Join David Rock, the founder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute, as he leads participants through the SCARF assessment to better understand the five domains of human social experience: status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness. Attendees will learn about their own personality and work style and walk away with the tools to collaborate better and be more effective in providing training and feedback.

Do your brainstorms stall out? Do your efforts toward problem-solving and innovation lack momentum? It's not about how brilliant you or your team are, it's about how you manage the process of creative problem-solving. In this interactive session, led by NeuroLeadership Institute’s director of research, Emma Sarro, and research scientist Christine Chesebrough, you'll learn about the neuroscience of insight, why brainstorming often fails, and the techniques for how to generate "aha" moments that inspire creativity and accelerate buy-in when tackling challenging problems.

From tired recruiting methods to time-consuming and biased interview processes, the old ways of hiring are broken. Kimberly Brown, founder and CEO of Brown Leadership, will help you revamp everything. In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to craft a job posting that attracts the best talent, create a templated interview process that efficiently evaluates candidates on an equal playing field, and build a pipeline of “silver medalists” for future hiring. Come to this session with a real position you're hiring for or build from a sample scenario and leave with an actionable plan.

Understanding what new generations want from brands can be dicey—and Gen Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2024) is no different. Knowing that you can't copy and paste your marketing and business strategy from Gen Z to Gen A, what can you do? This panel of execs and experts have the answers.

Conservative interest groups have been targeting DEI initiatives across education with the Supreme Court ending affirmative action last year. And now these groups have set their sights on the workplace. But with the diversity of American business at stake, entrepreneurs and their legal teams aren't going down without a fight. Get an inside look at the war on "woke" in the workplace and understand how it may affect your business.

Quiet quitting carries a hefty price tag: Gallup estimates that low worker engagement currently costs the global economy $8.8 trillion, a staggering 9% of global GDP. Low engagement is the culprit. In this session, a diverse group of executives will share strategies for inspiring and empowering employees to boost morale along with profits.

In 2023, 5.5 million new small-business applications were filed, making it the highest year on record. There's been a clear surge in entrepreneurship since 2020—and in the wave are first-time founders learning, adapting, and growing as business leaders. In this panel, you'll hear how these first-time founders made their career switches and are finding success in entrepreneurship—not without some trials and errors you can learn from.

Join award-winning digital marketer and video expert Kim Rittberg for a lively and interactive session where she’ll walk you through some of the top AI tools to enhance your existing social media marketing or brand building. Say goodbye to wooden, irrelevant posts clearly crafted by a robot. You’ll learn how to leverage AI to craft better content and have higher output that relates to your (human) customers. Participants can expect to walk away with fresh ideas and a sample post.

Network with fellow Best Workplaces for Innovators and Innovation by Design honorees during a breakfast at Fast Company's headquarters.

Join Ricardo Larroudé, CEO of Larroudé, for a discussion on how the TikTok-famous, celebrity-adored shoe company transitioned from operating out of his dining room during the pandemic to opening a factory in Brazil. Larroudé's new "direct-to-demand" strategy, which allows the company to manage the entire supply chain in-house, is reducing environmental impact, increasing efficiency by concentrating all stock in a single location, and shortening production time to just 24 days from order to warehouse—a feat unparalleled in the luxury space. Attendees should stay tuned after the panel, when they'll receive a special gift.

Another day, another LGBTQ+ marketing campaign, another round of anti-LGBTQ+ backlash, another brand crisis and apology cycle. It's been seen before and will be seen again: The question is, how can true innovators break this cycle that spurs uncertainty and stifles inclusion? How can brands create marketing plans that proactively account for the disproportionately loud "anti-woke" sentiment on social media? At this Fast Track, an expert panel will discuss how companies can get ahead of the backlash inclusive marketing campaigns are bound to receive while shaping a more creative culture reflective of a more diverse nation.

