for certificates such as the 17-module Accounting and Financial Management Certificate with 21.5 CMI credits), the Club Resource Center (CRC) training platform with hundreds of courses, and ClubCareers for job postings. The organization is governed by its membership rather than external investors and is not publicly traded.

Revenue is generated across seven streams: recurring membership dues, BMI program fees priced at $2,100-$3,050 per participant, CRC subscriptions ($1,795 initial / $1,195 renewal), certificate programs ($725 member / $1,085 non-member), tiered ClubCareers job posting fees ($350-$1,200 by salary range), publications and merchandise (e.g., $85 Contemporary Club Management textbook via TopHat, $60-$85 Uniform Systems of Financial Reporting), and event sponsorships from club industry vendors including Toro, Club Car, Royal Cup Coffee, EZGO, and Jonas Club. Distribution is hybrid: a self-service e-commerce portal for transactions, direct BMI enrollment at university venues, and a chapter-based recruitment and engagement network. The GTM is community-led and event-driven, with chapters and signature events (World Conference, Leadership/Legislative Conference, Governance & Leadership Symposiums, Membership & Marketing Symposium) serving as the primary acquisition and retention mechanisms.

Name

Club Management Association of America

Legal name

Club Management Association of America

Website

https://cmaa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CMAA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association founded in 1927, serving 8,700+ club management professionals across 2,600+ U.S. private clubs through CCM certification, BMI university programs, digital training platforms, and a 38-chapter national network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

Keywords

• Professional association services
• Club management certification
• Professional education programs
• Membership association dues
• Staff training platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees for club management professionals. Members gain access to certification programs, educational resources, networking events, and member-only content.
2. BMI Programs and Certification: Revenue from Business Management Institute (BMI) multi-day intensive programs at partner universities (Michigan State, Georgia State, Cornell, Houston, etc.) and certification review courses. Programs range from $2,100-$3,050 for members.
3. Club Resource Center Subscription: Annual club subscription for training platform access. $1,795 initial purchase, $1,195 renewal. Provides staff training courses and resources.
4. ClubCareers Job Postings: Tiered job posting fees based on salary range: Up to $39,999 ($350), $40K-$59,999 ($700), $60K-$79,999 ($800), $80K-$99,999 ($900), $100K-$124,999 ($1,000), $125K-$149,999 ($1,100), $150K+ ($1,200).
5. Certificate Programs: CMAA University certificate programs such as Accounting and Financial Management Certificate: $725 member, $1,085 non-member. Includes online modules with CMI credits.
6. Publications and Merchandise: Sale of publications including Contemporary Club Management textbook ($85), Uniform Systems of Financial Reporting ($60 member/$85 non-member), and CMAA branded merchandise through The Club Shop.
7. Event Sponsorships: Partnership revenue from sponsors for BMI programs, conferences, and events. Sponsors include Toro, Club Car, and other club industry vendors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CMAA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association that provides membership, certification, and educational services to club management professionals across the United States. Its core offerings include the Certified Club Manager (CCM) credential, multi-day Business Management Institute (BMI) programs at partner universities, the Club Resource Center (CRC) online training platform, and the CMAA University online certificate programs. Revenue is generated through membership dues, program tuition, certification fees, training subscriptions, and event sponsorships.

