Leadership looks different when you step into a room and a culture where you immediately feel seen, supported and challenged in the best possible way. That was the energy at Martis Camp this fall. KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE hosted its inaugural multi-day gathering designed to elevate women at every stage of their leadership journey. The event focused on those within the private club and luxury hospitality industries.
The goal wasn’t to host another conference. It was to build something that had never fully existed in this industry before: a space created intentionally for women leaders, shaped by women leaders and anchored in the belief that advancing women strengthens leadership culture for everyone. What unfolded became more than an event; it was a movement nurtured by connection, vulnerability and lasting shared wisdom.
A Vision Year in the Making
This version of the KK&W Summit didn’t appear out of thin air; it grew from KK&W’s decades-long commitment to leadership. Their team’s highly regarded Summits began as intimate gatherings of forward-thinking general managers, led by partners Dick Kopplin , CMAA Fellow and Kurt Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow.
Over time, those meetings evolved into specialized summits for golf, racquets and emerging leaders, with an agronomy summit coming soon. Each one carries the same DNA: education, collaboration, problem-solving and the belief that great leaders lift others with them.
“This event at Martis Camp builds on the KK&W Summit legacy by intentionally focusing on women leaders and providing a platform to connect with like-minded peers,” shared Thomas B. Wallace III CCM,CCE,ECM, partner with KK&W. “It’s about actionable insights, transformative education, strengthening executive skills and having fun along the way.”
This wasn’t simply a new offering. It was an intentional expansion of the KK&W mission: investing in clients, advancing candidates and strengthening the industry.
Why Martis Camp was the Perfect Beginning
Martis Camp Club & Community Association didn’t just host the event; it shaped the experience. Set in the Sierra Nevada, the club’s natural beauty created a backdrop that encouraged openness, honesty and reflection. Inside, the warmth of the team and the quality of the amenities elevated the experience even further.
“The club’s world-class service and welcoming atmosphere allowed us to blend classroom learning with hands-on experiences,” reflected Patricia Walko Sprankle, support & development lead with KK&W. “Their attention to detail made the summit unforgettable and set the standard for future gatherings.”
Martis Camp became more than a venue; it helped participants slow down, connect deeply and fully engage in essential conversations.
Moments that Shifted Perspective
Every leadership event has takeaways. The KK&W Summit, however, offered unfiltered, honest moments where something clicked.
“The feedback we received reflected themes of authenticity, appreciation, confidence and community,” said Marcie Mills, CCM, search & consulting executive with KK&W. “Those moments of shared understanding reinforced how important it is to lift others as you grow and to lead with purpose.”
Participants gained actionable takeaways by exploring executive presence, self-advocacy strategies and how to embrace vulnerability as a leadership strength, especially for women. These core insights reshaped their perspective on what it means to lead.
One comment captured the spirit of the summit perfectly: ‘I’ve always had a bright future… but now I feel on fire.’
That’s a transformation—not just education.
Events like this don’t end when the agenda does. They shape how leaders show up the next day, month and year. By offering women space for candid learning and peer connection, KK&W is helping reshape leadership culture in private clubs.
Ambassador Claire Cronin, the summit’s keynote speaker, offered a reminder that resonated with every woman in the room: “You can’t pull up the ladder after you get to your spot.”
That idea of shared responsibility, advancement and courage creates lasting change. When leaders support, mentor, sponsor and champion women, more opportunities follow, strengthening and diversifying the industry.
As Mills noted, the goal wasn’t just individual growth. “It’s about transforming the broader leadership culture to be more inclusive, collaborative and sustainable for years to come.”
What Next: Building the Momentum
If this year’s achievement was any indication, the next will reach even higher.
“Our hope is to expand opportunities for women to connect and advance boldly,” shared Hannah Eanes, brand & operations lead with KK&W. “We want as many women as possible to thrive, grow and remain in the private club industry.”
The next summit is slated for Fall 2027, giving clubs time to plan, budget and champion the women on their teams who would benefit most.
KK&W is exploring new ways for vendor partners to enhance programming, continuing the collaboration that brought The Boelter Companies, Club Benchmarking, Cobalt Software, Little Owl Entertainment and McMahon Group, Inc. to the 2025 event.
“And a big thank you to our advisory committee,” added Sprankle. “Annette Whittley CCM played a key role behind the scenes in shaping the program and securing speakers. Her contributions, and those of our entire committee, reflect the shared purpose driving this forward.”
Leadership isn’t accidental. It’s intentional, built through conversations, mentorship, courage and community. KK&W’s inaugural women’s summit proved something we already knew but rarely say aloud: people rise faster and stronger when someone else sees their potential and says, ‘You belong here.’
What happened at Martis Camp was more than a gathering. It was a reminder that the future of leadership in private clubs is bright, bold and deeply human. And it’s a call for all of us—board members, GMs, executives and vendors—to support the leaders who will shape the next generation.
Because when women rise, teams rise. Cultures rise. Clubs rise. And the entire industry rises with them.
BOARDROOM MAGAZINE – March 2026
Heather Arias de Cordoba is editor with BoardRoom magazine.