What makes a successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, and how can it be used to enact positive change in your organization? NBCUniversal’s new social impact initiative, called “Creative Impact Lab,” was designed to encourage more equity and access in the creative economy by sharing stories on how nonprofits are tackling social issues and making a difference in their communities. Learn how you can use the power of storytelling and create your own CSR strategy to engage employees and build authentic connections with your customers. Attendees will also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the NBCU studios at the company’s 30 Rock headquarters.

You may have heard of the metaverse, but have you heard of Icelandverse? Why scroll through a virtual world connected to a headset or glasses when you can enjoy experiences in real life, right? That’s the message the parody ad "Icelandverse" touted to boost tourism in Iceland and poke fun at the Facebook founder’s metaverse advertisement.

In this session, SS+K, a creative agency that has served presidents and created the “Look What We Did” voting rights campaign with LeBron James, will share lessons on how to think creatively, act politically, drive culture, and build better agency-client relationships along the way.

Experience the power of controlling a drone and fly like the pros on the Drone Racing League’s (DRL) SIM video game. Tour DRL's lab, the only drone manufacturing studio in NYC (and one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies), for a behind-the-scenes look into how its world-class engineers hand-develop high-performance racing drones that can accelerate from 0 to 90 mph in less than a second. Attendees will learn how DRL combines groundbreaking technology and immersive high-speed competition to bring drone racing IRL, in esports, and in the metaverse.

Take a morning stroll along NYC's eco-roof at the Javits Center's Nest Summit Campus. Home to 35 bird species, five bat breeds, and thousands of honeybees, the Nest Summit Campus, in partnership with Climate Week NYC, mobilizes climate-committed doers and thinkers from leading companies, NGOs, government, academia, and the community at large.

Connect with other climate action leaders for an educational and inspirational session to discuss ways we can collaborate to advance climate action and build a sustainable future. Visiting the 6.75-acre green roof will empower you to further advance sustainability in your business or organization as well as your personal life.

Orangetheory is a heart-rate based HIIT total-body group workout that combines science, coaching, and technology to guarantee maximum results from the inside out. It’s designed to charge your metabolism for MORE caloric afterburn, MORE results, and MORE confidence, all to deliver you MORE LIFE. Orangetheory is more than a gym because the work you do here in our studio will make all the difference out there in your world.

Whether you want to scale your business or take the lead on new innovative ventures at your job, having an entrepreneurial mindset can help you power through challenging times, embrace new opportunities, and create the business and life you want. Join two successful founders for a conversation and Q&A on how leveraging creativity, current skill sets, and emotional intelligence can positively impact analytical decisions and spearhead new ideas, no matter your industry.

Unleash your creativity and accelerate your business growth at innovation hub Slalom Element’s NYC Lab212. Discover breakthroughs harnessing the power of 5G and collaborate with futurists and technologists who will motivate you to explore the questions, themes, and technology to shape the future of business and culture. Are you ready to innovate, challenge convention, reach, and realize your vision? Meet Slalom in its innovation lab. You’ll be inspired to dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows.

Imagine a world without systemic barriers to economic participation—where all people had equal opportunities to advance in the workplace and companies challenged traditional college degree prerequisites by investing in meaningful job training and development for their employees.

Hosted at Chief's flagship clubhouse in Flatiron, NYC, this session will challenge the status quo and discuss how organizations can invest in their workforce to create greater access, participation, and retention; foster an inclusive culture; and enable equitable economic participation.

Big tech is watching you but the more you know, the faster you can take action. Through data-driven investigation, The Markup, a nonprofit newsroom, demystifies the rapidly changing world and gives communities the tools they need to understand—and improve—it. Learn the impact of new technologies on society, equity, and justice. Join us to experience how your digital identity is formed (and sold) and what that means for your privacy and your safety. We’ll reveal the hidden costs of tech innovations—and how we can meaningfully and ethically use new innovations to fight for a more equitable digital world.

How can businesses get their message out to the right audience? What makes one ad stand out among the clutter of other ads? How do you create content that converts? For the first time, Spotify will open its doors to host a one-of-a-kind guided tour of its office and answer these questions. You will participate in a hands-on workshop led by Spotify’s Ad Studio where you’ll learn how to create effective ads, set budgets, identify your target audience, and develop high-impact creative audio and video ads that resonate.

Little Island, a new public park in NYC that opened in May 2021, invites you on a tour to learn about its visionary design and thought process behind every plant, leaf, and rock placement on the 2.4-acre oasis. Hear from the park’s landscape designer and executive director on how they created a space to get visitors to play, relax, imagine, or feel restored.

F45 is the right choice if you’re looking for a 45-minute high-intensity, circuit training workout class. The workouts are created by the F45 Athletics and Peak Performance Department from a database of over 3,000 different exercises, so our members never get the same workout twice. We have developed 27 different 45-minute workouts, with more currently in development. Our studios offer the same class at different times throughout the day.
 

Unleash your creativity and accelerate your business growth at innovation hub Slalom Element’s NYC Lab212. Discover breakthroughs harnessing the power of 5G and collaborate with futurists and technologists who will motivate you to explore the questions, themes, and technology to shape the future of business and culture. Are you ready to innovate, challenge convention, reach, and realize your vision? Meet Slalom in its innovation lab. You’ll be inspired to dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows.

