ASNT transforms professional development with live AI agent building at Orlando conference
At the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) annual meeting in Orlando, a fresh approach to professional development unfolded, transforming the conference from a traditional listening forum into a dynamic innovation lab. Rather than passively attending talks, nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals collaborated in real time to build functional artificial intelligence agents tailored to inspection scenarios. This hands-on model engaged attendees in a guided sequence culminating in live demonstrations, enabling participants to transfer practical skills efficiently and confidently.
The methodology embraced by ASNT echoes findings in recent education research, which shows that collaborative, time-limited builds with clear goals elevate capability, teamwork, and persistence. A 2024 evaluation highlighted improved problem-solving and retention when participants engaged actively with concrete projects instead of passive content. At the Orlando event, this translated into a carefully paced two-day program beginning with foundational sessions on AI agent design, supported by pre-event webinars and sample agents. Facilitators played a critical part by framing problems accessibly, managing outputs, and unblocking teams to maintain momentum and inclusivity throughout.
Such real-time creation deepens learning by anchoring instruction to tangible artifacts, and it positions the association as a leading convener at the practical frontier of technological innovation in the field. Rather than just a content provider, ASNT became an active guide for applied AI, signalling its commitment to advancing member capabilities. This format integrated seamlessly with other conference elements, reinforcing the association’s brand as tech-forward while offering sponsors credible opportunities to showcase tools within authentic workflows. Partners like Evident Scientific benefited from product integration that supported learning without veering into sales pitches, maintaining the educational focus and trust among participants.
Beyond the immediate educational gains, ASNT’s approach opens avenues for sustainable non-dues revenue. By structuring event access with premium build tracks, spectator passes, and virtual clinics, the association can offer differentiated value to attendees. Additionally, limiting sponsor involvement to clearly defined, use case–aligned engagement slots—backed by transparent judging criteria and independent panels—ensures balanced, meaningful participation. This careful design cultivates long-term trust and deeper relationship-building between members, sponsors, and the association.
Moreover, ASNT aims to extend the innovation lab impact beyond the conference by curating a member library of AI agents tailored to routine NDT tasks such as report drafting, method selection, and equipment advice. Volunteer contributions and co-developed tools with sponsors, governed by clear editorial oversight, would create ongoing learning resources and practical aids available either as member benefits or low-cost subscriptions. Internally, similar AI agent designs could expedite routine organizational workflows, modelling responsible AI use and improving service levels for staff and volunteers.
The success at ASNT aligns with a broader trend—Nondestructive Evaluation 4.0—where advanced digital technologies and AI are increasingly integrated into NDT practice. Conferences worldwide, like the upcoming 17th Asia Pacific Conference on Non-Destructive Testing in 2026, reflect growing industry focus on innovation. ASNT’s hands-on AI workshop offers a model of how professional associations can lead this wave by converting traditional events into interactive, skill-building experiences that resonate with members’ evolving needs and sponsors' marketing strategies.
Ultimately, this pioneering event suggests a blueprint for associations to amplify member engagement and educational impact while creating repeatable revenue streams. By fostering collaboration, applying strong facilitation, and maintaining transparent, high-quality interactions, ASNT not only delivered immediate skill transfer but also enhanced its reputation as a trusted convener of applied innovation. The next logical step is to productize this momentum—building a living AI agent ecosystem that benefits members, sponsors, and the association staff alike, ultimately redefining what professional development means in a tech-driven industry.