CMAA 2027 World Conference & Club Business Expo, Chicago, Feb 7-11.
Dates
7–11 Feb 2027
City / country
Chicago, United States
Venue
McCormick Place West Building
Time
Conference: February 7 – 11, 2027 · Club Business Expo: Tuesday, February 9, 9:30 AM. – 3:00 PM · Wednesday, February 10, 9:30 AM. – 1:30 PM
Event overview
The CMAA 2027 World Conference & Club Business Expo runs February 7-11, 2027 at McCormick Place West Building in Chicago, Illinois.
The centennial edition brings club managers, owners and suppliers together for five days of education, networking and a two-day Club Business Expo with more than 270 exhibiting companies.
Registration opens at $1,500 for CMAA members through December 10, 2026.
TL;DR
Attend to compare club-specific suppliers side by side, sit in peer-led education and use the centennial networking programme to reconnect with managers from across the United States. The Expo floor is organised for buyers who need workable answers on food costs, staffing, technology and member retention, not general hospitality browsing.
Exhibit because the Club Business Expo puts supplier teams in front of club general managers, F&B directors and owners who specify and sign off purchases. A two-day floor inside McCormick Place West, a 270-company exhibitor base and CMAA's 8,100-member network give suppliers repeated touches with qualified club buyers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
2McCormick Place West Building, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Entrances & gates
West Building Main Entrance
Primary attendee entrance for registration and the expo floor.
Food options
Expo floor food and beverage outlets, West Building concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the McCormick Place West Building parking garages off Martin Luther King Drive; allow extra time on expo mornings because several conference sessions start before the 9:30 a.m. floor opening.
Gate: Enter through the West Building main lobby and follow CMAA registration signage; have your registration confirmation and photo ID ready for badge collection.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Full Registration - Early Member
Through December 10, 2026.
Full Registration - Early Non-Member
Through December 10, 2026.
Full Registration - Regular Member
December 11, 2026 to January 11, 2027.
Education-Only - Early Member
Through December 10, 2026.
1927 All-Access Package
Member-only package with all event tickets; limited quantities, listed sold out.
Business Session Access
Members or employees of CMAA member-managed clubs.
Student
Current CMAA Student Members.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring the registration confirmation email and photo ID to the CMAA registration desk in the West Building lobby.
Ticket notes
Full Registration is $1,500 member / $1,800 non-member through December 10, 2026; $1,600 / $1,900 from December 11, 2026 to January 11, 2027; $1,700 / $2,000 after January 11. Education-Only and Business Session Access passes are also offered.
Registration deadline
2027-01-11
Who runs the show
Club Management Association of America (CMAA)
Organiser
What's on
CMAA Awards Breakfast
Association awards presented during the World Conference, including recognition across the programme and industry categories.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Exhibitors: 260
This edition
2027
Visitors: 3,500
Exhibitors: 270
Next edition
2028
CMAA has announced the 2028 World Conference for February 27-March 2 in Orlando, Florida.
Return to Florida after the Chicago centennial edition Dates move to late February
Growth over time
Edition recap
New this edition
1927 All-Access Package
Member-only $1,927 package including all event tickets, a commemorative gift and up to 20 CMI credits.
SourceA Night at the Field Museum
Opening networking event held at the Field Museum on Sunday, February 7.
SourceClub Business Expo Birthday Bash
Expo-floor celebration marking five decades of the Club Business Expo, Tuesday, February 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
SourceCentennial Celebration Gala and Afterglow
Gala dinner and decades-inspired after-party on Wednesday, February 10.
SourceImpact
A centennial edition should pull a larger share of long-tenured club managers and owners than a normal rotation, because CMAA is marking 100 years since its 1927 Chicago founding. The buyer mix remains senior and specification-led, with many attendees responsible for multi-department purchasing across golf, F&B and facilities.
Audience quality
The audience is narrow but senior: club general managers, COOs, F&B directors and board-level owners who can approve supplier trials and capital purchases. CMAA reports 8,100 members and more than 2,600 clubs, so the expo concentrates a high-value private-club buyer base rather than general hospitality traffic.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on follow-up quality, not floor volume. A 270-company expo and a two-day selling window favour exhibitors with pre-booked meetings, a clear club-specific offer and staff who can quote on the spot. No audited ROI or rebooking rate is published for this edition.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Private clubs are a concentrated, relationship-led buying market, and CMAA’s centennial conference puts senior club decision-makers in one Chicago hall. For suppliers, five days of education and networking create repeated contact with buyers who specify food, golf, fitness, technology and facility spend across thousands of clubs.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Labour and retention reshape club operations
Clubs continue to compete for chefs, service staff and managers, so operators are buying recruiting, scheduling and training tools alongside traditional equipment.