Throughout history, artists and businesses have collaborated to fund and create world-renowned works of art and culture. It’s a tale as old as time (or at least the Renaissance). But too often, businesses see artists as resources to leverage, not partners in co-creation. What does it take for brands to get it right? How can they support and champion artists, rather than exploit them? Panelists will discuss the artist-brand power imbalance, share examples of how brands are crafting new norms for creative collaboration, and provide tips on how businesses and artists can work equitably to create culture-changing work.

Experience the power of controlling a drone and fly like the pros on the Drone Racing League’s (DRL) SIM video game. Tour DRL's lab, the only drone manufacturing studio in NYC (and one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies), for a behind-the-scenes look into how its world-class engineers hand-develop high-performance racing drones that can accelerate from 0 to 90 mph in less than a second. Attendees will learn how DRL combines groundbreaking technology and immersive high-speed competition to bring drone racing IRL, in esports, and in the metaverse.

The business community has become increasingly involved in tackling some of the world’s most pressing societal and economic challenges, from climate change to racial inequality. Ambitious goals, new products and initiatives, and significant investments are all part of a growing corporate commitment to ESG. What began as an investor-led imperative is now a baseline expectation from a range of stakeholders, including customers and policymakers — some of whom are skeptical about whether companies are as dedicated or as effective as they say. What does it take for a company to make a real difference?

This conversation will shed light on Mastercard’s differentiated approach to ESG, exploring how innovation and integration enable companies to make an authentic and positive impact on the world. Learn how these approaches can help companies develop and effectively implement an ESG strategy in their businesses.

Big tech is watching you but the more you know, the faster you can take action. Through data-driven investigation, The Markup, a nonprofit newsroom, demystifies the rapidly changing world and gives communities the tools they need to understand—and improve—it. Learn the impact of new technologies on society, equity, and justice. Join us to experience how your digital identity is formed (and sold) and what that means for your privacy and your safety. We’ll reveal the hidden costs of tech innovations—and how we can meaningfully and ethically use new innovations to fight for a more equitable digital world.

For many businesses, customer experience is everything. Customers expect hotels to make their lives easier, deliver cutting-edge service, and create authentic connections that support meaningful, memorable moments.

Learn how the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad delivers award-winning services that improve customer and employee engagement, fosters positive culture, and differentiates itself from competitors. Its systems will give you ideas on how to create experiences customers remember, better understand your customer needs, and recruit and hire the right team members.

End your visit with a tour led by the hotel’s GM and team. Newly built from the ground up and designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, enjoy spectacular views of Manhattan’s most iconic sights, visit two restaurants designed by globally renowned chef and humanitarian, José Andrés, and relax at the rooftop bar or private outdoor terrace.

[Solidcore] is a 50-minute, full body workout that uses slow, controlled movements to work your muscle fibers to failure—yep, failure. This low-impact process forces your muscles to rebuild a more sculpted, stronger, and [solid] you. The workout is different each time, so it's impossible for your body to plateau or stop responding. Each class has a certified [solidcore] coach who motivates you to push yourself further than you would on your own. The studios are raw, inspiring, and welcoming. You will be amazed by this workout and the results, guaranteed.

Take a virtual tour inside the 29,000-square-foot, permanent exhibit celebrating the life and work of American icon Bob Dylan. The exhibit will motivate and inspire you to engage your own capacity as a creator and explore the role of creativity in our lives. Meet the center's design team and hear how they brought Dylan’s vision and legacy to life in America’s heartland and celebrated his role in our nation’s history.

What might our digital environments be telling us about our inner environments?

In this interactive photography experience, A Species Between Worlds: Our Nature, Our Screens, visual artist John Mack taps into the power of visual art to enhance awareness and open this all-important conversation to everyone.

The experience will guide you through a gamified psychological exploration of more than 65 U.S. National Parks and the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Through the lens of your digital device you’ll learn how technology is reshaping our lives, our environments, and our world.

After you explore and interact with the exhibit, join Mack for a lively discussion to learn what inspired the thought-provoking artwork and what we all can do to foster balance and awareness between technology and ourselves. Light refreshments will be served.

Today’s medical system is designed to keep us alive—but is it designed to help us thrive? Six in ten Americans live with a chronic condition (70% of whom are women)—and many more are undiagnosed, left behind by a system that relies predominantly on a revolving door of referrals to specialists and prescription drugs. This leads to what New York Times best-selling author Meghan O’Rourke calls an “Invisible Kingdom” of the chronically ill.

Join Parsley Health to learn how it is flipping the script using technology and design to reimagine the patient-doctor conversation, create better health outcomes, and define a future of healthcare that helps women feel more empowered in their bodies and connected to their health.

The demand for sustainable products is growing as more consumers are adopting an eco-minded lifestyle to protect the planet. Using social influencer marketing, social media, and connected TV, Quigley launched the “Make a Statement” campaign to raise awareness for Ball Corp.’s Ball Aluminum Cup.

The cup was designed to address the billions of plastic cups disposed of in landfills every year, and encourages people to live more sustainably since aluminum is infinitely recyclable.

Join Ball’s in-house team and learn how you can make a statement in your own organization. Each attendee will receive two cups and a Sharpie to write their own sustainability statement. Add one cup to Ball’s “Great Wall” of statements activation display, and use the other to enjoy your favorite beverage at their cocktail party.

Celebrate 35 years of Panda Express's fan favorite, the boldly marinated orange chicken, with executive director, chef Jimmy Wang. Take a seat inside their kitchen for a special meal, drinks, and an intimate conversation on how they continue to innovate, attract new customers, and reimagine the brand.

