The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) successfully hosted its highly anticipated BMI International 2024 from October 14-19, 2024, in Switzerland. Supported by the Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE), this event brought together CMAA members from around the USA to experience a week of immersive education, cultural exploration, and exclusive networking.
Attendees embarked on a specially curated programme that combined world-class education with unique cultural and leisure activities. One of the key highlights was a visit to the renowned EHL Business School in Lausanne, providing insights into one of the world’s leading hospitality management institutions. Attendees also had the option to either tee off at the prestigious Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, or immerse themselves at a tour of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
Moving onto Gstaad, the group enjoyed an enriching educational session on sustainability at the Gstaad Yacht Club, followed by a tour of a traditional Swiss cheese cave and a scenic gondola ride up the mountains. The day continued with a fondue experience, offering a taste of Switzerland’s culinary heritage.
The journey continued with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich, where participants enjoyed a guided tour and senses experience before moving onto Zürcher Yacht Club for a club visit.
CMAA members were treated to an exclusive visit to the FIFA Museum, where they delved into the world of international football and its history. The grand finale took place at Club Baur au Lac, where the Closing Dinner celebrated the event’s success and the lasting experiences made throughout the week.
Commenting on the event was CMAA’s Jason Koenigsfeld. “BMI International is culture emersion program where we explore other cultures, customs, and traditions. Switzerland is such an amazingly beautiful country with some excellent hospitality experience. Managers got to experience some of the best clubs, the best hospitality program in EHL and experience three different locations (Lausanne, Gstaad and Zurich). This experience gave the attendees a feel for the unique cultures that make up the country. The group was amazing, and we all loved learning the Swiss way of life. A huge thank you to our organizers Cindy Schonrich, Mary Lou Watkins, and Kim McCormack. A special thank you to Toby Johannsson and Michael McCormack for representing CMAE and thank you to the 80 plus attendees for their support and trust. CMAA is always so grateful our members can experience some of the amazing clubs and cultures in locations where we have strong educational partners. CMAE continues to help us build a global community with clubs throughout Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East, we are blessed with their partnership and support”.