Although women make up a large portion of the nearly $100 billion global fitness market, most workouts are not designed to address their bodily changes, and, to women’s detriment, emphasize a one-size-fits-all routine that does not evolve as their physiology does. Pvolve's low-impact method, developed by clinical experts and professional trainers, utilizes functional movement and patented resistance equipment to enhance strength, mobility, and stability, providing an adaptable workout for women at any life stage. Join this workout session led by chief training officer Antonietta Vicario, followed by a discussion with Vicario and president Julie Cartwright to learn how this cult-favorite workout is breaking through a crowded fitness space.

Amid a highly publicized loneliness epidemic, there’s something we’ve lost: an innate element of human connection that we forgot or misplaced when we were “digitally distanced”. Connections used to come much easier, but digital and social technology has divided us – especially in younger generations – and now connection is work. We need to put in an effort to connect with other people. That effort can be play, or deep questions, or gathering with meaning. It’s not only important for our mental health to regain a sense of connection, but “microdosing joy” is essential for fueling the creative process; without some spark to connect, innovation is less possible – and joyful innovation is impossible. Through the lens of new research of the proven power of play and connection, being debuted at this very presentation, we’ll explore the role of slime in feeling connected to your emotions, how asking better questions can enable empathy and connective communication for more meaningful answers, and how to align ideas, communities and futures towards a more shared, connective world.

Although women make up a large portion of the nearly $100 billion global fitness market, most workouts are not designed to address their bodily changes, and, to women’s detriment, emphasize a one-size-fits-all routine that does not evolve as their physiology does. Pvolve's low-impact method, developed by clinical experts and professional trainers, utilizes functional movement and patented resistance equipment to enhance strength, mobility, and stability, providing an adaptable workout for women at any life stage. Join this workout session led by chief training officer Antonietta Vicario, followed by a discussion with Vicario and president Julie Cartwright to learn how this cult-favorite workout is breaking through a crowded fitness space.

Terra Kaffe, a leader in the coffee technology space, will be serving top-shelf espresso martinis and discussing the cutting-edge tech that makes its products best in class. Experience Terra Kaffe's connected bean-to-cup TK-02 espresso machine and discover why it's gracing thousands of countertops nationwide.

Marketers think they’ve got it all figured out—what’s "cool," what’s aspirational, and what people want to see and buy from brands. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. What happens when we ditch our coastal pretense, let curiosity be our guide, take the back seat, and let small-town Americans tell us how we’ve gotten it wrong? Join creative agency Mother for a rare peek behind the curtains at its New York office as it debuts "Heartland," a proprietary research project that’s part diary and part travel log of a 14-week exploration of those living between the coasts in America’s small towns. The agency will recap findings, reveal the ways in which coastal marketers have failed to represent, understand, and cater to this audience, and share its thoughts on how to reverse these behaviors.

The CEO role within brands has seen a major shift in recent years. What was once a job focused on raising venture capital, scaling a business, and creating innovative solutions has now evolved into something much larger. In order to win, today’s brands and the CEOs behind them need to stand for something. That’s how they’re building communities and cult followings for themselves and their products. From being vocal about reproductive rights in a Post-Roe world, to the growing environmental crisis, the CEOs of Blueland, Wisp, and August will share how they’ve steered their brands into advocates of today’s most pressing conversations, in turn winning the hearts of consumers, retailers, and investors. 

Join us for a celebration of Fast Company's 12th annual Innovation by Design Awards honorees.

Join Union Square Hospitality Group CEO Chip Wade and chief technology officer Kelly MacPherson as they discuss how technology is helping the storied restaurant group become more sustainable and efficient across its entire portfolio. From embracing digital trends to data-driven decision-making, Union Square Hospitality Group's tech-forward approach helps the company reach its goals in advancing the employee and guest experience.

With all the buzz around AI, one has to wonder what's next in tech. Many would argue it's quantum computing, a multidisciplinary field that, at its core, uses quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for standard computers. Understand why tech giants, researchers, and investors see quantum computing as the next big leap—and where you should lean in.