With so many new channels available to marketers to reach their target consumers, some are struggling to embrace new ad practices and formats effectively. Brands can no longer repurpose creative from one medium to another, the clearest example being traditional TV advertising versus streaming platforms. As a connector between technology and creativity, Infillion is leading the way in creating new experiences within these emerging platforms that reward the viewer for their time and attention.

Join Infillion at their HQ and step into a stimulating hub of pop-up experiences such as a branded metaverse. Learn how to activate in the CTV space and explore the power of gamification. You’ll hear from the creators behind these experiences and they’ll share tips on ways brands can facilitate creative experiences that reward their consumers and the value of engagement and interactivity as we move toward a more equitable future.

Many employees are looking forward to a modern workforce that challenges the 9-to-5 workday. Working parents want flexible arrangements, accommodations for childcare, paid parental leave, and more. Join Maven Clinic to learn about strategies that are working for the leading employers across the globe. You’ll leave with ideas on how you can create a supportive workplace culture for your team that boosts productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage.

The world has changed dramatically in the three years since the Business Roundtable’s new Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation popularized the term “stakeholder capitalism.” Some stakeholders (workers, customers) have become emboldened to demand more of companies, but so, too, have stockholders and traditionalists who deride this more inclusive view of corporate purpose as “woke capitalism.” What does stakeholder capitalism mean today, and can the movement weather economic headwinds and vocal naysayers?

Join Meta’s Creative Shop and dive into an augmented reality workshop where you will be able to engage with creators building in the technology today. Learn about AR’s creative potential and how it can lead to deeper customer connections. After this workshop, you should have an understanding of where your business can integrate AR into your customer journey to drive business outcomes and how to get started.

The venture capital industry was built on risky bets in deep tech that ushered in the digital age and biotech revolution. What's next on the horizon? These big-time investors discuss finding and funding the future of tech and how it could remake society.

Amid a heated political environment, our expert panel will look at how the 2022 midterm elections are trending and what they might mean for the issues that affect growing companies.

Conspicuous consumption is out, the circular economy and high-tech materials are in. These innovators are leading the way to a more sustainable apparel industry.

In 1952, world-renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) unveiled a brand-new concept in New York City: the first all-glass office building. An icon in the history of architecture and urbanism, Lever House set a new standard for the modern workplace. Today, development firms Brookfield Properties and WatermanCLARK, alongside SOM, are reimagining the building for the 21st century through a $100 million redevelopment and renovation project. Join the team for a private hard hat tour of this iconic landmark.

Take a ride with Gympass and SoulCycle as we discuss how investing in employee wellness can drive productivity, togetherness, and overall satisfaction in a hybrid workplace. Active employees make for happy employees, and companies that provide access to wellness programs may see higher retention and costs savings for the company. Wear your workout gear and ride to the beat of the music at SoulCycle’s epic cardio party on a bike.

Gabriela Hearst and Daniel Humm discuss their forward-thinking approaches to sustainability, the role of innovation in their work, and the ways they are seeking to elevate the conversation around climate change.

Sara Menker, founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence and a recent presenter to the UN Security Council, uses agricultural data to illuminate how climate change and other man-made disasters are affecting global food supplies. Hear how she and her company turn data into life-saving insights.

Mobility, AI, blockchain . . . these are among the current wave of smarter technologies that are upending the status quo and transitioning from leading edge to mature innovations. Yet there’s no time to rest because the next wave of future-forward technologies are already starting to emerge from research labs and startups. Which of these is likely to become the next disruptive global trend? Find out firsthand as leading futurists and business leaders provide a look ahead at the transformative innovations that could define the next decade.

The Great Resignation. Hybrid work. Union drives. Work—and the workplace of tomorrow—has never been this interesting. U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin Walsh will share his perspectives on the changing dynamics between workers and employers, technology and employment trends, and the future of work.

Building an online following isn't enough—making it in the creator economy is about building a business that lasts. Platform executives and creators explain what it takes to monetize and grow an enduring digital brand.

The Moth, a nonprofit organization that teaches the art and craft of personal storytelling, invites you to participate in a uniquely connective experience with their artistic team. Get an exclusive tour of the organization’s HQ (aka the Moffice) and a behind-the-scenes look at how and why storytelling is vital in life and belongs at work. One attendee will win a signed copy of their new best-selling book, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth.

How can you infuse your organization with an inclusive ethos and empower yourself to fully understand context, constraints, environments, and user needs as a holistic approach to design?

In this interactive session, McKinsey Design will teach you how to acknowledge bias and practice tactical empathy by creating opportunities for dialogue within your organization and your greater community. You’ll evaluate different scenarios, identify ways internal and external influences affect your daily interactions, and explore how unbalanced perspectives emerge in each phase of the product development lifecycle. You’ll leave this session with a better understanding of how to identify sources of bias, analyze situational traits, and master how to define and prioritize interventions.

In the war for talent, it’s more important than ever to lead with compassion and purpose. This fun and provocative workshop led by David Rock, cofounder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute, will give leaders at every level useful, science-backed information and tangible actions to take back and transform their workplaces.

A new wave of leaders is disrupting inequality in the arts and entertainment by pushing the media industry beyond inclusion riders and cross-cultural casting with narratives that embrace the full range of racial, ethnic, and cultural experiences.

