2026 AWTC Advance Chicago & Fall Happy Hour

INNOVATE

What kind of innovator are you — and what happens when you build with people who think differently?

The first half of the day is all about discovering, doing, and building.

Everyone approaches innovation differently. Some start with questions. Some define the problem. Some see possibilities. Others are ready to build, test, and see what happens.

You’ll uncover the strengths, skills, and experiences you bring to innovation — and learn how to recognize when you need a different perspective. You don’t need to be the “Jill-of-all-trades” to innovate effectively. You need to know what you bring, what you need, and who can help you get there.

Then, you’ll put it into action. Working with people who think differently, you’ll tackle a real association challenge and move from problem → idea → build → test → next experiment, exploring how AI can amplify the process.

• YOU will build something.
• YOU will test it.
• YOU will see what works — and what doesn’t.
• And YOU will learn more about yourself as an innovator along the way.

Know your strengths. Find the skills you need. Build better together.

SUPPORT EACH OTHER

The second half of the day is all about problem solving. 

Welcome to the Situation Rooms — candid, small-group discussions tackling the hard-hitting topics facing association technology professionals right now.

Career questions. Technology challenges. Leadership. AI. Navigating change. And the “is anyone else dealing with this?” conversations we don’t always get to have.

Choose a room. Pull up a chair. Bring your questions — and your experience.

Throughout the day, you’ll also have time to connect with the AWTC community, meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn from people who may see the world — and the work — a little differently than you do.

Build it. Test it. Talk about what matters. Meet your people.

This isn’t a day to sit back and take notes. Come ready to be part of it.

Can't join us for Advance?  Join us at Kinsley for light refreshments and networking after the conference!