The Club Management Association of Canada

What The Club Management Association of Canada does

The Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) is a not-for-profit professional membership association founded in 1957 and headquartered in Etobicoke, Ontario. It serves over 600 club management professionals across Canada, including general managers, CEOs, COOs, and senior staff of private golf clubs, country clubs, yacht clubs, city clubs, athletic clubs, and other recreational and hospitality organizations. CMAC operates through 11 regional branches covering all Canadian provinces (Pacific, Southern Interior BC, Vancouver Island, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Ottawa Valley, Southwest Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic), with the Ontario Branch being the largest at 80+ clubs and 300+ members.

CMAC's core product is the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation, adopted from the Club Management Association of America in 2000 and recognized internationally through CMAA Tier One Partner status. The designation is anchored on 11 core competencies and a Management to Leadership framework, with a 5-year recertification maintenance requirement of 120 credits. The association complements this with Business Management Institute (BMI) and Club Management Institute (CMI) courses, the annual National Conference (2026 in Montreal), a new National Food & Beverage Management Conference (2027 in Victoria, BC), a Summit Series covering Technology, HR, and Governance, and the quarterly Club Management Quarterly (CMQ) publication. Industry research products include the annual Canadian Club Industry Insights Report and Compensation & Benefits Reports, co-produced with Platinum partner GGA Partners.

CMAC generates revenue through a diversified subscription and fee-based model: annual professional and community membership dues, conference and event registration, CCM certification and recertification fees, multi-tier corporate partnerships (Platinum, Gold, Silver) with vendors serving the club industry, and sales of industry research reports. Distribution is direct via the thecmac.ca website and the branch network. The national office operates with a small team of 8-10 staff led by CEO Suzanne Godbehere and COO Amanda Cormier. The association has no parent company, no outside investors, and is governed by an elected Board of Directors representing its membership.

Name

The Club Management Association of Canada

Legal name

The Club Management Association of Canada

Website

https://thecmac.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Club Management Association of Canada is a not-for-profit professional association serving over 600 club management professionals across Canada through 11 regional branches, delivering the Certified Club Manager designation, education programs, conferences, industry research, and corporate partner services to private clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAHACAA

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies)

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) & Meeting Planners

SECONDARYMPAGAGAK

Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Live Entertainment & Events (Concerts, Theater, Festivals)/Conventions & Conferences (Business Events)

Keywords

• Club management certification
• Professional membership services
• Industry research reports
• Professional development courses
• Association event management

Headquarters

HQ city

Etobicoke

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Professional Membership Dues: Annual membership dues paid by professional members employed in clubs or related hospitality organizations. Dues consist of National and Branch components. Special group pricing is available for clubs with 2-5+ members from the same property. New professionals receive first-year dues at the 5-member club-specific group rate.
2. Community Membership Dues: Annual dues for retired professionals (over 50, previously professional for 5+ years), unemployed former professionals, faculty of hospitality programs, and post-secondary students in hospitality/turf/golf/sports programs.
3. Conference and Event Registration: Revenue from the annual National Conference (e.g., 2026 Montreal conference with full registration at $1,995 advance / $2,350 regular for members), summits, workshops, certification courses (BMI/CMI), and branch events. Includes social programs, golf days, and individual education session passes.
4. Certification Fees: Revenue from the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation process including examination, certification maintenance (120 credits over 5 years), and related professional development programs.
5. Corporate Partnership Programs: Corporate partners (Platinum, Gold, Silver tiers) pay to align with CMAC, gaining visibility to 600+ club management professionals. Partners include software providers, insurance firms, equipment manufacturers, and consulting firms serving the club industry.
6. Industry Research and Reports: Sale of industry insight reports (e.g., Canadian Club Industry Insights Report, Compensation & Benefits Reports) to non-participating members and non-members via the member dashboard.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CMAC is a professional membership association that delivers club management certification, education, networking, and industry research to private club management professionals across Canada. Its core offerings include the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation, BMI and CMI professional development courses, an annual National Conference, a Summit Series on Governance, HR and Technology, and proprietary industry research reports (Canadian Club Industry Insights Report and Compensation & Benefits Reports). Membership tiers and corporate partnership programs (Platinum, Gold, Silver) underpin member access to 600+ peer professionals through 11 regional branches.