Digital transformation is not a one-time event. It’s a journey that is critically important for every organization as they adopt modern, secure platforms and capabilities to facilitate smarter ideas, faster executions, and greater innovation at every stage. That’s why it’s critical for business and technology leaders to have the right strategy and talent in place so that transformation can happen quickly, securely, and at scale.

In this engaging discussion, learn about some of the cutting-edge technologies being applied to unleash value now and be prepared for the future.

With vacations surging, business travel evolving, and labor markets still in flux, the hospitality industry has never been more dynamic. Tony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, talks about what’s in store for the $14 billion-a-year hotel behemoth, and why your work trips may never be the same.

Sitting at the crossroads of entertainment, tech, gaming, and more, the world of professional sports has become fertile ground for experimentation. Here’s how players, teams, and leagues are finding new ways to distribute content, engage viewers, and develop passionate fandoms.

Multi-hyphenate powerhouse Wayne Brady shares insights about how he’s centering improv and inclusion in his growing media empire. Immediately following a quick one-on-one conversation, Brady will put his words into action. He’ll lead an interactive workshop in the same room (The Forum) to teach you to use improv skills to cultivate a more creative and efficient workplace.

Learn how architects at Diamond Schmitt are leading a $550 million transformation of Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, set to reopen to the public in October 2022. Principals Gary McCluskie and Sybil Wa will use physical and digital models, mock-ups, and sketches to immerse you in the process of building a contemporary performance venue for the future. Step behind the scenes into the Hall’s design and construction phases, and discover how tools and technology are being leveraged to transform how we experience the performing arts.

There are tens of millions of startups in the United States and 65% will fail within the first five years. How do you know if—or when—to go all in? This is one of the most popular questions founders pose to the incubation group at tech conglomerate IAC.

Join entrepreneurs at IAC’s emerging businesses, founders and CEOs of startups at varying stages of growth to debunk myths surrounding tech entrepreneurism and break down what it takes to build a successful business in today’s environment, from ideation to product to financing to recruiting. 
 
IAC will host a discussion at their iconic Chelsea headquarters followed by a live Q&A session offering attendees a chance to get raw feedback from the panel on their own business ideas.

Join executive performance coach and CEO of Nora's Naturals for an immersive health and wellness workshop designed to shift neural patterns and optimize focus. The session delivers practical and time-efficient strategies to increase alpha brain waves for sustained concentration, rejuvenate sleep to increase natural fat burning, and set a five-minute morning routine to accelerate daily productivity.

How can companies achieve true "belonging"—embracing differences and even dissension—as a tool for stoking innovation and building organizational resilience?

In a world where advanced technology has become largely democratized, delivering exceptional customer experiences is now tablestakes. But experience design can also be a unique differentiator in how companies signal their brand values, communicate their identity and core value proposition, and win customers with increasingly evolving expectations. This discussion will touch on the skills designers and their partners in business, tech, and product need today to deliver more meaningful customer experiences that win in the market and where the future of collaborative, human-centered business strategy is headed.

As we continue to experiment with hybrid and remote work, we crave leaders who can show us where to go, then get out of the way. This interactive workshop will tap the expertise of Susan R. Vroman, a lecturer of management at Bentley University and an organizational and leadership effectiveness consultant, to reveal best practices for leaders to align teams and communicate vision and goals that will allow them to do their best work, regardless of location.

Have you ever wondered how some of the most memorable tweets, memes, or trending topics end up striking a chord with people? It’s all based on one simple thing: identifying the truth.

Resonating with an internet audience requires flexibility, trial and error, humor, and a healthy dose of the truth. As brands desire more cultural relevance and virality, how do they create content that connects with fans online?

Get a peek into a social-first writers’ room where you’ll learn how brands speak the language of their fans by reverse-engineering the often-overlooked role people play in creating ideas, and ensuring fans can see themselves in them.

Learn how architects at Diamond Schmitt are leading a $550 million transformation of Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, set to reopen to the public in October 2022. Principals Gary McCluskie and Sybil Wa will use physical and digital models, mock-ups, and sketches to immerse you in the process of building a contemporary performance venue for the future. Step behind the scenes into the Hall’s design and construction phases, and discover how tools and technology are being leveraged to transform how we experience the performing arts.

Join Fast Company and Capital One to kick off this year's in-person Fast Company Innovation Festival.

Eleven Madison Park pairs delicious plant-based dishes with an amazing view of Madison Square Park with the ambition to reconfigure the restaurant model to combat food insecurity and create a sustainable and equitable food system. Feast on a variety of innovative meals created by chef Daniel Humm, and join Dominique Roy, chef de cuisine, for an exclusive presentation and discussion about the restaurant's pivot to a plant-based menu.

When communities are strong, communities thrive. And building up a community starts with building up its people, which starts with nurturing talent at the individual level. As more people tap into their unique strengths, develop their unique skills, and then bring their unique potential to life through work and contribution, their growth becomes the growth of the community—and the returns compound from there. In this panel discussion, learn how investing in talent and developing leaders pays dividends in communities and beyond.

Ready, set, test! In this interactive and educational session, Known, one of the fastest growing marketing agencies, will show you how it blends science and art to create successful marketing strategies.

Attendees will learn how marketers can use data to find the right audiences and the most effective creative solutions—powered by the right tools and talent. You’ll walk away with new ideas to uplevel your advertising know-how and some exclusive swag.

