FESTIVAL SESSIONS
Beyond the Hype: How AI and Real-Time Data Are Powering a More Consumer-Centric Future | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | As brands scramble to stake their claim in the AI arms race, it’s becoming harder to distinguish trend chasing from true transformation. While some AI experiments generate hype, innovative brands are using AI to redefine how brands and consumers interact. This session will explore how real-time consumer data and advanced AI transcend “AI for AI’s sake” and drive meaningful, measurable outcomes across industries. From personalized guest experiences at retail stores and restaurants to loyalty programs that actually understand buyer intent, you’ll hear from leaders who are using AI to optimize operations and elevate consumer experiences. | Wes Schroll - Fetch | ![]() | ||||
Coexisting with AI: Who’s in Charge? | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | The AI revolution is reshaping our world, and nowhere is the impact more profound than at work. As intelligent systems take on more complex tasks, fundamental questions arise: Will automation replace workers or empower them? What does leadership look like when decisions are made by AI? | Forum | |||||
Thriving in Transformation: Leadership for Long-Term Value | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Today’s volatile world demands that businesses and institutions transform rapidly, but surviving through change isn’t enough. Leading organizations thrive under disruption. They build cultures that embrace the unexpected and use it to become stronger, more innovative, and more resilient. Adaptability becomes their competitive edge and a defining force behind their success. Join a dynamic group of industry leaders for an engaging conversation on how organizations can leverage new technologies, like AI, and sound project management practices to foster enterprise-level agility, ensuring every initiative delivers lasting value. | ||||||
Monday, September 15, 2025 | ||||||||||||
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Welcome Breakfast 2025 Drinks Included Food Included | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Private Event | More Info | Network with fellow honorees during a breakfast at Fast Company's headquarters. | World Trade Center | |||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | The Business of Beer Drinks Included | Drinks Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | 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 a 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 six years of growth, including breaking into major retailers like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, reaching new audiences through of-the-moment collaborations, and opening five 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. | Williamsburg | |||
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | An Ice Cream Social with Salt & Straw Food Included | Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Salt & Straw ice cream for a momentous morning. Founded by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek, Salt & Straw’s ice cream is more than just a nostalgic treat: It offers an opportunity to build community among like-minded culinary artisans, tell compelling stories about the world around us, and make bold flavor choices. In addition to the core menu, Salt & Straw is known for its monthly rotating flavors, each built around an original theme—whether it’s spotlighting local farmers and artisans, honoring cultural traditions, or exploring big ideas through unexpected ingredients. Fast Track participants will receive a guided tasting of the brand’s classic flavors like Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and Double Fold Vanilla, as well as wildly inventive originals like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. Following the tasting, guests will listen to and engage with Salt & Straw cofounder Kim Malek during a moderated Q&A session. | West Village | |||
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Partner Up: How to Build Breakthrough Brand Collaborations That Actually Work | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | In a crowded market, brand partnerships can be a powerful awareness tool—but when misaligned or poorly executed, they risk falling flat and draining valuable resources. In this session, you'll hear from two collaboration strategists who have seen it all. Melissa Conner and Charlotte Hohorst of JBC PR will break down why some collaborations make noise while others fall flat, pulling back the curtain on how smart partnerships come together. Drawing on their experience working alongside buzzy brands like Olipop, Parachute, and Loloi, they’ll unpack the anatomy of a successful collaboration: what makes a strong match, how to pitch the right partner, and why timing and values alignment are everything. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned marketer, you’ll leave with a clear framework, pitch-ready strategies, and fresh ideas for partnering with purpose. | Flatiron | ||||
