Join club leaders from across Canada for a virtual session exploring the evolving role of waitlist management and member onboarding in private clubs. Through a panel of experienced club professionals, attendees will hear diverse perspectives, practical strategies, and actionable insights on balancing engagement, exclusivity, operational realities, member expectations, and long-term club culture.
The session will explore both successful practices and the growing challenges and unintended consequences that can emerge when waitlists become a defining part of the membership experience, while offering interactive discussion and opportunities to connect with peers across Canada.
Whether your club is actively managing significant waitlists or preparing for future membership growth, this session will provide practical ideas and actionable takeaways that can be implemented immediately.
The session will be moderated by Paul Kenno, of Royal Colwood Golf Club and will feature the following speakers:
• Jana-Lyn Fairbairn, CCM, General Manager at Earl Grey Golf Club
• David Main, General Manager/COO at Lambton Golf and Country Club
• Jessica Cruise, Director of Membership Experience at Victoria Golf Club
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Jana-Lyn Fairbairn, CCM, is a General Manager at Earl Grey Golf Club. She is a dedicated club management professional with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Her career has included leadership roles at Riverside Country Club, The Glencoe Club, and now Earl Grey Golf Club, where she is fortunate to work alongside the incredible ONE EARL team in delivering personalized hospitality and an outstanding golf and social experience for members and guests. Known for her approachable leadership style and strong commitment to people, JL is passionate about supporting her team, building meaningful member relationships, and contributing to both the club industry and the community her club calls home. |
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David Main, MBA, PGA, ECM, is a General Manager/COO at Lambton Golf and Country Club, and a recognized leader in private club management. With more than 30 years of experience across club management in Canada, David has served as President of both the Club Management Association (Ontario Branch and National) and the PGA of Ontario. He is the recipient of the 2024 John Furlong Award for Excellence in Club Management, the 2025 Distinguished Club Elite designation, and the 2025 Denzil Palmer Mentor of the Year Award. |
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Jessica Cruise is the Director of Membership Experience at Victoria Golf Club, where she has spent the past eight years focused on membership development, engagement, communications, and the overall member experience. With a background that combines golf, entrepreneurship, and business leadership, Jessica began her career in the golf industry after completing the Professional Golf Management program at Camosun College. Her passion for the game and the golf industry led her to Victoria Golf Club, where she has built her career working closely with members and helping shape the Club’s approach to membership and engagement. Prior to joining Victoria Golf Club, Jessica spent 10 years as an entrepreneur, founding and growing a multi-unit fitness business. This experience gave her a strong foundation in business development, sales, marketing, team leadership, and creating exceptional customer experiences. Jessica is passionate about the future of the golf industry, particularly the evolving expectations of members and the importance of creating strong, engaged club communities. She lives in Victoria with her husband and their two children. |
This session is complimentary to current and future CMAC members.
