What is the Fast Company Impact Council?
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only leadership group formed in 2019 to bring together purpose-driven leaders from different industries and disciplines. Throughout the year, members convene for a mix of optional on-the-record and “Chatham House Rules” virtual gatherings that help inform Fast Company’s editorial coverage on innovation, social impact, leadership, technology, creativity, and design in business.
What is the purpose of the annual meeting?
Members will have the chance to meet each other in person, hear from experts, and share their insights about the challenges and opportunities they see in business in 2025 and beyond.
What is the theme of the annual meeting?
Technology is woven into every facet of our existence. We can only expect this to accelerate as breathtaking advancements in AI, quantum computing, and beyond shape who we are and how we work. The faster these changes come, the more they underscore the need to keep humanity at the foundation of our technological progress.
For all the good that technology can do, we’ve seen how it can also be an agent of divisiveness and isolation. Maintaining a human touch in an increasingly digital world is essential to developing stronger, more impactful communities and networks across our personal and professional lives. This is why we’ve chosen it as the theme of this year’s Impact Council Annual Meeting.
What is the event address?
Grace Farms
365 Lukes Wood Rd.
New Canaan, CT 06840
What is the timing of the annual meeting?
The Impact Council Annual Meeting is a full-day event starting at 9:00 a.m. ET and ending with a cocktail reception at 4:30 p.m ET with fellow Impact Council members and members of the Fast Company editorial team. Lunch will be served. Transporation to and from NYC will be provided.
How will the annual meeting be covered in Fast Company?
The annual meeting will be featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Fast Company. (Past features may be found here, here, and here.) 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.
Is there a dress code for the event?
Business casual attire.
Will every member be included in the print issue?
Every member’s name, title, and company will be listed in the print issue.
I can’t attend the annual meeting. Will I still be included in the print issue?
Yes, you don’t need to attend to be listed in the magazine. We will strive to find other opportunities for non-attendees to connect with journalists to share insights for our digital coverage, but part of what makes the event coverage so lively is the exchange of ideas with other members.
Bus Transportation Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Pick-up Location: Broadway & 60th Street, New York (directly across from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel)
Arrival Time: 7:15 AM
Important Notes:
• Please arrive by 7:15 AM to allow time for check-in before departure
• The buses will depart promptly at 7:30 AM
• This same location will serve as the drop-off point upon our return to NYC
• Look for Fast Company representatives who will be on-site to assist you
• WiFi will be available on the bus
• We are estimating returning to NYC/Columbus Circle around 6:30 PM
• You will be asked to finalize your mode of transportation (bus, train or self transport via car) the week of April 7th during Annual Meeting session selection
Travel Recommendations:
• We strongly recommend all attendees arrive in NYC on Monday, May 5th to ensure you are present for the early morning bus departure on May 6th
• Alternative transportation options:
Metro North train service to New Canaan station
Private car service or driving yourself
• Plan to arrive at Grace Farms by 9:00 am
Hotel Recommendations:
Below you will find a list of recommended hotels near the bus pickup location. Please note there is no room block for this event; these are simply recommendations for your convenience:
1. Mandarin Oriental, New York 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 Luxury property directly across from the pickup location
2. JW Marriott Essex House New York 160 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019 Historic Art Deco hotel facing Central Park, 5-minute walk to pickup
3. Park Hyatt New York 153 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019 Modern luxury hotel with spacious rooms, 4-minute walk to pickup
4. Viceroy Central Park New York 120 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019 Sophisticated hotel with modern amenities, 3-minute walk to pickup
5. The Watson Hotel 440 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019 Recently renovated hotel offering excellent value, 5-minute walk to pickup