The next generation is building new ways to communicate with one another, make financial transactions, exchange ideas, and more. Today’s innovators are also in the midst of an economic downturn and face immense pressure to solve problems for the world Gen Z will live in. This panel, led by General Catalyst, will shed light on how some of the best ideas are built during times of uncertainty and explore how young founders and investors can find opportunities to innovate for generations to come.

Whether you are the type of person who hangs out by the bar and leaves as soon as possible or if you just want to brush up on your in-person networking skills after the past two years of Zoom calls, this fun, interactive workshop will give you the tools to make meaningful connections. Led by author and speaker Dorie Clark, you’ll learn how to network in a way that is mutually beneficial and enjoyable.

After leading his company through a successful, mid-pandemic IPO, Airbnb CEO and cofounder Brian Chesky is positioning his company to remake travel once again. Here’s how Airbnb is tapping into flexible work and our renewed sense of wanderlust to inspire new ways to explore the world.

Accenture Song's CEO and creative chairman, David Droga, talks about creative leadership, brands' increasing challenge for growth and relevance, and scaling creative thinking beyond advertising to transform entire businesses.

Established and emerging beauty innovators take the stage to share their vision for a more inclusive beauty industry and the role shrewd retail partners are playing in bringing indie brands to the mainstream.

Artificial Intelligence–from predictive insights to personalization—is transforming the way companies interact with and serve their customers.

Two seasoned business leaders share their insights on the economic and business outlook for 2023, and share where they’re placing bets now.

The space economy is booming as businesses push technology to new frontiers, from luxury tours of the stratosphere to 3D printed rockets and satellites that battle climate change. A trip to the outer limits of the space industry.

Sign up for a tour of Manhattan West led by key project partners from Brookfield Properties, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Rethink Food, and Hidden Leaf restaurant.

Manhattan West is one of the largest and most complex real estate developments underway in New York City. You’ll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 7-million-square-feet of office, retail, residential, and hospitality space in the city’s Far West Side. Learn how the neighborhood was built almost entirely above the railroad tracks leading into Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.

This project is not only revitalizing the city’s once remote industrial frontier but leading it into the future through innovative sustainability initiatives. Here’s how commitments to renewable energy and a first-of-its-kind partnership with nonprofit Rethink Food lead to creating an equitable and sustainable food system that provides meals to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Rapid change and disruption are the new norm. While some circumstances are outside of your control, there are steps you can take to stabilize the effects of massive cultural shifts for your business, employees, and consumers.

Join experts from the Sparks & Honey advisory board at its NYC studio for a rapid-fire debate. Panelists will examine key trends such as global conflicts, economic fluctuations, decreased trust in institutions, and the constant creep of climate change. This session will help business leaders and executives learn how to practice foresight amid unprecedented volatility and change, discuss the types of uncertainty you need to consider, the role of polarization in fueling cultural distrust, and what organizations can do to become part of the solution.

While the global disruption of the past two years has raised fresh challenges for businesses in search of a new normal, it has also presented an opportunity to redefine normal in a way that breaks the inertia of the status quo and contributes to a better world. Visible shortages, consumer shifts, and environmental concerns have generated unique pressures on supply chains. Still, for the supply chains that have endured them, these pressures have also created an opportunity to reimagine their role as a powerful force for positive social change. In this thought-provoking discussion, learn how innovation is meeting with collective action to build supply chains that better serve businesses, consumers, and our planet as a whole.

Making time for creative self-expression is essential for happiness in both your personal and professional lives.
 

In this interactive workshop, best-selling author Eve Rodsky will guide attendees in figuring out how to find what she calls their “unicorn space,” and fit time in their busy lives to have fun and unleash their special gifts and undiscovered talents into the world.

The average tenure of a company on the S&P 500 is about 20 years, yet these organizations have endured for far longer, thanks to creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and a willingness to disrupt themselves.

In this interactive session, Luke Saunders, founder and CEO of Farmer’s Fridge and a Fast Company contributor, shares his hard-earned advice and tips that every entrepreneur, would-be founder, and investor should know about taking the leap.

Business leaders can look out at the expansive future of the metaverse and sense the opportunity. The challenge is that most have little context for why the metaverse is gaining steam after all these years adjusting to its predecessor, the World Wide Web. What changes and developments in technology, culture, and commerce are defining and propelling this innovation? Without this context, even our most creative business strategies are shots in the dark. With it, we equip ourselves with focus and foresight.
 

Join thought leaders and tinkerers for this dynamic discussion about why the metaverse is here, what you can do right now to get a foothold in this exciting new realm, and why it’s here to stay.

Learn a range of tools to manage the sweaty palms and butterflies that arise when you're speaking up in a meeting, networking, or giving a presentation. In this highly interactive session, Eileen Smith, public speaking coach at Spokesmith, and Donna Marino, psychologist and executive coach, will take attendees through a discussion and exercises designed to pinpoint the pain spots and develop a more confident approach, whether you have a small case of nerves or a career-hindering challenge. The session includes an optional guided hypnosis designed to instill a positive affirmation led by Marino.

Hitch a ride on a jellyfish and float through the ocean to experience the microplastic pollution crisis plaguing the world’s oceans. Using real-time 3D technology participants will put on Quest2 headsets and be transformed into a two-inch tall version of themselves—about the size of plankton. You’ll learn why the need to protect the ocean is so urgent and how content producers are using technology to create engaging innovative experiences to inspire change.

How can businesses get their message out to the right audience? What makes one ad stand out among the clutter of other ads? How do you create content that converts?