Product overview

The Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) is a professional association serving club management professionals across Canada, offering a portfolio of interconnected services including professional certification (CCM designation), education programs (CMI and BMI courses), industry events (National Conference, Food & Beverage Conference, Summit Series), and member resources (Club Core digital platform, FoodBuy purchasing program, Club Management Quarterly publication, and Career Hub). The organization operates through 11 regional branches and partners with corporate sponsors to deliver research reports, compensation surveys, and networking opportunities to its over 600 members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Club Manager (CCM) Designation An internationally recognized professional certification for club managers based on 11 core competencies and the Management to Leadership model, valid for five years with 120 credits required for maintenance. CMAC adopted the CCM program from the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) in 2000 and is recognized as a CMAA Tier One Partner.
• Club Management Institute (CMI) Courses Professional development workshops and courses for club management professionals covering specialized topics relevant to private club operations. CMI courses are a key pathway toward achieving and maintaining the CCM designation.
• Business Management Institute (BMI) Courses Academic training courses delivered through post-secondary partnerships for club management education. BMI courses form the academic foundation of CMAC's professional development pathway.
• National Conference Annual national conference featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry partner exhibitions for CMAC members and the broader Canadian club management community. The 2026 conference is scheduled in Montreal under the theme "MTL: Motivate. Transform. Lead."
• National Food & Beverage Management Conference Annual conference focused on food and beverage management best practices for club professionals, scheduled for February 2027 in Victoria, BC. The conference targets F&B directors, managers, and club leadership responsible for club dining operations.
• Summit Series Virtual and in-person summits covering specific professional development areas including Technology, Governance, and Human Resources. Includes the 2026 CMAC Human Resources Summit, 2026 CMAC Governance Summit, and 2026 CMAC Technology Summit.
• Club Industry Insights Report Annual industry report tracking trends, benchmarking operational outcomes, and providing future outlooks for Canadian private clubs. Produced in partnership with GGA Partners and made available to non-participating members and non-members via the member dashboard.
• Compensation & Benefits Reports Annual reports providing compensation benchmarking data for general managers and food & beverage managers, broken down by club type, revenue, region, and population size. Produced in partnership with GGA Partners and distributed to members.
• Club Management Quarterly (CMQ) Quarterly industry publication distributed to CMAC members featuring articles on best practices, industry trends, and association news. CMQ is a core ongoing member-engagement and thought-leadership asset of the association.
• Career Hub Online resource center for club management career opportunities, position postings, and professional development resources. The Career Hub supports recruitment and career advancement across the Canadian private club industry.
• Digital Badges Digital credentialing system for verified recognition of professional achievements and certifications, including the CCM designation and other CMAC credentials. Digital badges provide portable, verifiable proof of credentials for members.

