The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Leadership Development Programmes (LDPs). This modern educational initiative is designed to provide club management professionals with focused learning experiences that develop leadership capability, enhance professional performance, and address the evolving challenges facing today’s clubs.
The Leadership Development Programmes are intensive two-day learning experiences created to help leaders build confidence, capability, and practical skills in the areas that matter most. Each programme delivers a deep dive into one of CMAE’s 11 core competencies, combining proven leadership principles with real-world application to create meaningful and lasting professional development.
The new LDP series has been specifically designed to complement CMAE’s highly successful Business Management Institute (BMI) pathway, which provides the educational framework leading towards the prestigious and global Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation. While the BMI programme delivers broad strategic management education, the LDPs offer delegates the opportunity to explore specific subject areas in greater depth and develop specialist expertise.
Participants who successfully complete an LDP will earn CMAE CPD credits, contributing towards their eligibility to sit the CCM examination and supporting the ongoing maintenance of CCM status.
The first two programmes scheduled for launch in Q4 2026 are:
- Elevate Your Leadership
- Perfecting Project Management
In addition, three further programmes are currently in development and are expected to be finalised in the coming months:
- Maximising Financial Performance
- Mastering Interpersonal Skills
- Strategic Human Resources
The remaining competency-based programmes will be progressively introduced throughout 2027 and 2028, ultimately providing a comprehensive suite of leadership development opportunities across all 11 CMAE core competencies.
Commenting on the launch, Michael McCormack CCM, Director of Education at CMAE, said:
“Over recent years, feedback from delegates attending our BMI programmes has consistently highlighted a desire for deeper exploration of specific management and leadership subjects. Our members value the breadth and quality of the BMI pathway, but many have asked for opportunities to develop greater expertise in key areas that directly impact their professional performance. We have listened carefully to that feedback and are now delivering on it. The Leadership Development Programme series has been created to provide practical, focused learning experiences that allow club management professionals to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and continue their development beyond the BMI curriculum.”
The Leadership Development Programmes will be delivered regionally in collaboration with CMAE’s regional associations and alliance partners, ensuring greater accessibility and relevance for club management professionals across Europe and beyond.
CMAE is now accepting registrations of interest for all Leadership Development Programme subjects. Expressions of interest will help shape programme scheduling, locations, and delivery priorities as the full portfolio is rolled out.
For further information and to register your interest, please contact CMAE or visit the CMAE website on https://www.cmaeurope.org/leadership-development-programme-ldp/