For the first time, Spotify will open its doors to host a one-of-a-kind guided tour of its office and answer these questions. You will participate in a hands-on workshop led by Spotify’s Ad Studio where you’ll learn how to create effective ads, set budgets, identify your target audience, and develop high-impact creative audio and video ads that resonate.

The team behind the forthcoming gay rom-com BROS talk about the power of representation, inclusive storytelling, the state of cinema, and the future of media and entertainment.

The COVID-19 pandemic put companies and consumers on new terms, with each relying on the other in new ways. As small and medium-size businesses struggled, many received key support from their B2B ecosystems in addition to the patronage of loyal consumers/customers. Some truly transformational B2B programs born during COVID were so helpful that they’re now here to stay year-round. In this thought-provoking discussion, hear from companies utilizing new, future-forward rewards initiatives to drive business and loyalty, and the customer/workforce experiences from those on the receiving end.

When these large companies disrupt their industries—or themselves—they often must be mindful of regulators, client sensitivities, brand equity, and other complexities. But when they succeed, they can affect major change.

The landscape of tech is more competitive than ever before as the challenges and opportunities fostered by digital transformation are separating the leaders from the rest of the pack. Companies must look beyond the innovations they develop in-house and seek external best-in-class solutions to accelerate their pace of innovation. In this custom panel, Fast Company and Altair will lead a discussion around how to bring disparate technologies and teams together in a functional and forward-thinking way.

COVID-19 has roiled labor markets and workplaces and forever changed the dynamic between employees and management. Labor leaders explain the forces that led up to this new worker moment and share their insights on what’s permanently changed for businesses and the economy.

With the job market cooling off, it's more important than ever to understand what to ask and how to answer questions during job interviews. This interactive workshop led by Amanda Augustine, career expert at TopResume, will give attendees the opportunity to learn best practices for interviewing as a hiring manager and as a candidate. You'll be able to ace those behavioral questions and understand which ones are most useful for determining future success.

These forward-thinking founders are reshaping the food experience. From delivery and curation to the ingredients themselves, hear what’s next in food innovation.

What might our digital environments be telling us about our inner environments?

In this interactive photography experience, A Species Between Worlds: Our Nature, Our Screens, visual artist John Mack taps into the power of visual art to enhance awareness and open this all-important conversation to everyone.

The experience will guide you through a gamified psychological exploration of more than 65 U.S. National Parks and the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Through the lens of your digital device you’ll learn how technology is reshaping our lives, our environments, and our world.

After you explore and interact with the exhibit, join Mack for a lively discussion to learn what inspired the thought-provoking artwork and what we all can do to foster balance and awareness between technology and ourselves. Light refreshments will be served.

Ready, set, test! Come along and play with Known, one of the fastest growing marketing agencies, as we demystify data and marketing jargon in this live, interactive session.

Get ready to ignite your curiosity and embark on fun, educational challenges to create a (humorous and fake) brand campaign that will prove art and science are the best of friends.

Attendees will learn how marketers can use data to find the right audiences and the most effective creative solutions—powered by the right tools and talent. You’ll walk away with new tools to uplevel your advertising know-how and some exclusive swag themed to our imaginary product.

The modern consumer has seen it all—ads across every platform, content across every format, marketing across every vertical. Often, it can feel more like noise than a customer experience. After years of exposure to brand messaging everywhere, digital shoppers have grown weary of brands that don’t represent their genuine interests and values. With this disconnected marketing conflicting with greater consumer expectations, there are new challenges for brands, but also a real opportunity for companies to reinvent their marketing through innovative, connected data and technology. Learn how brands can make the shift from marketing “at” and “to” people to marketing “with” and “for” them—leveraging data and technology more intelligently to drive purposeful brand messaging and sustainable brand loyalty.

Design thinking can be a foundational practice for improving collaboration, resolving conflict, and improving your leadership skills. Join veteran experience design leader Klaus Heesch and UX design/research lead Edson Soares for an interactive workshop that leverages design-thinking tools and tactics that will help you navigate, define, build, and optimize ecosystems of engagement inside and outside your organization.

The expectations for productivity and collaboration are rapidly evolving due to the dramatic shift to hybrid work environments. Flexibility is paramount as every organization is adapting its own version of how, when, and where to work and testing to see what works best for their teams and their business. This also requires changes in the digital and physical technology that are needed to make these shifts successful.

Learn what productivity and collaboration best practices are empowering a transformed workforce right now, and what tech innovations are just around the corner that will level-up the way we work in the future.

The nonprofit behind Sesame Street has been working for over 50 years to amplify the impact of everyone’s favorite children’s show. In this one-on-one chat, CEO Steve Youngwood explains how Sesame Workshop keeps Sesame Street at the forefront of educational content.

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis and producer Jason Blum talk about the enduring power of the Halloween franchise and their unconventional approaches to success in the entertainment industry.

Sustainability innovation starts on the ground. With thousands of acres of land available to generate solar power, regional commitments to innovate and collaborate in this space go a long way toward providing clean energy for all. With one of the nation’s largest solar farm projects under construction, Indiana is doing its part to innovate the solutions we need today, reinvent the economies we’ll need tomorrow, and bring energy transition to life across the state. In this panel, we’ll discuss how and why Indiana became fertile ground (and fourth in the nation) for solar growth, examining the impact this growth is having on energy consumption, the environment, businesses, and people.