Quantifiable outcome

• 600+ club management professionals represented across Canada through membership
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Jonas Club SoftwarecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2007Jonas Club Software is a leading provider of enterprise management software for the club industry, serving over 2,300 clubs in more than 17 countries. Canadian owned and operated with head office near Toronto, Ontario. As a Gold Corporate Partner since 2007, Jonas Club Software provides club management technology solutions to CMAC members, supporting the association's professional development mission.
• Club Management Association of America (CMAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000CMAA launched the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation in 1965. CMAC adopted the program in 2000 and is now recognized by CMAA as a 'Tier One Partner' within the global certification community. CMAC is committed to complying with standards for education and requirements for achieving the designation set by CMAA within the Canadian context. CMAA also provides complimentary education program registration for CMAC CCM graduates at CMAA Conferences.
• GGA PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGGA Partners is an international consulting firm serving golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. As a Platinum Corporate Partner, GGA co-produces annual industry research including the Canadian Club Industry Insights Report and Compensation & Benefits Reports. The partnership includes two annual research initiatives: one providing consistent year-over-year trend data from CMAC member surveys, and a second targeting business media through lifestyle research. The firm also provides strategic advisory services and helps establish industry benchmarks for Canadian clubs.
• BFL CANADAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBFL CANADA is the largest employee-owned and operated commercial insurance brokerage and employee consulting services firm in Canada. As a Platinum Corporate Partner, BFL CANADA created and manages the leading employee benefits insurance and pension programs for CMAC. The Multi-Club Group Insurance and Pension Programs offer comprehensive coverage and top-performance investment options at significant savings for CMAC member clubs.
• FoodBuycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoodBuy (previously ClubProcure), part of the Compass Group and the world's largest foodservice group purchasing organization, operates in golf, yacht, curling, and private dining clubs. As a Platinum Corporate Partner, FoodBuy provides CMAC members with contracts and rebate programs across food, beverage, and non-food supplies (linens, smallwares, furniture, turf equipment). Enrollment is free for CMAC members, with rebates delivered monthly on purchases.
• TOROminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for outdoor environments including turf maintenance, snow and ice management, irrigation, and grounds equipment. As a Gold Corporate Partner, Toro provides leadership in environmental sustainability, water management, fleet management, and financial services for golf courses and clubs. Supports industry organizations including The First Tee and Get Golf Ready.
• Signature Risk Partners Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignature Risk is the leader in insuring Golf & Country Clubs in Canada and developed Signature Club, a custom commercial insurance solution for City, Social, and Athletic Clubs. As a Gold Partner, Signature Risk provides three levels of insurance coverage to CMAC member clubs. Additionally, in 2026, new and renewal policy fees from CMAC members insured with Signature Risk are donated to the PMD Fund.
• E-Z-GO (Textron Company)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerE-Z-GO is a respected industry leader and Silver Corporate Partner, manufacturing golf cars and utility vehicles since 1954. Known for AC drive technology delivering 25% more energy efficiency than DC counterparts, and IntelliBrake technology. Part of Textron Specialized Vehicles which also markets Cushman, Bad Boy, TUG, Douglas, and Premier brands. Supports CMAC's commitment to professional development of club managers.
• Abacus FurnitureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbacus Furniture is a Canadian manufacturer and designer of high-quality custom furnishings for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces with over five decades of experience. As a Silver Corporate Partner, they specialize in custom millwork, space planning, and design support for private clubs across North America, combining timeless design with expert craftsmanship and sustainability.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP): International nonprofit serving finance and technology professionals across hospitality, including clubs. While not club-specific, HFTP overlaps with CMAC's corporate partner ecosystem (e.g., Jonas Club Software partners with both) and competes for similar professional development mindshare.
• National Golf Foundation (NGF): US-based golf industry research and market intelligence organization. Analogous to CMAC's industry research function (Canadian Club Industry Insights Report) at a larger geographic scale, providing benchmark data that overlaps with CMAC's value proposition for golf club operators.

Direct peers

• Club Managers' Association of Europe (CMAE): European federation of national club management associations, providing education, networking, and the Certified Club Manager credential across Europe. Directly comparable to CMAC in mandate and structure for serving club managers in a defined geographic market.
• Club Managers Association of Australia (CMAA): Australian peak body for club managers, offering certification, professional development, and advocacy for sports, recreation, and social clubs. Highly analogous to CMAC as a national membership association serving club management professionals in a single country.
• National Club Association (NCA): US-based association serving the business and legal interests of private clubs. NCA complements CMAA's operational focus with advocacy, governance, and legal resources for club leaders, making it a parallel membership-driven peer organization for club management professionals.
• Club Management Association of America (CMAA): The American counterpart to CMAC and originator of the CCM certification in 1965. CMAA and CMAC have a Tier One Partner relationship for global certification recognition, making CMAA the most direct functional peer in terms of membership, certification, and conference operations.

Others

• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE): Global trade association for the exhibitions and events industry. Comparable to CMAC in operating model (membership, certification, annual conference) but serving exhibition organizers rather than club management professionals.
• Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE): Canadian umbrella organization for association professionals. Relevant as a peer in nonprofit association management and governance best practices, though CSAE serves association staff rather than club managers, positioning it as an enabler/peer-association rather than direct competitor.
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI): Global association for meeting and event professionals. Comparable in the conference and event management portion of CMAC's business (e.g., National Conference, Summit Series), but serves a different end market (event planners rather than club managers).

Regional players

• PGA of Canada: National association for golf professionals in Canada. Overlaps with CMAC's golf club member segment and participates alongside CMAC's Ontario Branch in NAGA Ontario, but PGA of Canada focuses on playing professionals rather than club management/operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/clubmgmtcanada
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_hj_fBaXStCP6iHLpocJ1w
• Instagraminstagram.com/clubmgmtcanada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/canadian-society-of-club-managers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

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 The Club Management Association of Canada