Director Manager Dinner

Where Club Leaders Connect

The Director Manager Dinner is a signature CMAC Ontario event designed to bring together club managers and board directors for an evening of connection, collaboration, and shared learning.

This annual gathering provides a unique opportunity for senior club leaders to step away from day-to-day operations, engage in meaningful conversation, and strengthen the important relationship between management and governance.

Through open dialogue, shared experiences, and industry insight, this event helps foster stronger clubs and more effective leadership teams across the private club community.

Event Experience

The Director Manager Dinner combines networking, education, and hospitality in a relaxed and engaging setting. Attendees can expect:

• Networking opportunities with club managers and board directors

• A shared dinner experience with peers from across the industry

• A featured industry presentation

• Insightful discussion on current challenges and opportunities in private clubs

This event is designed to encourage conversation around governance, strategy, and collaboration—strengthening the partnership between club management and boards.

Featured Presentation

Each year, the Director Manager Dinner features a guest speaker who brings relevant, data-driven insight to club leadership.

For the 2026 event, CMAC Ontario was pleased to welcome:

Chris Barron, CCM
Vice President, Private Club Partnerships
Club Benchmarking

With nearly 30 years of experience in the private club industry, including more than a decade as a General Manager, Chris brings deep operational and leadership expertise. Since joining Club Benchmarking in 2020, he has presented to hundreds of private club boards across North America, helping clubs better understand performance, strategy, and financial sustainability.

Presentation Topic

Operating Dues – The Foundation of Every Private Club’s Financial Engine

This presentation explored the critical role operating dues play in the private club financial model. Attendees gained insight into how operating dues serve as the primary driver of financial sustainability, funding the majority of fixed operating expenses, and supporting long-term club success.

The session also highlighted the importance of consistently strengthening the “dues engine” to ensure financial resilience in private clubs, supported by industry data and real-world examples.

2026 Director Manager Dinner

The 2026 Director Manager Dinner was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Islington Golf Club.

The evening brought together club leaders from across Ontario for cocktails, dinner, and an engaging presentation, followed by thoughtful discussion and networking between managers and directors.

Events like this continue to reinforce the importance of strong collaboration between governance and management, helping clubs across the province operate more effectively and sustainably.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to another successful Director Manager Dinner.