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Play, Create, Engage: How Amika’s Roblox Wonderland, Amikaverse, Is Winning Gen Z Hearts Giveaway | Giveaway | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Tech | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join haircare trailblazer Shannon Otto, associate vice president of consumer engagement at Amika, and Sammi Kobrin, vice president of marketing at immersive technology pioneer Napster (formerly Infinite Reality) at Damian West Salon as they unveil the colorful journey behind Amika’s vibrant Roblox debut. This candid conversation, complete with a demo and sample Amika haircare products, explores how the playful “Amikaverse” brings the brand to life in a digital world. With more than 80% of U.S. consumers gaming today (even higher among Gen Z), according to Newzoo, and brands seeing an 88% sales uplift from virtual stores, according to Coresight Research, Amika and Napster will share actionable insights on how immersive, gamified spaces have become the industry’s next big trend for connecting with younger audiences. | West Village | |||
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | From Gathering to Growth: How M.M.LaFleur’s Event Strategy Drives Business Results Drinks Included | Drinks Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Leadership | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join M.M.LaFleur’s leadership team for an intimate look at how thoughtful event design can transform customer relationships and drive business growth. From their signature Sip & Shop experiences to VIP collection previews, discover how this innovative fashion brand moved beyond traditional retail to create meaningful touchpoints that foster genuine community. | Midtown | |||
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Ramp Execs Talk Talent and Tech: The Art of Hiring and When Products Must Die Networking Drinks Included | Networking, Drinks Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | In the world of startups, two decisions can make or break your company: who you bring on board and when to let go of what you’ve built. | Chelsea | |||
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM | More Than a Desk: Lessons from the Malin on the New Era of Hybrid Work | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Leadership | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Ciarán McGuigan, founder and CEO of the Malin, alongside a Fast Company editor and forward-thinking leaders from both emerging startups and established brands, for a candid conversation on designing a return to office that people actually want. Together, they’ll explore how hospitality and workplace community can transform the office from an obligation into a magnet—and why that matters more than ever in today’s evolving work landscape. | SoHo | ||||
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM | Stepping into the Future of Retail with Tecovas and WVN Networking Drinks Included | Networking, Drinks Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Design | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Kick off the Innovation Festival in true New York style at the brand-new Tecovas flagship store in SoHo. Guests will enjoy complimentary drinks featuring Death & Co cocktails, in-store boot branding (including a Fast Company logo option), a custom hat bar, on-site shoe shines, and a 10% discount on purchases. Executives from Tecovas and WVN will walk attendees through how AI and spatial intelligence are powering the next generation of modern retail. | SoHo | |||
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM | We've Reached Peak Soda: Exploring Branding Challenges in Oversaturated Markets with Mother | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Design | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Mother Design for an exploration of the branding challenges in saturated, hyper-designed markets—where good design is the baseline, not the differentiator. Unpack what happens when the visual playing field is level, and discover why originality, a rebellious brand perspective, cultural relevance, and brand soul matter more than ever. Through the lens of carbonated beverages, Mother Design will uncover the strategies that break through the noise and make people care. | Gowanus | ||||
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | A dinner and conversation at Sofreh Drinks Included Food Included Why being culture-driven is good for business More Info | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME | TYPE Taste of Innovation | More Info | Join James Beard Award nominee chef Nasim Alikhani at her warm and welcoming Sofreh Cafe for an evening filled with delicious traditional Persian dishes and spreads, signature cocktails, and a conversation on the importance of placing culture at the core of her business. From the café’s architecture and cozy aesthetic to taking inspiration from Persian homes and the meaning of the restaurant’s name itself—Sofreh has come to refer to "gathering" and "sharing"—hear how Alikhani has infused her heritage into every aspect of her restaurant, and why she believes this approach will continue to feed the business's bottom line.
