Innovate to Motivate®

I2M is a CAE Approved Provider. Our programs meet the requirements for fulfilling the professional development requirements to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential. Every program that we offer which qualifies for CAE credit will clearly identify the number of CAE credits granted for full participation, and we will maintain records of your participation in accord with CAE policies. For more information about the CAE credential or Approved Provider program, please visit www.asaecenter.org/cae.

Innovate to Motivate® (I2M) was the first conference of its kind developed especially for veteran political involvement professionals.. It was created in 2002 from the requests of experienced grassroots and PAC professionals who wanted more than a “show and tell” conference format.. A hallmark of I2M is content determined by an Advisory Committee of PAC, grassroots and lobbying professionals.. I2M caters to government relations professionals who are intellectually curious, regardless of their tenure in the profession.. Many wear multiple “hats” in their organizations, and are responsible for several government relations disciplines, or they supervise a multi-disciplinary staff.. They know how to do their jobs, so the curriculum focuses on “next level” best practices that are evidence-based..

After conducting the conference for 17 years, I2M Co-Founder Amy Showalter took the break from in-person meetings due to the COVID pandemic to reassess the I2M learning experience. She has changed the game and is now conducting I2M “turbocharge” sessions on a quarterly basis with

interactive learning experiences that are currently offered at no charge in a 2 hour format in Washington, D.C. A typical agenda is here.

However, the I2M Community Quarterly (I2M CQ) isn’t publicly advertised. Many I2M “refugees” attend this, and if you have a growth and learning mindset, you are welcome and encouraged to attend. You just need to let Amy know if you want to attend. If you want to receive notice of the upcoming I2M Community Quarterly meetings, just send us an email at info@showaltergroup.com and we will add you to the list.

What do our I2M Community Quarterly participants have to say about the experience?

“I always feel the discussion flows very easily. There’s great energy in the room, and it’s a good use of my time.”

Sharon Sussin, Senior National Political Director, NFIB

“Thinking through the real value of influence – what Amy shared, as well as giving us time to assess our own influence attraction factors was very valuable. Hearing from others as well as the
networking is awesome.”

Laura Henry, Political Director, National Sand, Stone & Gravel Association

“The group discussion, as always, is the most valuable! Also, the opportunity to assess myself and talk with others about what I learned and hear their experiences. I think this is a great balance of conversation and learning.”

Katharine Emerson, Chief of Staff, World Food Program USA.

"I2M and Amy are simply the best. I appreciated the exercises and brainstorming. This is active learning!"–Phil Guidry, American Kennel Club

“The quality of I2M’s speakers and topics is top notch! I manage PAC and grassroots, so it is a natural fit for me to attend a conference that has a combined curriculum that also includes a professional development component.”–Meaghan Killion Joyce, Manager, Political Affairs, International Paper

“Innovate to Motivate is so different from other events many peers in our industry attend. I2M is not a huge cattle call conference which makes it a great opportunity to engage with others on a more personal level. Over the years, I have found the topics we discuss are unique to other events. I really enjoy the variety and diversity of the program and encourage others to consider joining us in Nashville this year. Giddy up!”–Sharon Sussin, National Political Director, NFIB and Co-Chair, Innovate to Motivate