What it changes: Suppliers that can show measurable labour savings or retention gains fit the budget case club managers are building for 2027.
Member experience moves to integrated apps
Club technology buying is shifting from stand-alone POS and tee-time tools to connected member apps, CRM and data platforms.
What it changes: Exhibitors with open integrations and a clear data-migration path can win multi-department deals rather than single-product purchases.
Food and beverage costs stay under scrutiny
Club F&B teams are reformulating menus, renegotiating supply and looking for equipment that reduces waste and energy use.
What it changes: Value claims need to be demonstrable on the expo floor, because club buyers are comparing against tight per-cover budgets.
The CMAA World Conference sits in a winter-to-spring run of club and hospitality buying events. Exhibitors can use Chicago in February to meet club managers, then follow the same buyers into Orlando and the national restaurant show later in the year.
PGA Show 2027
Orlando, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge; confirm on the organiser site before booking.
websiteNational Restaurant Association Show 2027
Chicago, United States
Dates are circuit knowledge; confirm before booking.
websiteCMAA 2028 World Conference & Club Business Expo
Orlando, United States
Dates announced on the 2027 conference page.
websiteCMAA 2029 World Conference & Club Business Expo
Chula Vista, United States
Dates announced on the 2027 conference page.
websiteWinter club buying window
January-February is when club budgets and seasonal purchasing plans are being set.
Spring hospitality window
Use Chicago in May for F&B buyers who did not attend the club show.
CMAA dates are from the official 2027 conference page; adjacent show dates are circuit estimates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago Midway International Airport
Closest airport to McCormick Place; good for domestic connections.
9.7 miles
to venue
20-30 minutes
by car
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
More international and long-haul service; allow extra time in winter.
20.7 miles
to venue
35-55 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–170 / night
Walkable or short rideshare to the West Building; limited availability during a large city event.
USD 180–260 / night
Good balance of rate and access; book early because official blocks sell out.
USD 260–380 / night
Official CMAA properties with climate-controlled skybridges to McCormick Place; rates start at $260 plus tax.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
CTA Green Line
Use a Ventra card or contactless payment; about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Rideshare / taxi
Drop-off is at the West Building entrance; surge pricing applies on expo mornings.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and need to attend meetings or a trade show. | $185.00 | Several weeks to several months; apply early. |
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel for business for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA; other nationalities need a visa.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of professional equipment and display goods; confirm the specific goods and port of entry with a customs broker.
Official visa pageWeather
Chicago in February is cold and snowy, with average temperatures around 33-40°F (1-4°C). The conference and expo are indoors, but allow for delays on arrival and wear a warm coat, gloves and waterproof boots for the walk between hotels and the venue.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in McCormick Place meeting rooms and common areas; exhibitors should order dedicated internet for booth demos. US mobile networks use eSIM or physical SIM cards, and EU/UK visitors should check roaming costs.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20% before tax; bartenders usually receive $1-2 per drink. Hotel housekeeping tips are customary but not mandatory.
Business dress
Club managers dress business casual to business formal. February weather calls for a warm overcoat, and the centennial gala is a step more formal.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: ORD or MDW
Book into MDW for the shortest transfer or ORD for more international routings. Arrive by February 6 to clear weather delays before the February 7 opening.
Book flightsUS citizens do not need a visa. International visitors should check ESTA eligibility or apply for a B-1 business visitor visa well before travel.
Estimated cost: $21 ESTA / $185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually minutes to 72 hours; B-1 can take weeks or months
Carry a conference invitation or registration confirmation for the border interview. Fees and wait times change; verify before applying.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From MDW take a taxi or rideshare (20-30 minutes); from ORD allow 35-55 minutes by car or use the CTA Blue Line to the Loop and transfer.
Hotel → venue: The Marriott Marquis and Hyatt Regency connect by skybridge. Other South Loop hotels are a 10-20 minute walk or short rideshare.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate at both airports and McCormick Place; use the designated rideshare zone at the West Building.
Public transit: CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place, Metra Electric to McCormick Place, and the #3 King Drive bus serve the venue.
