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The Great Ideas Conference is your specialized innovation bootcamp. This experience will go deep into experimentation, creativity, and breakthrough thinking to advance vision into actionable planning and tangible value.

The revamped conference gathers association professionals to share ideas, resources, and innovative solutions to navigate the unique challenges associations currently face. Over two inspiring and energizing days, you will gain the frameworks and tools necessary to implement a culture of innovation, curate fresh and creative ideas, and apply strategies that can help you envision more sustainable models for your organization.

This year features the Innovation and Pilot Showcase hosted by the ASAE Research Foundation, dynamic speakers, representatives from leading businesses on creating a culture of innovation, and a visit to Prince’s home and recording studio at Paisley Park. From big out-of-the-box innovation to ideas that can be applied to your day-to-day challenges, you’ll find actionable insights, inspiring conversations, and powerful connections.

Earn 8 CAE Credits At GREAT IDEAS

ASAE is a CAE Registered Provider, committed to providing education that aligns with the CAE Exam Content Outline for the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

ASAE Great Ideas Conference sessions are CAE-eligible.

Earn 8 CAE credits for this conference.

Keynote Speaker

Opening Keynote

Headshot of Simone Ahuja

Simone Ahuja

Global Innovation Authority · Keynote Speaker · Bestselling Author · HBR Contributor · Fast Company Executive Board · Founder, Blood Orange

Keynote

Ready for What’s Next: Turning Constraints Into Innovation and Growth

Workshop

Innovation Studio: From Challenge to Change

Conference Moderator

Your Guide Through Great Ideas

Headshot of Deanna Singh

Deanna Singh

Chief Change Agent, Flying Elephant
Founder & CEO, Uplifting Impact
Author, Actions Speak Louder, Purposeful Hustle & The Bridging Leader
Owner, Uplifting Mansion
Lead Publisher, Story to Tell Books

Featured Session

Courage to Fail: Creating a Culture of Innovation

Three leaders on the process of innovation, learning from setbacks, and building systems that let new ideas take hold.

Headshot of Ashley Armstrong

Ashley Armstrong

Vice President of Membership Services
Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx

Headshot of David Nguyen

David Nguyen, PhD

Senior Fellow & Donald Osell-Gemini Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship
Minnovation Center, College of Science & Engineering, University of Minnesota

Headshot of Shelley Buck

Shelley Buck

President, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi
Representative, District 47A, Minnesota House of Representatives

Featured Session

Innovation NOW: From Setbacks to Strategic Advantage

Headshot of Jayshree Seth

Jayshree Seth, PhD

Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate, 3M

Innovation is rarely a straight path. In this inspiring session, Jayshree Seth, PhD shares lessons from her remarkable career as an inventor, scientist, and innovation leader, exploring how obstacles can become stepping stones to growth, creativity, and long-term success.

Workshop

Storytelling Workshop

Headshot of Ka Vang

Ka Vang

Writer, Poet, Playwright
Vice President of Equity and Community, Meet Minneapolis

Session

Stories that Shape Tomorrow