2027 Excellence in Innovation Award

1. Initiatives or projects must have been implemented or achieved measurable impact within 12 months prior to the application deadline.
2. Submissions must be active ELFA members at the time of submission from either:
   1. An Equipment Finance Organization (Regular Member); or,
   2. A Service Provider (Associate Member) can submit jointly with an Equipment Finance Organization (Regular Member).
3. If selected as a finalist, applicants must be willing to send at least one representative to the 2027 Innovation Lab Conference which will be held in Fort Lauderdale from March 30-April1, 2027. Finalists will pitch their initiative live to the conference audience who will decide the winner and runner-up(s) by a vote.

Following are submission categories for award consideration:

• Operational Excellence Initiative: Significant improvements in operational efficiency, productivity, or cost management through technology or process innovation.
• Technology Innovation Project: Implementation of new or emerging technology that has positively impacted business outcomes (e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain).
• Digital Client or Employee Experience Transformation: Highlights initiatives that have elevated customer or employee experiences, such as user-friendly digital platforms, self-service solutions, or streamlined digital interactions.
• Culture of Continuous Innovation: Organizations that have embraced a mindset of innovation, fostering an environment of experimentation, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

1. Applications must be submitted here: {xxxx} by Friday, November 6^th, 2026.
2. The innovation award committee will review all submissions, determine appropriate categories, and select finalists. The number of finalists selected will depend on the number of qualified submissions.
3. Finalists will be notified in mid-January
4. Finalists will prepare a 7-15 minute presentation to be delivered to the entire Innovation Conference in Fort Lauderdale from March 30 - April 1, 2027.
5. A winner and runner-up(s) will be determined by audience vote, and will be announced at the conclusion of the conference.”