Reserve your spot for a finely crafted food and tasting experience at Moët Hennessy. Enjoy champagne and a variety of cocktails while culinary experts share the art and science of flavor pairing ingredients and how to select the correct glassware.

A panel with the global wine and spirits team will discuss why it’s important to honor your wins and how they’re creating top-shelf, emotional experiences for consumers in a more sustainable and inclusive way. Step into a night of luxury and take this time to celebrate the everyday moments—big and small.

While it is easy to appreciate the important role culture plays in making innovation successful, it is difficult to pin down the elements that go into forming and sustaining a culture of innovation.

What does it take to create a world-class culture of innovation? Why is a sustainable competitive advantage so important?

This session will break down the elements of an innovative culture and provide best-in-class examples from companies that got it right. Drawing from their wealth of experience, this panel of C-suite executives will share their personal wins, key challenges, metrics that matter, and their predictions for the future.

Join Fast Company and the festival community for conversation and time to connect with fellow attendees.

As businesses evolve to become digital enterprises, a new lane has opened for aspiring business leaders of every station. For the entrepreneur who never thought they could sell their art, there’s Etsy. For the solopreneur who never thought they could own their time, there’s Uber. For the real estate visionary who never got their license, there’s Airbnb. For the corporate executive who never operationalized their funnel, there’s Salesforce. Embedded finance is the technology movement that is paving this new lane for businesses of every scale, offering platforms that enable innovators to start where they are and grow their niche within the experiences they’re already offering today. In this panel discussion, Fast Company and FIS will explore this space through the people who are creating it in real time, revealing how embedded finance platforms are creating new opportunities for SMBs, established enterprises, and everyone in between.

This interactive workshop led by Bhavik Shah from Mind Share Partners will discuss key fundamentals around mental health at work and strategies to create a mentally healthy culture. It will discuss how to move past offering only benefits for your team, focusing on tangible and proactive ways to create an inclusive workplace for all communities. Topics will include importance of mental health at the workplace, how stigma plays a role, case studies to practice unique scenarios at the workplace, and your specific role when being an ally to support workplace mental health.

Eco-friendly or brand name? For Gen Z, the environment is a top concern and they expect businesses to do their part to save the environment. In the heart of the Meatpacking District, take a look behind the scenes of Samsung’s 837 flagship interactive experience store powered by 100% renewable energy. Hear from experts in the field, tour the interactive playground, get hands-on with product demos and interactive installations, and learn how we can all do our part to live more sustainably and leave the world a better place.

What does it take to get a product carried by MoMA Design Store? As the first to introduce international design brands like Muji and HAY to the U.S., MoMA has long been considered a career-defining achievement for designers. Join one of the most highly coveted and world-renowned museum retailers for an inside look at a product discovery and selection process like no other, hearing firsthand how landing an exclusive place within MoMA Design Store’s assortment has changed the game for some of the most innovative products on the market.

The streaming wars have pushed television to new heights with blockbuster budgets and bolder swings in storytelling. Amazon Prime’s upcoming spy thriller Citadel is the studio’s contribution to the genre. Hear from the star and executive producer on what it takes to break through in a crowded TV landscape and what’s in store for the future of streaming.

What if the future of work isn’t about work at all? With the current debate around “future of work” (remote vs. hybrid vs. IRL) taking most of the airspace, perhaps we’ve overlooked the real foundation of the solution: people. As business leaders continue to combat today's issues and prepare for the unforeseeable challenges that lie ahead, their ability to be agile and resilient hinges on their strategies and philosophies around how to build culture and support their teams. In this thought-provoking discussion, learn the innovative strategies that are helping them not just to survive the disruption, but to truly thrive in today’s world.

More than 15% of the world’s population–or one billion people–experience disability, yet much of the corporate world is just starting to design with accessibility in mind. Those leading the way show how serving excluded users can lead to better products and services for all.

Designers, technologists, product managers, and social scientists have long used extremes as a frame for innovation, studying how the furthest ends of abundance and scarcity shape the way we think about solutions. Over the past three years of extreme disruption, these thought exercises became a real-life experiment on an unprecedented scale. Extremes in physical deprivation and digital overload have forced us to rethink the balance of physical and virtual innovation. In this interactive discussion, framed through Capital One’s efforts to reimagine innovation through integrated experiences (e.g., cafés, digital products), come explore and engage with creative prompts around the design and creation of these experiences for your business.

Trendspotter Faith Popcorn and metaverse strategist Cathy Hackl team up for a conversation about the future of the internet and the way we’ll create and connect in the virtual world.

Technology can be a tough sell, especially when the product isn’t a gadget or gizmo but a platform. How do you create brand awareness and differentiation in the marketplace when the message is the medium?

Wine and spirits giant Pernod Ricard, communications software company Twilio, and coaching platform BetterUp host an intimate and interactive panel on building a resilient workforce and the importance of prioritizing social connection and belonging in company culture. Attendees will learn the current state of workforce collaboration connection and discuss solutions for fostering community and belonging, which leads to higher performance, productivity, well-being, talent retention, and resilience during uncertainty.

While representation in sports and tech has improved, much of the critical work women do still remains unrecognized and unrewarded. Women are still far from gender parity and equitable opportunities.

Join SeatGeek for an important and thoughtful discussion with leaders from the sports and tech industries who will share initiatives they employ to support women and minorities. Learn ways you can advance positive change across your organization and support women at every stage of their career.

