Real Data. Real Results. Real Innovation.
About
Innovation is often celebrated after success—but rarely examined during experimentation. The Innovation Lab and Pilot Showcase is a live, immersive experience that highlights successful association pilots and the disciplined work required to bring new ideas to life. Rather than polished success stories or theoretical innovation, the Innovation Lab centers on real pilots—what was tested, what worked, what was refined, and how data informed next steps.
Through live pilot pitches, curated Fail Fest storytelling, and interactive audience engagement, the Innovation Lab creates a shared learning environment for association professionals navigating change.
Key Dates (2026)
- Call for Pilot Concepts Opens: January 12, 2026
- Submission Deadline: March 12, 2026
- Innovation Fellows Announced: August 2026
- Innovation Lab and Pilot Showcase: October (Great Ideas Conference)
Innovation Lab Winner Prizes
These awards are designed to recognize excellence, support continued innovation, and elevate successful pilots across the association community. The pilot selected as Top Innovator will receive:
- Complimentary registration to the 2027 ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo (2 registrations)
- VIP access to The Classic social event at the 2027 ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo (2 tickets)
- An Innovation Scale-Up Grant to support the pilot’s next phase of development
- Public recognition on stage at the 2026 Great Ideas Conference as part of the Pilot Showcase and through ASAE Research Foundation channels
- A commemorative Innovation Lab and Pilot Showcase trophy
Eligibility Criteria
This call is open to:
- Trade and professional associations
- Association teams or departments
- Collaborative pilots led by associations
Submission Process and Guidelines
The Innovation Lab is built around real pilots with real results.
The ASAE Research Foundation invites associations to submit pilot concepts for consideration as part of the Innovation Lab: Pilot Showcase at the Great Ideas Conference in October 2026.
This call is open to associations that have successfully piloted a new or significantly reimagined idea and can demonstrate measurable outcomes or clear indicators of success.
What We’re Looking For
Pilots may be complete or nearing completion, but should not yet be fully scaled or embedded. Strong pilot submissions that:
- Were launched or tested in the past five years
- Address a clearly defined challenge or opportunity
- Demonstrate measurable success supported by data
- Show promise for scale or broader application
- Have organizational and leadership support
What the Application Will Ask
The application emphasizes clarity, evidence, and impact. Applicants will be asked to describe:
- The pilot concept and who it serves
- The problem addressed and why it matters
- How the concept is innovative compared to existing alternatives
- The implementation approach and organizational commitment
- Success metrics and outcomes achieved
- Optional visuals or supporting artifacts
Preview the Application
Download a sample PDF to review the questions.
Applications must be submitted online.
What Selected Pilots Receive
A limited number of pilots (anticipated 3 to 5) will be selected for live presentation. Selected applicants will:
- Be recognized as 2026 Innovation Fellows
- Receive expert feedback and structured visibility
- Participate in light-touch learning and reflection check-ins
- Be eligible to present live at the 2026 Great Ideas Conference as part of the Pilot Showcase
- Be considered for live audience and judge recognition
Ready to Participate?
If your association is testing something new—and learning from it—we encourage you to apply.
Resources and Support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Innovation Lab and Pilot Showcase?
The Innovation Lab and The Pilot Showcase is a live, interactive event that highlights how associations test new ideas, learn from data, and adapt in real time. It focuses on pilots—not polished programs—and emphasizes learning over perfection.
What qualifies as a “pilot”?
A pilot is a time-bound test of a new or significantly reimagined idea. Pilots may be in planning, active testing, or post-pilot analysis stages, as long as they are generating learning and insights.
Do pilots need to be successful to be considered?
Yes. The Innovation Lab is focused on pilots that have demonstrated measurable success. Submissions should include data or clear indicators that the pilot achieved its intended outcomes or delivered meaningful value.
What qualifies as “successful”?
Success may be demonstrated through outcomes such as improved engagement, efficiency gains, revenue impact, satisfaction scores, adoption rates, or other clearly defined metrics aligned to the pilot’s goals.
Are pilots that are still in progress eligible?
Pilots may be in progress or recently completed, provided they can demonstrate early or interim success supported by data or documented results.
Are pilots that did not meet their goals eligible?
No. Pilots that did not achieve their intended outcomes are not eligible for Innovation Lab, even if they generated useful lessons.
Is there still room to discuss challenges or missteps?
Yes. The Innovation Lab values transparency. Presentations may include early challenges, course corrections, or missteps that ultimately contributed to a successful outcome.
Who can submit a pilot concept?
Trade and professional associations, association teams or departments, and collaborative pilots led by associations are eligible to apply.
How many pilots will be selected?
A limited number of standout pilots (anticipated 3 to 5) will be selected for live presentation at Innovation Lab.
Do selected pilots have to present live?
Yes. Pilots selected for the Innovation Lab are expected to present live at the Great Ideas Conference as part of the Pilot Showcase.
When does the Call for Pilot Concepts open?
The Call for Pilot Concepts opens in January 2026, with Innovation Fellows announced in August 2026.
What is Fail Fest if pilots are successful?
Fail Fest features curated stories about early failures, pivots, or false starts that informed decision-making and strengthened a pilot that ultimately succeeded.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Andrea Wieters, Director, Strategic and Future Focused Research, awieters@asaecenter.org.
Research Partners
Illuminas