As businesses across industries continue to implement AI into their operations, understanding AI governance and threats to cybersecurity has become even more paramount. Join this panel to hear from experts who will guide you through what you need to know to ensure your business is compliant and secure.

Busy Philipps is no stranger to late night TV—but this time she has something to sell you. QVC+, the shopping network's free streaming service, premiered Busy This Week earlier this year, a shoppable late night show aimed at blurring the line between organic programming and video commerce. Join Busy and David Rawlinson II, president and CEO of Qurate Retail, as they discuss the future of stoppable streaming.

The $1.7 trillion fashion industry is at an economic and environmental crossroads. The current business model operates on the premise of design garments, produce them in large quantities, and sell them to consumers. But this approach is ruining brands and the planet. Each year, billions of pounds of textiles are thrown in landfills and numerous brands, retailers, and manufacturers have closed. In this session, attendees will get firsthand experience designing a garment of their very own using the on-demand fashion manufacturer Resonance’s AI-powered operating system One. One empowers creators to design any garment, sell it to any customer, and make it on demand at scale, resiliently, sustainably, and profitably. Participants will also hear directly from designers currently using the platform and see how this innovative technology can be applied across industries.

Experience the Empire State Building, the defining feature of the New York City skyline, in a completely new way. In this Fast Track, attendees will experience the thrill of the immersive exhibits at the Empire State Building, creating nostalgic and deeper connections with the iconic destination. As Tripadvisor’s No. 1 top attraction in the U.S. two years running, and recently named the No. 1 attraction in the world in June 2024, the tour includes a real-world simulation of King Kong smashing into the building, hearkening back to the classic adventure fantasy. Using today’s best-in-class technology from Journey, a global design and innovation studio whose past projects include the interior design of the Sphere and the development of TSX Broadway, visitors will be taken through the storied history of the building, from its innovative conception to its record-breaking construction and everlasting celebrity throughout the world.

Step into an experience designed to foster authentic human connection. Led by love and life coach Francesca Hogi, you'll rotate through different activities such as drawing, playing games, and answering thought-provoking questions in small groups. The goal: to teach you how to better your skills in connecting with people that you can apply to your personal life and in the workplace.

How do you circumvent the way brands have historically approached the Super Bowl? You flip the script and invite every single one of them to collaborate with you on a monumental idea that has never been done before. For years, brands have notoriously kept their ideas under lock and key, unveiling them with mere days leading up to the big game or during the Super Bowl itself. But this year, DoorDash and Wieden+Kennedy did just the opposite. Join the 2024 Cannes Lion Titanium Grand Prix winners as they dive into how they redefined the intention of the Super Bowl with their DoorDash-All-the-Ads campaign, which enabled them to successfully partner with 76 (official and unofficial) brands, reach new audiences, garner more than 11.9 billion earned impressions, and ultimately, change consumers’ perceptions on how they use DoorDash. 

Kick off the start to Fast Company's 10th annual Innovation Festival with our opening night party.

Fine dining has long been plagued by a lack of diversity among chefs—and Resident is aiming to change that. The dining concept that hosts pop-up dinners in a variety of luxury penthouses, town houses, and private clubs throughout New York City is on a "mission to empower the culinary community." Hear from Resident CEO Brian Mommsen on why championing diversity and representation is not only a core value for the company, it's critical to its growth as a company.

Whether it’s a campaign, partnership, or content play, many brands launch initiatives to serve as a marketing tool to help acquire customers and drive sales. For Argent, the purpose is simply to empower women and leverage the brand's platform to share their inspiring stories. From robust in-person programming to thoughtfully curated editorial series to a branded podcast, Argent invests deeply in scaling value-led initiatives to further connect its community. Join founder and CEO Sali Christeson at the Argent SoHo storefront for a conversation on the importance of investing in mission-driven efforts, followed by a professional headshot photo shoot for attendees.

