From October 19-22, our team attended the 2024 CMAC National Conference in the beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia.
We were delighted to connect with fellow club industry professionals at the “Technological Enhancements” roundtable session. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore innovative ways to elevate member experiences.
We also enjoyed meeting everyone at our booth at the Vendor Tabletops. Thank you for stopping by and learning more about our solutions.
Conference Highlights and Key Takeaways
The conference opened with an impressive reception at Predator Ridge Golf Club in Okanagan Valley, setting the tone for a memorable week.
This year’s theme, “A Sustainable Future Through Natural Connections,” guided a comprehensive program covering diverse and timely topics such as AI in Canadian clubs, mental health and wellness, critical financial strategies, and key performance indicators (KPIs). The theme underscored the importance of building a sustainable future in club management by fostering connections within our communities and ecosystems.
One of the standout sessions was a thought-provoking presentation by Dr. David Suzuki titled “Humanity at a Crossroads: Transformation or Extinction.” Dr. Suzuki discussed the importance of science in guiding our future choices, especially as we confront challenges like economic inequity and systemic racism that came to the forefront during the pandemic.
Another powerful session featured Jason Brolund, Fire Chief of West Kelowna Fire Rescue, who shared insights on resilience in his talk, “Resilience through Natural Disaster: 100 Years of Firefighting… in 36 Hours.” Chief Brolund’s inspiring session highlighted the vital role of community and preparedness in facing natural disasters, a timely lesson amid a changing climate.
Beyond these inspiring talks, the conference brought practical takeaways on artificial intelligence from Pacesetter Technology, as well as insights into how technological advancements can enhance member experiences in clubs.
A Community Celebration
In the evenings, delegates enjoyed the best of Kelowna, from a wine tour and tasting at O’Rourke Family Estates to exploring the city’s vibrant dining scene and a visit to the renowned Predator Ridge golf resort.
On October 21, the CMAC Annual General Meeting saw the election of new board members, including the reappointment of Chris Serré and the appointments of Brice MacDermott and Sarah Buettner. Dave Fox was named President for 2024-2025, with Scott Hippe as Vice-President.
“We are truly proud to be a CMAC Gold Corporate Partner, attending these events and supporting the industry we all love. Thank you to the CMAC team, Conference Committee, and all speakers for sharing your time and expertise!” – Denis Kateneff, CEO of Club Support.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the organizers for their hard work and dedication in hosting such a fantastic event. It was truly a pleasure to be a part of it.
