For decades, innovation has played a vital role in American economic leadership. The United States built its advantage by creating outsized impact through bold ideas and a belief in the power of business to affect positive change.

Today, that advantage is no longer assured. World-class innovation requires sustained investment in research, an ethical regulatory environment, access to global talent, and a culture that values collaboration and divergent thinking—all of which is currently under strain. Political rhetoric and policy debates have called into question the health and sustainability of America's innovation ecosystem.

On the eve of the country’s 250th birthday, we'll take a close look at this question from multiple angles. Where does the U.S. stand on the global innovation stage? What’s at stake if America loses momentum? Through panel discussions and breakout sessions, we'll unpack what still works and what must change.

In a moment of political uncertainty, business leaders—not governments alone—will determine whether American innovation stalls or accelerates. This year’s Impact Council annual meeting will challenge executives to consider the role they must play in keeping the U.S. competitive in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

We hope you will join us at Grace Farms. You or your office may RSVP on your behalf below. Registration for individual sessions and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Already registered? Click here to modify your registration.

Past Speakers

Former President
Walt Disney Imagineering
CEO
Journey
John A. Allison IV Executive Director
Center for the Study of Capitalism at Wake Forest University
Global Chief Marketing Officer
Finn Partners
Founder
Kadre Architects
Director; Entrepreneur in Residence; Rachel Carson Lecturer
Blackstone LaunchPad; QB3; University of California, Santa Cruz
Group Chief Marketing Officer
Flora Food US Inc.
Executive Producer
Fast Company Custom Studio
Creative Director
Second City Works
Executive Director
MIT Solve
Cofounder and Chief Strategist
Ganggang
CEO
Calm
Chief Impact Officer; President
Rare Beauty; Rare Impact Fund
Tea Expert and Educator
Grace Farms
Cofounder and CEO
Grace Farms Tea & Coffee
Director of Education
Grace Farms
Educator and Tours Coordinator
Grace Farms
Senior Educator
Grace Farms
Saxophonist and Composer
Music Director, Grace Farms
Editor-in-Chief
Fast Company
Executive Editor
Fast Company
Associate Editor
Fast Company
Editorial Director
Fast Company
Staff Editor
Fast Company
Senior Editor
Fast Company
Founder & Cofounder
Re/Imagination Lab & Charley
Founder and CEO
Grace Farms

venue: Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a cultural and humanitarian center in New Canaan, Connecticut, that brings people together across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building and Barns on 80 acres of publicly accessible natural landscape. Since opening in 2015, it has garnered numerous prestigious awards for contributions to architecture, environmental sustainability, and social good and has become a destination for arts, culture, and community.
Photo: Dean Kaufman
Photo: Cristian Salazar

2026 Impact Council: The New Rules of Business

The annual meeting will be featured in the Fall 2026 issue of Fast Company. Additionally, quotes and comments from member roundtables throughout the meeting will be covered on fastcompany.com, and the big themes that emerge during the meeting will inform Fast Company’s coverage for weeks and months to come. Last year’s editorial package featuring the Impact Council may be found here.