Parking: On-site garages at McCormick Place; pre-book or arrive early on February 9-10.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: 33-40°F (1-4°C) average
Seasonality: Cold, snowy and windy; lake-effect snow can disrupt flights.
Packing: Warm coat, layers, gloves, waterproof boots and a compact umbrella; the venue is indoors but transfers are not.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday, February 9, 2027
February 9 is the first full expo day, running 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and it ends with the Birthday Bash reception. Exhibitors are freshest, the floor is busiest and one trip covers both supplier meetings and evening networking.
Book registration and confirm the registration category — Full Registration pricing rises after December 10, 2026; late pricing starts after January 11, 2027.
Reserve a hotel through the CMAA housing link — Marriott Marquis and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place are the official skybridge properties.
Build a supplier shortlist and download the CMAA Events App — Prioritise club technology, F&B and facility services; note booth numbers.
Check flights, weather and airport transfer — Chicago February weather can delay arrivals; keep a buffer day.
Pack business cards, charger and session plan — Expo hours are 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on February 9 and 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on February 10.
Badge collection and coffee
McCormick Place West registration lobbyOpening business session
West Building session hallClub Business Expo supplier meetings
Club Business Expo HallEducation session and peer networking
West Building breakout roomsBirthday Bash and evening networking
Club Business Expo floorArt Institute of Chicago
Museum
About 15 minutes by rideshare from McCormick Place
World-class collection and a warm indoor break between conference days.
Millennium Park and Chicago Architecture Center
City Landmark
About 15-20 minutes by rideshare
Classic Chicago architecture and lakefront views; pair with an indoor architecture cruise if weather allows.
Marriott Marquis Chicago lobby bar
Hotel bar
Official conference hotel connected by skybridge; convenient for informal meetings after sessions.
Club Business Expo Birthday Bash
Official reception
Tuesday, February 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the expo floor, with cocktails, cake and raffle prizes.
Club buying cycles are relationship-led and often run through a general manager plus a department head. Fast, specific follow-up matters more than volume because the expo floor is small and buyers meet many of the same suppliers.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 300–450 / m²
Raw space
USD 450–650 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimated from comparable US club and hospitality expos; the official 2027 exhibitor manual was not fetched. Confirm final tariffs with CMAA exhibits sales.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth shell scheme
exhibitor · standard
USD 4500–6500 / 9 sqm booth
Hotel
both · mid
USD 180–260 / per night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
Airfare
visitor · economy
USD 320–850 / return flight
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth shell scheme | exhibitor | standard | USD 4500–6500 / 9 sqm booth | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 180–260 / per night | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Airfare | visitor | economy | USD 320–850 / return flight | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip the 2027 CMAA World Conference.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a supplier shortlist and can attend at least one full expo day.
Best for
Club managers and department heads sourcing products, comparing vendors and earning CMI credits.
Min. budget
$1,800.00
Timeline
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for flights and hotel.
Risks
Early registration deadline passes
Official hotel blocks sell out
Winter flight delays
exhibit
You can pre-book buyer meetings and staff the booth for both expo days.
Best for
Suppliers selling club technology, F&B, golf, fitness, furnishings or facility services.
Min. budget
$6,500.00
Timeline
Commit 90 days ahead for booth, freight and staff.
Risks
Booth and freight costs exceed plan
Lead follow-up is slow
Crowded floor limits meeting time
skip
You cannot travel in February or the show does not match your category.
Best for
Buyers with no approved budget, no travel window or no relevant club purchasing need.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing competitor intelligence
Losing a relationship touchpoint
Book with
McCormick Place
Chicago’s convention campus and home of the West Building, connected to the official hotels by skybridge.
Public venue website; not named as a paid partner.
United Airlines
Chicago hub carrier with domestic and international service into O’Hare and Midway.
Public airline resource; no official partnership was confirmed.
Choose Chicago
Chicago’s official destination marketing organisation for visitor information, hotels and things to do.
Public tourism body; useful planning resource, not a show sponsor.
Club Management Association of America
The organiser and professional association for club managers, founded in 1927.
Organiser website.
Recommended providers
Check ESTA or B-1 visitor visa requirements before booking.
Official CMAA hotel with a skybridge to McCormick Place.
Book into ORD for international connections or MDW for the shortest transfer.
General services contractor for material handling and booth services.
Travel medical and evacuation cover; confirm conference cancellation cover.
Official city guides for museums, architecture and dining.
Badge scanning and lead retrieval used at CMAA events.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
1
Publishers
5
Date checked
Club Management Association of America
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
