The Innovation Showcase

The Innovation Showcase is a live, immersive experience where five finalist associations share the real story behind a pilot: the challenge that prompted it, what they tried, what they learned, the impact they’re seeing, and where the idea could go next. These aren’t polished success stories—they’re honest looks at experimentation, course corrections, and ideas other association leaders can put to work.

Drawing on the ASAE Research Foundation’s Association Innovation Impact Study, we define innovation as addressing a meaningful problem in a meaningfully different way—and measure it by the real difference it makes for members, stakeholders, the organization, or the profession. Every pilot on this stage was selected because it does both.

Each finalist takes the stage for a fast-paced presentation followed by live Q&A from our judges. Then it’s your turn: stick around for all five, because you’ll help decide the winner. The $1,000 prize and Excellence in Innovation Award is given based on a combination of judges’ scoring and live audience vote.