All eyes in the world of private clubs were on the 2018 National Club Conference, held for the first time in Los Angeles on April 16-18. The National Club Conference is about helping private clubs thrive, and this year we heard from successful leaders at the top of their respective fields, reconnected with friends and built new relationships with industry peers.
California Dreaming
Pre-conference activities began with a spellbinding night at The Academy of Magical Arts’ Magic Castle where attendees enjoyed a fun and amazing magic show performed by some of the world’s most outstanding artists.
The next day attendees took a trip to Beverly Hills to RealID headquarters to see first-hand how RealID’s technology is revolutionizing movie making. The tour then traveled to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the famed hand and footprints of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
The day finished with a wonderful reception at The California Club, one of the nation’s most revered city clubs. Old friends and colleagues got together over cocktails, delicious food and cigars while looking out over the Los Angeles skyline.
Unmatched Education and Social Events
Day 3 of the 2018 National Club Conference was full of inspiration and information. Education sessions began with an inspiring message from Colonel Jack Jacobs, USA, Retired who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism on the battlefields of Vietnam. He also represents the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, and his humorous and thought-provoking presentation reminded attendees of the great and important things we can achieve if we take responsibility for ourselves and those around us.
Colonel Jacobs’ presentation set the tone for a full day of thoughtful and inspiring educational talks from a diverse and renown lineup of speakers, including Bill Walshe, CEO of the Viceroy Hotel Group; Fred Laughlin and Henry DeLozier from Global Golf Advisors; Chip Brewer, President & CEO of Callaway Golf; Mike Stachura, Senior Editor-Equipment for Golf Digest; Trevor Coughlan, Director of Marketing & Product Management for Jonas Club Software; Elise Buik, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles; humanitarian and philanthropist Peter Ueberroth; Eliza Selig, director of communications for Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals; Jose Villa, Founder and President of Sensis and Brad Steele, NCA’s VP of Government Relations & General Counsel.
To cap off the day, the conference set forth to the Jonathan Beach Club where attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and socializing while overlooking a dramatic beach sunset. Dinner was held on the beach with a 5-star meal and music performed by the Santa Monica High School Orchestra.
Ending With a Bang
The final day of the National Club Conference mixed interesting stories and important information. It began with a changing of the guard. Kevin Vitale, GM/COO at Baltusrol Golf Club, was recognized for his service as Chair of the NCA board for the past year. Frank Vain, president at McMahon Group, was named chair for this upcoming year.
Sessions began with Deidre Marie Capone, author and grand niece of Al Capone, who offered an inside look at the infamous mobster and shared her connection with clubs. Remaining sessions included Brad Herrema of Browstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and Kirk Reese and Bob James of DENEHY Club Thinking Partners.
NCA thanks everyone who participated in and supported the first ever National Club Conference in Los Angeles.
For more photos from the conference, please click here or visit our Twitter hashtag #NCAConf18