Professional Development

The Club Management industry boasts a rich history, with many Clubs in Ontario and across Canada proudly celebrating or approaching their centenary milestones. This long-standing tradition highlights the industry's enduring relevance and its significant role in community and social life. However, for the industry to remain vibrant and continue its growth trajectory, Club Professionals must commit to ongoing development and continuous improvement.

To this end, the Professional Development Committee of the Ontario Branch of the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) plays a pivotal role. The committee is dedicated to seeking valuable input from industry members and meticulously planning topics and sessions that are designed to assist Club Professionals in expanding their knowledge base, enhancing their skill sets, and discovering new opportunities to elevate the membership experience within their home clubs.

A couple of months ago, the Professional Development Committee hosted an enlightening Technology Summit focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Weston Golf and Country Club. This summit was particularly intriguing as AI technology continues to evolve and proliferate across various sectors, including the Club industry. As someone who had not yet fully explored the application of AI in the workplace, I was eager to understand how this cutting-edge technology could be leveraged within our field.

The Technology Summit proved to be an invaluable experience, underscoring that the opportunities to integrate AI into our industry are vast and diverse. Despite its potential, it was clear that AI cannot wholly replace human insight and intervention. The nuances and complexities of our roles require a level of refinement and attention to detail that AI, cannot achieve. Nonetheless, it was fascinating to observe how some of our peers are using AI to drive efficiencies and enhance productivity within their operations.

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending Professional Development (PD) sessions is the takeaways that extend beyond the specific topics covered. The chance to network with industry colleagues is a significant benefit. The Club industry encompasses a wide range of specialties, and PD sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with professionals such as Controllers, General Managers (GMs), Golf Professionals, Fitness Directors, Membership Directors, Clubhouse Managers, Sports Directors and more. Engaging with individuals who hold positions you aspire to, or who bring diverse perspectives can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Networking at PD sessions is not just about making new connections; it’s also about expanding your professional circle and gaining access to a wealth of shared knowledge. The exchange of ideas and experiences with fellow professionals can lead to innovative solutions and best practices that you can bring back to your own club to enhance member experiences and operational effectiveness.

Moreover, PD sessions facilitate a culture of knowledge sharing. Many of the most successful ideas in our industry are adaptations or evolutions of concepts borrowed from others. By participating in these sessions, you contribute to a collective learning environment that benefits the entire industry. The knowledge gained can be directly applied to your role, fostering both personal growth and organizational advancement.

The value of engagement in CMAC and specifically the Ontario Branch cannot be overstated. The association provides numerous opportunities for growth and evolution as Club Professionals. To maximize the benefits of CMAC membership, active involvement is crucial. Attend sessions, collaborate with peers, and volunteer for committees. These actions not only enhance your own professional development but also contribute to the advancement of the industry as a whole.

PD sessions are carefully designed to address industry wide areas of interest, including emerging technologies like AI, governance issues such as the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), industry trends, and market conditions. These topics have a significant impact on various roles within the Club industry and are essential for achieving success in one’s position and, by extension, contributing to the overall success of our clubs.

PD sessions serve a vital purpose in fostering industry-wide growth, professional development, and club excellence. To stay informed about upcoming events hosted by the Ontario Branch of CMAC and to view a schedule of PD sessions, please click here.

We welcome any suggestions you may have for future PD session topics. Feel free to email your ideas to admin@cmacontario.com.

I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming session!

Leslie Byers, PGA, is the Director of Membership and Communications at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club. She has been in the industry for 26 years and has been at Mississaugua for 18 of those years. Leslie is on the Leadership Team for the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open and couldn’t be more excited for her Club to play host to the best female golfers in the world.