| Nasim Alikhani - Sofreh | ![]() | Prospect Heights | |
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | ||||||||||||
3:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Is Creator-Driven Content the Future of Hollywood? | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | The creator economy has revolutionized entertainment, unleashing a global star system that rivals Hollywood. Thanks to a steady flow of hits, creators aren’t just an alternative to Hollywood, they’re transforming it—opening new pathways to stardom and success. Big entertainment firms want to capitalize on the trend, seeking creators for fresh content and access to new audiences. One area of explosive growth has been webcomics, with smash hits on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Crunchyroll. Join a conversation with top creative minds shaping the industry about the influence of webcomics on Hollywood, why traditional studios are racing to adapt creator-driven content, and how creators build global fandoms. | Yongsoo Kim - Webtoon Entertainment | ![]() | Forum | ||
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Retail Reimagined: What’s Next for Sephora’s Boldest Bet Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Sephora has become the kingmaker in the $30 billion high-end beauty industry. And under the stewardship of Artemis Patrick, CEO of Sephora North America, the company is undergoing its largest capital project ever: a complete redesign of all 700+ stores in North America over the next five years. Hear from Patrick on Sephora’s bold brick-and-mortar bet and what it could mean for the future of retail and the customer experience. | Artemis Patrick - Sephora North America | ![]() | Main Stage | |
9:10 AM - 9:50 AM | Why the Next Big Breakthrough Could Come from Space More Info | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | What if the next life-changing innovation isn’t born in a lab on Earth, but in orbit? From medicine to materials science to agriculture, space is becoming the new frontier for breakthrough research and development. Join this panel to understand how the unique conditions of space are accelerating discoveries that could transform industries here on Earth. You can also expect a live Zoom call from an astronaut currently on the International Space Station! | Forum | ||||
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | How to Rewire Your Brain for High Performance in a High-Demand World | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Personal and Career Development | TYPE Workshop | More Info | Today’s work and life demands are relentless. Burnout, distraction, and stress are at all-time highs. So how do we not only build resilience but cognitively perform better under pressure? Join Jamie Wood, founder and CEO of Autonomic, for a science-backed workshop on how to train your brain to thrive in any high-demand environment. Autonomic is a neuroscience-driven platform that combines research, technology, and neuroscience to help individuals understand and optimize their own cognitive performance. Drawing from Wood’s personal journey of corporate burnout to biotech entrepreneur, this session will equip you with actionable tools to help manage stress, sharpen focus, and elevate your brain’s performance and productivity. | Jamie Wood - Autonomic | ![]() | Assembly | ||
9:55 AM - 10:25 AM | Is Retirement Possible? | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Personal and Career Development | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Late last year, Myechia Minter-Jordan became the CEO of AARP. In addition to defining her leadership strategy at the helm of the world’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization, she’s come face-to-face with a world grappling with economic uncertainty and a rapidly changing workforce, which begs the question: Is retirement possible? In this candid conversation, Minter-Jordan shares her blueprint for how she’s merging business acumen with social impact, her vision for growth, and what the path to retirement really looks like. | Myechia Minter-Jordan - AARP | ![]() | Forum | ||
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Always in Style: Norma Kamali on Reinvention and the Future of Fashion Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Legendary fashion designer Norma Kamali’s influence spans five decades, from creating iconic designs such as the “sleeping bag” coat and Farrah Fawcett’s iconic red swimsuit to being a pioneer of athleisure. In her latest era, Kamali is blending fashion and technology. Last year, at the age of 78, Kamali took a generative AI class at MIT and began building an AI platform trained exclusively on her designs to archive her work and be a copilot in her creative process. In this one-on-one conversation, Kamali gives her blueprint for reinvention and staying relevant, as well as a glimpse into the future of fashion | Norma Kamali - Norma Kamali | ![]() | Main Stage | |
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Conditions to Thrive: Tapping into Culture to Succeed in 2026 and Beyond | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | In 2025, great products aren’t enough. Between economic pressure and media fragmentation, the brands that break through are the ones that move at the speed of culture, tap into rapidly evolving consumer tastes, and build real relevance across platforms, industries, and audiences. Hosted by Red Antler, this conversation brings together Fizz, Daydream, and Obviously NYC to unpack what it really takes to grow right now and why building in New York offers a strategic edge. From tech and fashion to finance and media, NYC remains the cultural engine where talent, innovation, and influence converge. | Hudson Square | ||||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | In a Quiet So Loud: Conquering Chaos in the Business World with Sylvain Networking Drinks Included | Networking, Drinks Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Leadership | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | For leaders, there is threat in chaos. And the world right now—it’s feeling pretty chaotic. It feels safer to retreat, hide, camouflage, and remain silent to feel a sense of stability. But acting out of fear is a bad business strategy. Join CEO Joey Camire, chief strategy officer Chris Konya, partner of strategy Aaron Powers, and chief design officer Michael Ian Kaye in this session as they discuss the impact of fear on businesses today—their teams, products, policies, messaging, and marketing. Learn how they’re advising clients and the consulting industry to navigate the chaos through quiet acts of hope, courage, and resistance—and how you can apply their learnings to your own work too. The session concludes with a Q&A, open conversation, and networking with the Sylvain team. Refreshments will be provided.
