WASHINGTON— ASAE’s 2026 Great Ideas Conference, October 18–20 in Minneapolis, will challenge association leaders to welcome different perspectives, question assumptions and turn setbacks into progress. With the theme “Failure is Fuel,” the conference combines inspiring speakers, candid lessons and hands-on collaboration to help associations build a culture of innovation. 

The experience reflects ASAE’s commitment to Conscious Inclusion, bringing new voices to the table, celebrating different ideas and viewpoints, and creating space for people to contribute, experiment and learn. 

“Great ideas emerge when we welcome different perspectives and give people the confidence to challenge assumptions,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “Conscious Inclusion and the freedom to fail help create the conditions for innovation. Great Ideas will empower leaders to take thoughtful risks, learn from setbacks and turn that learning into greater value for their members.” 

Innovation strategist and bestselling author Dr. Simone Ahuja, founder of Blood Orange, will deliver “Ready for What’s Next: Turning Constraints Into Innovation and Growth,” exploring how leaders can turn limited resources into opportunities and test promising ideas. She will also join ASAE Fellows for a hands-on Innovation Studio. Conference moderator Deanna Singh, founder and chief change agent of Flying Elephant and an award-winning author, brings expertise in leadership, organizational culture and building connections across differences. 

The October 19 Innovation Showcase, emceed by Lakisha Barclay, CAE, will spotlight five finalists and their pilots: 

• Tracy L. Petrillo, EdD, CAE, California Association of School Business Officials: microcredentials for school business professionals. 
• Tori Miller Liu, CAE, Association for Intelligent Information Management: AI-enabled community cohorts. 
• Dana Parsons, PositiveAge, the LeadingAge Virginia Foundation: virtual training for long-term care leaders. 
• Cheryl-Marie Manson, Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education: a statewide paraeducator bootcamp. 
• Mark N. Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, Construction Specifications Institute: the Dynamic Standards + MasterProduct pilot. 

Judges’ scores and an audience vote will determine the winner of a $1,000 prize and the Excellence in Innovation Award. The Showcase’s “Fail Fest” will feature Barclay, Tara Puckey and Jen Mehltretter, moderated by Gina Woodall, sharing candid lessons from initiatives that fell short or took unexpected turns. 

Sessions on creating a culture of innovation, learning from failure and peer problem-solving will help attendees translate insights into action. Facilitated peer-to-peer conversations focused on creating a culture of innovation, learning from failure and peer problem-solving will help attendees translate insights into action. A diverse line up of thought leaders and subject matter experts will add their insights to the conversation, including: 

• David Nguyen, PhD, Senior Fellow & Donald Osell-Gemini Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship, Minnovation Center/ University of Minnesota 
• Shelley Buck, President, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, Representative, District 47A, Minnesota House of Representatives 
• Ashley Armstrong, Vice President of Member Services, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx 
• Jayshree Seth, PhD, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate, 3M 
• Ka Vang, Writer, Poet, Playwright/ Vice President of Equity and Community, Meet Minneapolis 

A closing tour and reception at Paisley Park, Prince’s home and recording studio, will offer further inspiration in creativity and challenging convention. 

Participants can earn eight CAE credits. For details and registration, visit greatideas.asaecenter.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org  

About ASAE 

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established more than 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)