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

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.

Acclaimed artist John Gerrard continues to engage the public with his intriguing practices in art, ecology, technology, and place. By opening the conversation with Gerrard’s artwork Flare (Oceania) 2022, an alarm for the burning present, this participatory panel will look at the narratives embodied in subjects of energy and power. Join Gerrard and other leaders of transformative art, including Joel Ferree, the Art + Technology Lab program director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and DooEun Choi, the art director and head of Artlab at Hyundai Motor, to learn how technological advances such as artificial intelligence and sculptural photography may disrupt the contemporary art world and how art inspires technological innovation. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

Against a backdrop of an increasingly complex global energy landscape and the growing threat of climate change, the ways in which we produce and consume energy continue to evolve. Clean-energy solutions are being embraced more than ever, while at the same time people are consuming more energy due to digitalization, AI computing, and the EV transition. This shift, coupled with the increase of extreme weather, has stressed the existing grid and resulted in less energy stability for essential businesses like hospitals, water treatment facilities, data centers, and government operations. Learn how backup energy systems could counter uncertainty and potential calamity. Attendees should stay after the panel —all attendees are entered into a raffle to win a $25 credit for the Fast Company Merchandise Store, but must be present to win. Ten people will win!

Artificial intelligence, data, and robotics are changing the trajectory of our daily lives—including our health. What once seemed like science fiction has opened up a new world of immense possibilities, redefining diagnosis, treatment, and patient care for the better. While some have speculated that advanced tech could endanger the connection between physicians and patients, health innovators are seeing the very opposite. The explosive growth of healthcare tech is empowering people and physicians, and helping expand access around the world. In this visionary panel, we will discuss the most innovative technologies reshaping healthcare in ways we once only imagined. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle to win a $25 credit for the Fast Company Merchandise Store, but must be present to win. Ten people will win!

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 shoppable streaming.

Join Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan as he kicks off the Innovation Festival with a special 10th anniversary video celebrating a decade of powerful conversations and unexpected moments that have defined Fast Company's keystone event.

At this point, Ryan Reynolds is known as much for his blockbuster films as his business acumen. Reynolds's portfolio spans TV and film production (Maximum Effort), marketing and advertising (MNTN), sports (Wrexham, Alpine F1), a mobile network (Mint Mobile), spirits (Aviation Gin), and more. And he's found a way to use his fame and signature sense of humor to develop new strategies that help the products and services he’s put his name behind stand out in crowded markets. Hear from Reynolds on how he’s used creativity as the antidote to financial constraints, tired advertising tropes, and consumer ennui.

Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer, with the worst average five-year survival rate of 12%. Despite advances in medicine, progress in pancreatic cancer research has stalled and remains significantly underfunded.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, City of Hope and the nation’s leading cancer experts are altering the trajectory of treating this painful and too often deadly disease. This initiative unites top minds across diverse organizations and industries to transform how cures are discovered, developed, and delivered.

Expectations for health and food have never been higher. The power of science and technology, unprecedented collaborations, and the acceleration and adoption of major innovations like GLP-1 have raised the bar exponentially when it comes to what people today expect from wellness offerings. Consumers have never felt more empowered to navigate their health with greater mastery, and as a result, lifestyle and eating patterns are changing rapidly. At the same time, our food system is under tremendous climate and economic pressure. As a result, food and beverage companies are teaming up with tech firms, universities, and NGOs to diminish planet impact while maximizing innovation and business goals. In this panel, we’ll discuss the many ways our food ecosystem is being revolutionized to meet the needs of people and our planet, and how consumers can be part of this transformation. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

Gen Z has been a crucial voice in advocating for change across a number of issues including climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun violence. And activist David Hogg and campaign manger Kevin Lata want Gen Z to channel that energy toward running for office. The two cofounded Leaders We Deserve, a PAC dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and state legislatures at a time when a political career has never seemed more demoralizing—or dangerous. In a conversation moderated by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle, hear how Hogg and Lata are energizing and empowering Gen Z to run for office and how their efforts will shape the future of politics.

Stunningly accurate match insights and tournament predictions. Personalized highlight reels for just the player or shot you want to see. From the U.S. Open and the Masters to every brand and business around the world, AI is taking experience, product, and service design to places we could have only previously imagined—changing how live events are broadcast, how fans, customers and citizens engage, and even how teams and organizations make decisions.

In this workshop, IBM will take you behind the scenes of its partnership with the U.S. Open to see how they brought the experience to life. Then we’ll explore how you can harness AI to fuel experience innovation and serve as a catalyst for productivity and powerful experiences.

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.

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.