Employees, customers, investors, and other stakeholders increasingly expect business leaders to engage on social issues. Our panel explores the benefits and pitfalls of speaking out and the frameworks businesses and boards can use to smartly determine when and how to take a stand.

Even before the pandemic and the Great Resignation, burnout was an issue. But in the past few years, even the most dedicated and promising employees across industries have suffered a remarkable decline in morale, and are quitting, retiring, changing jobs, or scaling back. Often the normal attempts to address dissatisfaction with bonuses or extra time off aren’t making a difference. So what’s really behind this crisis, and how can both managers and employees address job satisfaction in a more meaningful way?

From dreaming up that next big adventure to finding the best deals and then navigating the myriad logistics along the way, the customer journey in travel is ever-evolving and a space that is ripe for innovation. Learn how top industry game changers are enhancing customer experiences, improving the end-to-end travel journey, and building customer loyalty by leveraging innovative digital capabilities, fintech, and travel products.

The cloud is bringing as much transformation as the internet did a generation ago. Now, there's a new type of cloud—an industry cloud specific to the needs of the security and computing requirements of highly specific industries like banking, healthcare, and government. This session will explore how an emerging blend of technology advances—secure cloud, AI/ML, intelligent automation—is delivering economies of scale and, crucially, economies of skills to help banks experiment, launch services, and expand into new markets.

Can you spot the real versus a fake? Counterfeit items are getting harder and harder to distinguish, but you can learn how to detect a replica like a pro. We’ll kick off this session with a fireside chat on the importance of authentication within the brand’s new NYC Showroom and Authentication Center. Then get a behind-the-scenes tutorial of FASHIONPHILE's authentication training process from trained FASHIONPHILE authenticators. Interact with items on the real versus fake display and put your training to the test to see if you can spot the difference.

Get a limited-edition hot dog flavored frozen pop from the beloved Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and experience how Kraft Heinz and advertising agency Johannes Leonardo are aiming to use the power of creativity to break through to a new generation of consumers. Visit interactive Kraft stations featuring bologna face masks, cheese-scented nail polish, and try a Veltini cocktail–Velveeta’s take on the classic martini. Sign up and play Oscar Mayer's Stupid or Genuis by voting on innovative creations focused on all the wonderfully odd ways to enjoy the iconic wiener beyond grilling.

Use this opportunity to disrupt yourself and redesign your life and work! Join Ayse Birsel to discover and apply practical tools in this hands-on virtual workshop. Learn how to visualize the life and work you love, and take the first steps toward it.

President Biden recently signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, widely hailed as the most significant climate legislation ever passed. Yet the climate crisis continues to worsen. Companies have been quick to make net-zero pledges, but what else can they do? And what comes next? This panel of global leaders will grapple with the sustainability challenges facing the private sector and outline some opportunities they present, starting with an innovative partnership between Genpact and Climate Vault.

Health innovations are coming—stat! From virtual reality therapeutics to stem-cell-based regenerative medicines to brain-computer interfaces, the future of medicine is emerging from labs and headed to a doctor’s office or hospital near you.

Brittany "Broski" Tomlinson turned her 15 seconds of fame as "the Kombucha girl" meme into a full-fledged career. In this live episode of Fast Company's podcast Creative Control, Tomlinson gives her candid take on the creator economy and explains how she's building a name for herself offline.

Employees, customers, and stakeholders are long past buying into performative exercises and empty promises that miss the mark on creating true diversity, equity, and inclusion. For everything from collaboration to innovation, authenticity is essential.

This dynamic interactive workshop led by powerhouse coach and consultant Amber Cabral will help you unlock the opportunities in your organization, using techniques honed from her work with leadership teams to inspire the behavior shifts necessary to create more sustainable inclusivity.

In a new and increasingly complex era of retail, defining your brand and cultivating a community around it has never been more vital. Here’s how it’s done.

After years of operating with impunity, Big Tech is coming under scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, both here and abroad. Hear what’s in store for companies that traffic in data—and the customers who want more control over theirs.

Hitch a ride on a jellyfish and float through the ocean to experience the microplastic pollution crisis plaguing the world’s oceans. Using real-time 3D technology, participants put on Quest2 headsets and are transformed into a two-inch tall version of themselves—about the size of plankton. You’ll learn why the need to protect the ocean is so urgent and how content producers are using technology to create engaging innovative experiences to inspire change.

The team behind farm-to-fridge fresh kid snacks and baby food purveyor Once Upon a Farm discusses shaking up the retail landscape, brand positioning, food safety, and what it takes to get better nutrition into the hands of those who need it most.

Join us for a lively round of trivia that will test your knowledge on a range of business and technology topics. With the right answers (and fast fingers), you could walk away with some fabulous prizes.

Network with fellow attendees, relax, or unwind with a cocktail in The Vinyl Room. Small bites will be served with gluten free and vegetarian options. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will also be served.

Includes: Cocktails and Light Refreshments

Join Fast Company for a panel and celebration of the winners of Fast Company's 11th annual Innovation by Design Awards.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Chelsea Factory, a reimagined incubation and performance space created to respond to the needs of New York City's artists, cultural organizations, and community groups.

Learn how Chelsea Factory is supporting a more inclusive and sustainable arts sector to help artists navigate beyond COVID-19. Attendees will get a tour of the 14,000-square-foot cultural center, an opportunity to explore the artistic activity, and a chance to meet the Chelsea Factory leadership team.