Students and faculty in Kent State University’s Hospitality and Event Management program earned national recognition at the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) World Conference & Club Business Expo, held recently in Anaheim, Calif., bringing home two prestigious honors that underscore the strength of the university’s student chapter and faculty leadership.
The Kent State chapter of CMAA took second place in CMAA’s Student New Member Recruitment Contest among small chapter schools, an achievement that reflects sustained student engagement and growth within the organization. The contest recognizes student chapters that successfully recruit new members during the academic year, which runs from August 1 through April 30.
“Placing second at the national level is a tremendous accomplishment for our students,” said Mandy Ulicney, associate lecturer in Kent State’s Hospitality and Event Management program and faculty advisor for the university’s CMAA student chapter. “Their commitment to building relationships, promoting the value of club management, and supporting one another truly sets them apart.”
For the 2024–25 academic year, Kent State’s recruitment goal was 17 new members, a figure calculated by CMAA using the chapter’s average number of new members over the previous three years, plus a 5 percent increase. The Kent State chapter successfully recruited 17 new members, completing its goal and earning second-place recognition among small-sized chapters nationwide.
CMAA’s Student New Member Recruitment Contest rewards all student chapters that reach or exceed 100 percent of their recruitment goal, highlighting consistency and growth across the organization. The program is designed to strengthen student chapters while encouraging early professional involvement in the club management industry.
“This recognition speaks volumes about our students’ professionalism and passion for the field,” Ulicney said. “They are not only learning in the classroom, but also applying those skills in meaningful, real-world ways through CMAA.”
Kent State’s success at this year’s conference builds on recent momentum for the program. In 2024, Kent State University was named CMAA Student Chapter of the Year in the small-sized chapter category, a distinction that recognized excellence in leadership, programming, recruitment and industry engagement.
In addition to the student chapter’s achievement, Ulicney herself received national recognition at the conference, winning Best in Show in the Idea Fair category for her Design Challenge competition. The award includes $1,000 to be applied toward future student expenses.
The Idea Fair, held annually at CMAA’s World Conference & Club Business Expo, encourages club managers and educators to share innovative ideas through visually engaging display boards. Submissions are judged on creativity, clarity, content and transferability, with winning entries recognized at the conference and featured in CMAA publications.
“I was honored to receive Best in Show, especially knowing that the award directly supports our students,” said Ulicney. “The Idea Fair is about sharing ideas that can elevate the club industry, and I’m proud that Kent State’s work is being recognized on a national stage.”
Students who attended the conference had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, attend educational sessions and see firsthand how classroom concepts translate into professional practice.
“These experiences are invaluable for our students,” said Ulicney. “National recognition like this reinforces that they are on the right path and that Kent State is preparing them to lead in the burgeoning hospitality and club management industry.”