History

An outgrowth of CCL’s annual Creativity Week series (1978-1987), the Association for Managers of Innovation (AMI™) was conceived in 1981 as a “by invitation” network of innovation practitioners. The initial meeting drew six members; by 1986 the group had grown to twenty and, since then, attendance at the twice-yearly meetings has been thirty to thirty-five.

AMI™ members have historically sought a forum permitting frank discussion of the mechanics of innovation -- “How does one implement a parallel system designed to nurture creative ideas?” “How do you reward creativity?” “Is innovation rated on your performance appraisal form?” “Has anyone tried to reduce the levels in their organization as a means to increase the flow of ideas, both up and down?” The meetings connect people with unsure questions to those who have wrestled with tentative answers. AMI™ links kindred souls in this innovation experience.

A central topic for each meeting is developed at the prior AMI™ session. Presenters, often from within the membership, are then invited and the agenda crafted to include idea exchange and work in smaller groups. AMI™ meeting topics over the years have included: Measurement of Successful Innovation; Routine Miracles; Critical Levers for Managing Technological Change, Reward & Recognition; Inter-Company Idea Exchanges; Humor in the Workplace; Innovation and Peace Making; How To Create a Culture for Innovation; Using Graphic Novels to Open Up a Group, a Project, or a Review; Leading Artfully; Crowdsourcing--Co-Creating with Crowds; and the Positive Turbulence of Words To Create Your Six-Word Bio.

In April 2008, a demonstration for the first AMI™ Second Life meeting took place on the virtual University of the  Pacific campus.  The second AMI™ "In Second Life at CCL Research Island" is scheduled for September 10, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (EST).  

A stable feature of AMI™ meetings is the highly rated “Open Discussion” -- time slots scheduled throughout the meeting for members to talk about their activities and opportunities, seek opinions and reactions, or discuss whatever is on their mind with the group.

At the end of an AMI™ meeting members write a short statement of their “learnings” which comprise the core of the AMI™ website posting. Previously named “AM I a Newsletter?” by vote of the membership in 1989, each edition serves to chronicle the preceding meeting.

In 1990 AMI™ members initiated steps to better define the mission and scope of the organization. Both a Mission Statement and Membership Guidelines were approved at the Spring ‘91 meeting. Members work in business, industry, education, or government and must have some responsibility for creativity and innovation in their organizations. They agree to honor requests for confidentiality at meetings. Annual dues now cover the costs of AMI™ administration and support, while tuition fees apply to meetings. Membership is terminated by non-payment of dues.