There’s understandable apprehension when it comes to integrating AI into workflows. But what if instead of viewing AI as a direct tool for creation, we explored it as a catalyst for innovative thinking? Join the Second City’s creative director, Tyler Dean Kempf, for an interactive session, where you’ll engage in improv exercises specifically designed to expand your mental agility. As you navigate the age of AI, you'll leave with a renewed sense of spontaneity, emotional depth, and intuition, which are hallmarks of the Second City's famed improv program, currently celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Conventional business thinking has long pitted maximizing profits against sourcing more ethical and sustainable goods. But the two aren't mutually exclusive. Moreover, a survey found that consumers are willing to spend 9.7% more on average for sustainably produced or sourced goods. Here's how you can build a more responsible supply chain from source to shelf.

When you’re starting or scaling a business, you need to invest wisely. Time, money, and energy are limited. Yet, you still need to experiment. It’s time to move beyond the one-size-fits-all model for success and craft a formula for fun and fulfillment. The I*AM system, created by the AstroTwins, helps founders launch and grow a business efficiently. The I*AM algorithm calculates 13 facets of the birth chart and distills them into one of three success archetypes: Influencer (I), Authority (A), or Maven (M). Discover your archetype to transform struggles into strengths and work with the natural rhythms of every individual on your team.

Join Talea Beer Co. for a behind-the-scenes look at one of its breweries. Talea is revolutionizing craft beer through a female-focused brick-and-mortar strategy. As the only woman-founded and operated brewery in NYC, Talea connects with a broad group of previously under-targeted customers through playful packaging, tasty beers, and award-winning, hospitality-focused taprooms. Fast Track participants will learn about Talea's past five years of growth, including breaking into major retailers like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods and opening four taprooms across NYC. After a fireside chat with Talea's cofounders, guests will break into groups to taste through a portfolio of Talea beers and go on a brewery tour of Talea's production facility.

Instead of continuing the endless conversation around the future of work and whether employees are returning to the office, it's clear that work environments must adapt and reinvent themselves. PENN1 is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a comprehensive office space designed for work and a well-rounded lifestyle by enhancing productivity, fitting seamlessly into personal lives and lifestyles, and providing ample opportunities for socializing and networking. Join Industrious for a session filled with networking opportunities, a panel discussion with leaders on the future of work, a classic food & beverage experience, and an accompanying DJ set.

Luminary, the global professional education and networking platform founded by Cate Luzio, is a diverse multigenerational and intersectional community of individuals, intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, corporations, and organizations. This session invites you to experience a small part of the vast ecosystem members have access to every day—no matter where they are in the world. Join Luminary for an intentional and immersive networking session organized through small-group prompted discussions designed to empower connections that will benefit your business, your career, and your personal brand.

Join us for a celebration of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators Awards honorees.

Join David Sánchez Carmona from APCO’s AI Comms Lab as we delve into the transformative world of AI prompt engineering. This hands-on session will equip you with the strategic savvy to harness the full potential of large language models such as GPT-4. You'll learn how to curate high-quality data that teaches AI to generate better-aligned responses across various business scenarios. You'll also explore practical use cases and prompt structures tailored to boost innovation and creativity within your organization. Join this session to unlock AI's full capabilities, one prompt at a time.

Come for the chocolate and stay for the story with this fireside chat and Q&A. The minds behind Tony’s Chocolonely's mission-driven brand success share the secrets to "Trojan Horse" marketing: talking about what you want by giving your audience what they want—and maybe just changing an entire industry while you’re at it. Join us for this powerful conversation about putting purpose and product hand in hand.

Last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike exposed the deep concerns writers and actors have toward pay equity and emerging technology infringing on their work. And the music industry has been grappling with the same concerns. It’s a time of reckoning for creatives across the board. So how can new technology move industries forward in a way that fosters creativity but doesn’t erode artists' rights? Hear from SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe and producer, singer-songwriter Shaboozey on charting a path forward.

Celebrate a week of innovative conversations and new connections during our closing night party.