Though Sara Nelson was elected president of the Association of Flight Attendants a decade ago, she ascended into the national spotlight in 2019 after threatening a flight attendants' strike, which would've ground air travel, to help end a protracted government shutdown. In the years since, Nelson has been instrumental in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on airline industry employees and challenging questionable policies fashioned by executives behind closed doors. Hear what's next in Nelson's continued fight for worker rights across labor sectors.

Thirty thousand new products are launched every year, yet 95% fail. How would that number change if brands ensured form and function went hand in hand? Through live demonstrations and provocative conversation, this session explores the core tenets of good design and why brands need it embedded in every aspect of the products they create and in how consumers experience those products.

After years of remote work limbo, employers are seizing the opportunity to energize their workforces with fun, diverse, and dynamic experience-driven work environments. From eco-friendly and flexible coworking spaces to facilities that offer club memberships and access to high-end gyms, people are starting to see the workplace as an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in unique and creative ways. In this insightful panel, we’ll examine how large corporations and small enterprises are learning from adjacent industries like hospitality to provide a truly elevated and engaging workday experience. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

As a bubbling hub of tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Alabama increasingly is drawing the attention of young founders looking to spearhead their startups and companies. Alabama provides a diverse ecosystem for new ideas, disruptive technologies, and forward-looking solutions that have transformed the business landscape in recent years. In this panel, we’ll hear from young business owners who are making a meaningful impact in Alabama and explore why this Southern state is a hotbed for up-and-coming innovators across a number of industries. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

It's another presidential election year—and this one seems just as consequential, if not more so, than 2020. The economy, reproductive rights, the state of our democracy, and much more are up in the air. Join this session to understand what the outcome in November could mean for you and your business.

Amid disruptions to the international supply chain, the need for food safety and traceability peaked for global food retailers and traders. Sustainability has become a key node for the industry, too, as C-suite leaders face growing pressure by global and national regulators to prevent food waste. This concurrence of events has led to the call for genuine innovation and collaboration within the sector. In this panel, innovators will explore how the latest technological advances, such as 2D barcodes powered by GS1 standards, are enhancing inventory management, improving traceability, and minimizing waste. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

It’s no secret there’s a glut of streaming services these days—but it’s also no secret that Netflix reigns supreme with nearly 270 million subscriptions globally. That’s due in no small part to how the company has innovated since day one as a DVD-by-mail movie rental service and later led the way in streaming and original programming therein. With the streaming industry at a crossroads, hear from Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos on how he’s continuing to innovate to stay ahead of the pack and drive the future of entertainment.

The number of people over 60 years old is expected to more than double to 2.1 billion by 2050. Helping to propel that growing number are a range of companies innovating around aging and rethinking approaches to wellness and healthcare. This panel will help you understand the business of longevity—and what you need to know to potentially add more years to your own life. 

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.

On its face, writing a hip-hop musical about the first U.S. secretary of the treasury sounds like a hard sell, let alone one destined to become a global phenomenon. But Lin-Manuel Miranda did just that with the Broadway smash Hamilton. Miranda’s undeniable creativity has stretched into writing songs for blockbuster Disney films including Encanto, Moana, The Little Mermaid, and Mufasa, the upcoming prequel to The Lion King; directing the film adaptation of the musical of Tick, Tick... Boom!; and even creating a concept album inspired by the cult-classic novel and film The Warriors. In this conversation, you’ll hear what storytelling means to Miranda, his thoughts on AI entering the chat in Hollywood, and the intersection of art and advocacy. 

Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna is a pioneering force in biosciences. She's one of the minds behind CRISPR: the groundbreaking gene-editing technology that’s been employed to develop diagnostics for the Zika virus, disease models for Alzheimer’s, and therapeutics capable of reprogramming cancer cells. Her work is vastly expanding healthcare solutions. At the same time, she’s remained dedicated to lowering the cost of patient care. In this conversation, Doudna breaks down what's next in gene-editing therapy and what's needed to ensure it's accessible to everyone. Doudna will join this session virtually.

From technology to healthcare to consumer products, almost every industry is looking to harness the incredible potential of artificial intelligence to improve efficiencies and develop cutting-edge solutions. However, utilizing AI in a way that maximizes impact and drives true, lasting transformation is a massive undertaking that is best tackled collaboratively. AI also often requires massive amounts of computing power from data centers requiring a reimagining of how we work together to meet this need. In this panel, we’ll discuss how companies across sectors are leveraging internal and external collaboration to thrive in this new era of AI. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle to win a $25 credit for the Fast Company Merchandise Store, but must be present to win. Ten people will win!