Product overview

CMAA operates as a professional association providing a comprehensive suite of educational programs, certifications, and resources for club management professionals. The core offerings include the Business Management Institute (BMI) program with five specialized tracks (Club Management, Leadership Principles, Tactical Leadership, Strategic Leadership, and General Manager/COO), each delivering intensive multi-day training with CMI education credits. Supporting products include the Club Resource Center (CRC) subscription for ongoing staff training, CMAA University for specialized certificates, and the Joe Perdue Certification Review Course for CCM exam preparation. Additional services encompass ClubCareers job postings, Club Management Magazine, the Let's Talk Club Management Podcast, research publications including the Capital Improvements Handbook, and partner programs for retirement plans and background checks. The organization serves over 8,700 members managing more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, and other private clubs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BMI Club Management Program Five-day, 40-hour intensive educational program covering basic elements of club management including leadership, communications, accounting, marketing, and career development. Provides 40 CMI education credits upon completion. For club management professionals.
• Manager in Development (MID) Program On-the-job mentor/mentee program educating entry- and mid-level managers through exposure to diverse club departments. Includes three specializations (Club Management Essentials, Club Operations, Club Leadership) with four modules each. Priced at $185.
• Joe Perdue Certification Review Course Multi-day intensive workshop assisting managers in preparation for the Certified Club Manager (CCM) exam. Provides review sessions based on the 10 club management competency areas. Includes a copy of the Certification Study Guide. Member: $2,300; Virtual: $1,600.
• Club Resource Center (CRC) Subscription Dynamic online training platform providing hundreds of essential training courses and resources for club staff on topics including food safety, harassment, conflict management, first aid, dining, safety, kitchen, customer service, leadership, and human resources. Annual subscription: $1,795 initial, $1,195 renewal.
• CMAA University Accounting and Financial Management Certificate Online certificate program designed to increase knowledge in Accounting and Financial Management competency area. Comprises 17 modules with 21.5 CMI credits, covering financial statement basics, internal controls, fraud, leases, budgeting, and taxation. Member: $725; Non-member: $1,085.
• ClubCareers Job Postings Career services platform enabling clubs to post job openings and reach qualified club management professionals. Pricing tiers based on salary range: Up to $39,999 ($350), $40K-$59,999 ($700), $60K-$79,999 ($800), $80K-$99,999 ($900), $100K-$124,999 ($1,000), $125K-$149,999 ($1,100), $150K+ ($1,200).
• Uniform Systems of Financial Reporting Downloadable book providing a consistent method of financial and operational organization for clubs. Provides continuing-access standards for club financial reporting. Priced at $60 for members, $85 for non-members.
• Contemporary Club Management Textbook Comprehensive textbook on private club operations covering leadership, food and beverage, golf operations, and finance. Distributed through TopHat platform. Fourth Edition released in phases. One-time payment of $85 provides continued access including all future updates and new editions.
• CMAA Capital Improvements Handbook Comprehensive guide for club decision-makers on capital improvement projects. Covers strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Available exclusively to CMAA members.
• Employee 401(K) Multiple Employer Plan (CMAA MEP) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) for employee retirement benefits, provided in partnership with Empower Retirement. Offers flexibility in plan design, fiduciary support, reduced administrative responsibility, and cost savings for member-managed clubs.
• IntelliCorp Background Checks Discounted background check package for CMAA member clubs, including validated criminal database, nationwide sex offender search, unlimited county searches, SSN verification, and government sanctions screening.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8,700+ members managing 2,600+ clubs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Michigan State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for BMI General Manager/Chief Operating Officer program. Michigan State has been a center of excellence in hospitality education for more than 75 years. The Henry Center for Executive Development hosts the program beginning in 2026.
• Georgia State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for BMI Club Management and Joe Perdue Certification Review Course programs at the Buckhead Center location in Atlanta.
• Harvard Club of BostoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partnership for BMI Strategic Leadership program, held annually at Harvard Club along with The Country Club and The University Club for classroom presentations and social events.
• Cornell UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for BMI Tactical Leadership program held at Cornell's Statler Hall facility in Ithaca, NY.
• University of HoustoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management for BMI Food & Beverage Management program.
• Club CarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner logo displayed on CMAA website. Part of CMAA's partnership network supporting the club industry.
• TorominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner logo displayed on CMAA website. Part of CMAA's partnership network supporting the club industry. Presented in partnership with BMI GM/COO program.
• Club BenchmarkingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner logo displayed on CMAA website. Part of CMAA's partnership network for club industry resources.
• Club Resource CentercoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive training platform partnership providing hundreds of training courses to CMAA member clubs. Features topics including food safety, harassment, conflict management, first aid, dining, kitchen, customer service, leadership, HR, and Spanish language.
• IntelliCorpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBackground screening partner offering CMAA discounted background check packages including validated criminal database, sex offender search, county searches, SSN verification, and government sanctions check.
• Empower RetirementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployee 401(K) retirement plan partner offering Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) with design flexibility, fiduciary support, reduced administrative responsibility, and cost savings for member clubs.
• RSMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with RSM for CMAA University Accounting and Financial Management Certificate. Under leadership of Philip Newman, CPA, industry experts and club managers collaborated to provide content through webinars and conference education.
• The Club FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCMAA's affiliated 501(c)(3) foundation supporting the club management industry through grants, scholarships, and funding for educational programs like BMI Food & Beverage Management.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• National Association of Sports Commissions: National Association of Sports Commissions serves sports tourism professionals and event organizers. Comparable to CMAA as a membership-based association for sports/recreation professionals with similar conference and certification programs.
• National Golf Foundation: National Golf Foundation is a leading golf industry research and advocacy organization serving the business of golf. Comparable to CMAA through industry research, benchmarking data, and overlap with golf club management professionals.
• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP): HFTP is a professional association serving finance and technology professionals in the hospitality industry, including club finance. Peer to CMAA through overlapping hospitality finance professionals, shared professional certification programs, and similar association structure.

Broad incumbents

• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): AHLA is the largest US lodging industry association, serving hotel owners, operators, and employees. Comparable to CMAA as a large hospitality-focused professional association with certifications, training programs, and advocacy; broader scope covering hotels rather than private clubs.
• PGA of America: PGA of America is the largest working organization of club professionals in golf, serving 28,000+ PGA Professionals. Overlaps with CMAA through golf club management professionals and shared university partnerships, though PGA focuses specifically on golf professionals rather than broader club management.

Regional players

• Club Managers Association of Australia: CMAA Australia is the Australian counterpart to CMAA, serving club managers in Australia and Asia-Pacific. Regional peer with the same mission (professional development, certification, networking for club managers) but operating in a different geography.

Direct peers

• National Club Association: National Club Association is the leading US trade association for private clubs, representing club leaders, owners, and operators. Direct peer to CMAA within the private club industry, though NCA focuses more on club governance, advocacy, and the board/owner perspective while CMAA focuses on the club management professional.

Others

• Club Foundation: Club Foundation is CMAA's affiliated 501(c)(3) foundation supporting the club management industry through grants and scholarships. Directly connected to CMAA through organizational structure and shared mission of advancing club management education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CMAA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MyCMAA
• Facebookfacebook.com/MyCMAA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/club-management-association-of-america
• Instagraminstagram.com/clubmanagement1927

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Club Management Association of America