| Lower Manhattan | |||
10:30 AM - 11:05 AM | Powering Tomorrow: Navigating the Crossroads of Energy and AI | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Sustainability | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | As decision-makers race to identify and implement the right AI solutions for their organizations, many have overlooked the energy demands required to sustain the technology at scale. With sustainability remaining a central concern for all, the breakneck adoption of AI among businesses and consumers alike raises urgent questions around how industries can sustainably power the servers and data centers behind it to ensure responsible innovation long-term. This panel will examine key findings and insights from companies aiming to balance their AI and sustainability goals. | Forum | ||||
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Brewing a Comeback: How Starbucks' CEO is Navigating a Path Forward Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | After years of sluggish sales and shifting consumer behavior, Starbucks is at a crossroads. Since taking over as CEO last September, Brian Niccol has been working to reposition the company for long-term growth by doubling down on its original brand promise: being the “third place” between home and work. In this candid conversation, Niccol unpacks Starbucks’s turnaround strategy and how he’s charting a path forward. | Brian Niccol - Starbucks Coffee Company | ![]() | Main Stage | |
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Reclaiming the Mic: Joy Reid on Reinvention, Resilience, and the Future of Media | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | After becoming a household name as a prime-time anchor on MSNBC, Joy Reid was laid off earlier this year in a shake-up at the network that surprised everyone, including Reid herself. But just a few months later, she turned a setback into a comeback with the launch of The Joy Reid Show, an independent podcast from her production company, Image Lab Media Group. In this one-on-one conversation, Reid shares what it means to bet on yourself and stay rooted in purpose, and she gives her perspective on where the media is headed. | Joy Reid | ![]() | Forum | ||
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM | Breakout Session: A Deeper Dive Into Bettering Your Brain | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Personal and Career Development | TYPE Workshop | More Info | Go deeper into the neuroscience of brain performance with Autonomic CEO Jamie Wood in this interactive Q&A. Whether you missed her workshop in the morning or want to better understand key concepts of cognitive health and performance, this breakout session will provide you an opportunity to have specific questions answered and neuroscience research applied to your unique needs. | Jamie Wood - Autonomic | ![]() | Assembly | ||
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Perspective Shift: How Founders and Thinkers Can Get Creative and Redefine Building a Business Networking Drinks Included Food Included | Networking, Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Engine, the platform reshaping how groups and businesses book travel, for an afternoon of conversation, creativity, and connection at one of the city's favorite creative spaces: art café Happy Medium. Attendees will start with a fireside chat featuring Sammi Cohen, host of the Social Currency podcast, and Elia Wallen, founder and CEO of Engine, to discuss how to build a billion-dollar business in an unsexy industry while staying grounded. After the conversation, guests will connect over light bites before diving into hands-on creative activities including painting, collaging, and more. This session is meant to reset attendees’ perspectives and spark new thinking. No pressure, no performance, just a chance to create something new and shift gears. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for Engine on the spot and get travel credits for future flights, hotels, and rental cars added directly to their account. | Lower East Side | |||
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | The Return of Creative Craft | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Workshop | More Info | In the era of AI, we’re able to conjure ideas and build prototypes faster than ever. But in all that rush, we've lost something deeply personal: the time to sit and sketch. In this workshop, Fast Company’s creative director, Mike Schnaidt, will take you away from your computer and into the world of speculative design. You’ll be put into teams, given an outdated product, and tasked with rebranding it with only a pencil, paper, and your brilliant minds. From this workshop, you’ll pick up analog exercises to reconnect with your originality, equipping you with the creative tools for when the lights go out. | Mike Schnaidt - Fast Company | ![]() | Assembly | ||
1:10 PM - 1:40 PM | Getting Responsible Marketing Right | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Workshop | More Info | When so many brands are getting it wrong, what does it take to get responsible marketing right—and is it even worth it? Join CMO adviser Lola Bakare with special guest Drew Train, cofounder and CEO of creative agency Oberland, for an interactive workshop that will give you the necessary tools to let go of your fear and creative inclusive marketing strategies with true, and lasting, impact. | Lola Bakare - Be/co | ![]() | Assembly | ||
1:40 PM - 2:10 PM | Ready to Drink, Ready to Compete: Hailee Steinfeld’s Next Act with Angel Margarita Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Celebrity-backed companies are everywhere—but building a real business takes more than star power. Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld (Sinners, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Dickinson) has entered the rapidly growing industry of canned alcoholic drinks with her new brand Angel Margarita. In this conversation, Steinfeld and her cofounders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez explain their product and brand strategy to break into—and find success—in such a competitive market. | Rodrigo Hernandez - Angel Margarita Hailee Steinfeld - Angel Margarita | ![]() ![]() | Main Stage | |