How do you know if you are ahead of the curve? Hear from some of the world’s most innovative companies that are ready for the next rendition of the AI revolution. Corporations from big pharma to food and beverage giants are leveraging data-driven systems, machine learning, and generative AI to revolutionize product design, consumer engagement, and internal workforce efficiencies. In this panel, discover the bold approaches they are taking to weave AI into the fabric of their business, exponentially increasing their impact. Lunch will be available.

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.

As one of the first tech execs to go all in on AI, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who has been with the company since 1992, knows how to forecast trends. Rather than relying solely on Microsoft’s own long-standing AI research efforts, he made a prescient investment in OpenAI in 2019, getting first dibs on the same groundbreaking technology that powers ChatGPT. This year, he forged a deal with French startup Mistral AI, a rising competitor to OpenAI and Google known for its large language model. Join this conversation to learn more about what innovation looks like to Nadella—and what it means when he sees it. Nadella will join this session virtually.

The AI boom has primarily come in the form of software with apps, search engines, and more. However, this year saw the rollout of several AI devices—to varying degrees of success. What will it take for AI wearables and gadgets to catch on with consumers? This panel will give you some answers.

Appreciative inquiry is a powerful strengths-based approach grounded in positive psychology to assist companies experiencing rapid change and disruption. Bob Stiller, founder of Keurig Green Mountain, credits “the other AI” with generating the feedback and insights that helped make the company a multibillion-dollar market leader with a highly collaborative workplace culture. Join us for an inspiring workshop—with Stiller and leading experts in AI—that will help you learn how to ask the right questions of all your stakeholders to keep them happy and engaged while driving optimized results. All attendees will receive a copy of Better and Better, by Bob Stiller.

Renowned chef José Andrés's impact goes beyond his Michelin-starred  restaurants. The founder of World Central Kitchen—one of the world's leading food-aid organizations—has facilitated the delivery of millions of meals to people affected by war, famine, and disaster. In this conversation, you'll learn more about Andrés's dedication to fighting food insecurity, and how he’s using his unique position to effect political pressure and change.

Be among the first to experience the world premiere of Green Works, a new docuseries from 3M, presented by award-winning actor and producer Lana Condor. Set against the backdrop of climate change and environmental challenges, this series explores the burgeoning green economy, offering hope and innovative solutions. Discover the climate leaders driving transformational impact and the critical role that diverse skill sets play in forging a sustainable future. Popcorn will be served.

Following the exclusive premiere, engage with experts at the forefront of climate action—from a global science giant to a cutting-edge energy startup and a pivotal climate action nonprofit. They will share strategic insights and road maps for cultivating a robust green talent pipeline.

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.

By the end of 2024, travel is set to make a full recovery after losing 75% of its value during the pandemic. What will the future of the industry look like as it embraces further digital disruption and changing consumer preferences? How are travelers embracing their newfound freedoms to take tourism to the next level? Join Ariane Gorin, the new CEO of Expedia Group who is previously credited with transforming its B2B business into a multibillion-dollar global juggernaut, for a dynamic conversation on how the travel sector is poised for its next and possibly brightest chapter. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

Innovation can take endless forms, from fungi creating homes in space to reinventing sneaker prototyping and production. Step inside our Innovation Showcase!, where the minds behind these ideas break down the concepts, materials, and creative thinking that are propelling their industries forward.

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

From the new frontier of vaccination research and development to groundbreaking wearables to reimagining care facilities, innovation within the healthcare industry is booming. Hear from the doctors, researchers, and designers who are helping to shape a healthier, more accessible world.

Innovations in communications and marketing technologies are rapidly transforming the way we communicate with consumers and one another. Organizations around the world are using cutting-edge technologies and implementing omnichannel strategies to better elevate and differentiate themselves in highly competitive markets. They’re also telling bolder, more powerful stories and meeting people where they are in new, authentic, and unconventional ways to build trust and maintain brand loyalty. Join this in-depth panel of leading experts to hear how they are disrupting the traditional tenets of marketing and communications to reach consumers in the vast and rapidly changing consumer landscape.

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.

Alabama-based Storyteller Overland is at the forefront of innovation in the outdoor recreation space. Hear the inspiration behind Storyteller's lineup of best-in-class vehicles, why an explosion of growth is expected for the already hot $800+ billion outdoor recreation market, and why Alabama is the right place to call home. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

Earth-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to sustainable brands, products, and experiences, revolutionizing industries from fashion to agriculture. Has this trend translated to the tourism industry as well? According to Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report, nearly 80% of respondents say they prefer traveling sustainably. In this panel, visionary leaders in air travel, hotels, and travel management will discuss how the sector plans to address these needs plus innovative steps they are already taking for the present and future.

Issa Rae ushered in a new era of storytelling for Black creators with her Peabody Award-winning series Insecure. Since then, she's eagerly held the door open for the Black storytellers and creatives coming after her, primarily through her multifaceted company, Hoorae, that stretches across TV, film, audio, talent management, and branded entertainment. And Hoorae is just the tip of Rae's "mogul era," with a prosecco brand (Viarae), coffee shop chain (Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen), and haircare line (Sienna Naturals) to her name as well. In this conversation, hear how Rae is building a new kind of empire and how "rooting for everyone Black" truly stands out in a regressing Hollywood landscape.

The rate of change has accelerated exponentially in recent years, driven by the market, technology, and consumer expectations. As companies expand, adjusting to even minor changes can become complex and challenging. How are companies adapting to the new status quo of constant disruption? Specifically, how do businesses grow without sacrificing the nimbleness to respond quickly to shifts and fluctuations? In this panel, we’ll explore how business leaders are prioritizing creativity and innovation while maintaining stability and structure in the face of major disruptive forces. Lunch will be available.

Imagine during the Paris 2024 Games and 7,000 hours of event coverage along with TV and streaming options, you could turn to AI to manage the experience and make it fun and seamless? Businesses like Huge are partnering with major brands ranging from NBCUniversal to Google to create Intelligent Experiences (IX). In the case of the Paris 2024 Games, the AI chat OLI helped viewers hone in on exactly the competition they were looking for, sparing them hours of frustration. Join a lively discussion on how generative AI is powering a new world of possibility for customer-focused companies to deliver the experiences people need and crave. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

Last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike exposed the deep concerns writers and actors have toward fair pay and emerging technology infringing on their work. And Hollywood is far from the only industry grappling with the same issues. Through the lens of the music business, this panel will explore how artists are navigating everything from promotion and distribution to equity in pay and representation.

Understanding the unmet needs of consumers is paramount to any business in today's highly competitive digital environment. Thanks to artificial intelligence, innovators have new ways to learn about their consumers—without having to constantly ask for feedback. Most notably, generative AI paired with real-time consumer data is being leveraged to spot untapped needs with remarkable precision and dramatically reduce innovation cycles. Join this engaging discussion to learn how "synthetic respondents" can validate and optimize new product concepts, surprising insights being discovered from using this cutting-edge approach, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead. Attendees should stay after the panel—all attendees are entered into a raffle for an Ultimate Innovator gift bag, but must be present to win.

There's a good chance what you've been doing to make your company stand out hasn't been working. According to a survey, only 5% of brands are considered unique by consumers. So what can you do to make an impact? This panel will give the necessary toolkit to better use marketing and customer engagement to boost your brand and differentiate yourself in the marketplace.

As the youngest head of the Federal Trade Commission in history, Lina Khan has rallied against Big Tech, challenged deceptive data brokers, and fought for antitrust policies that ensure a truly competitive marketplace. And in an incredibly decisive presidential election year, Khan clearly has her work cut out for her even more. In this one-on-one conversation, hear how she’s sought to infuse new ways of thinking into an old institution, while remaining a staunch advocate for fair market conditions.

A 2023 survey found that 75% of the C-suite and 64% of managers were seriously considering quitting for a different company that would better support their well-being. And it's not hard to imagine employees haven't been faring any better when dealing with heaving workloads and long hours. But how mental health is prioritized at any company starts from the top down. Hear from this array of executives who understand the value of centering their own mental health and ensuring employees are doing the same. 

Whether you’re having a brat summer or browsing on TikTok Shop, influencer marketing has become the main character for brands trying to reach niche audiences. Social media has completely flipped the script on how brands connect with consumers, especially Gen Z. And the game keeps changing as people’s tastes and habits shift. With platforms like Expedia’s Travel Shops, businesses can cash in on new and significant revenue streams, with the right tech, game plan, and team. Hear how the hottest brands are redefining the shopping experience by going all-in on social and influencer marketing.

Revered in the beauty and fashion industries and considered one of the world’s most influential makeup artists, Pat McGrath and her eponymous makeup line are known to be the gold standard for quality, design, and creativity. And there’s a reason it’s called Pat McGrath Labs—she’s an alchemist at her core, inventing game-changing formulas for runways and translating them into products for the everyday consumer. In this conversation, learn how McGrath keeps her creativity flowing and how she’s managed to create her own lane in an oversaturated industry. McGrath will join this session virtually.

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

Join us for a celebration of Fast Company's annual World Changing Ideas Awards honorees.