1:40 PM - 2:10 PM | Why Gen X Is the Workforce’s Most Overlooked Asset | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Personal and Career Development | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Despite decades of experience and proven leadership, Gen X professionals—now aged 45 to 60—are increasingly being passed over for jobs, promotions, and training opportunities. In a labor market shaped by mass layoffs, delayed retirements, and the rapid rise of AI, Gen Xers find themselves in a uniquely precarious position: not quite young enough to be seen as digitally adaptable and not yet old enough to retire. This panel explores how Gen X is adapting to a changing workforce and why they’re essential to it. | Forum | ||||
1:50 PM - 2:20 PM | The New Era of Experiential Events | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | After years of remote-work limbo and prevailing thirst for meaningful human interaction, companies increasingly leverage untapped demand for fun in-person experiences to forge long-term bonds with their customers. Experiential events don’t just boost sales, they magnify the long-term value of a brand. Whether it’s immersive high-tech worlds for the entire family, fun gatherings on modern beauty trends or the future of cloud and AI, or simply a relaxed team off-site at a coworking space, experiential marketing drives customer loyalty. | Ryan Simonetti - Convene Jessica Stacey - Sephora | ![]() ![]() | Assembly | ||
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | How Oscar Mayer Won the Race to Cultural Relevance and Ignited a New Summer Tradition | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | For decades, Oscar Mayer was a household staple that lived on the tip of people’s tongues—quite literally. Everyone could sing an Oscar Mayer jingle (or two), and the brand would spark smiles anywhere the Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles went. | Financial District | ||||
2:20 PM - 2:50 PM | Prediction, Prevention, and Innovation: How AI Is Helping Fight Heart Disease | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. In the United States alone, one person dies from cardiovascular illness every 34 seconds. But new innovations are dramatically altering the way medical practitioners prevent and treat heart disease. Using data that already exists in a patient’s record, physicians can identify which individuals are prone to heart disease and intervene early. AI algorithms can even detect disease patterns that can’t be seen by the naked eye. And AI-designed therapies are improving the lives of patients who suffer from genetic conditions. In this panel of leading experts, learn how predictive modeling is revolutionizing what is possible in cardiovascular health. | Lior Jankelson | ![]() | Forum | ||
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | The Language of Innovation: Duolingo’s CEO on Brand Building and AI Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Since launching in 2011, Duolingo has become the world’s most popular education app. It’s also become a growing entertainment brand and social media phenomenon. In this conversation, Duolingo cofounder and CEO Luis von Ahn pulls back the curtain on how Duolingo became a category-defining company through viral marketing tactics and innovative product design. He’ll also discuss how the company is navigating the risks and rewards of AI integration. | Luis von Ahn - Duolingo | ![]() | Main Stage | |
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | How Designing for Queer Audiences Fuels Unique Innovation | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Leadership | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | The LGBTQ+ community’s rich and courageous history, and dynamic and expanding future, make it one of the most exciting demographics to design innovative products and services for. What have companies building for the unique needs and tastes of queer customers learned about how to be better innovators? | West Village | ||||
2:55 PM - 3:25 PM | More for Less: Maximizing Social Impact with Minimal Resources | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Design | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | In a world of shrinking budgets and growing challenges, how do you create meaningful impact without unlimited resources? This panel brings together the worlds of architecture, design, and marketing to illustrate what’s possible when creativity meets constraint. You’ll gain insight into how to transform limited materials, tight timelines, and lean budgets into powerful tools for change. | William H. Dodge - A Gang of Three Sadira E. Furlow - Tony’s Chocolonely Cas Holman | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Forum | ||
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Experiential Session: Discover and Design Your Personal Soundcare Ritual | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Wellness | TYPE Workshop | More Info | A guided soundcare experience where you’ll uncover your unique frequency type and build a sonic skincare routine for mental clarity, emotional reset, and creative reconnection. Explore the future of sound as self-care in this immersive workshop and electroacoustic soundbath led by sonic artist Clara Venice. Participants will discover their personal frequency type through a sensory quiz, design a custom loop-based soundcare ritual, and play their energy live using a theremin, the touch-free instrument that turns your energy into sound. You’ll leave with a personalized ritual toolkit, sonic glossary, and new understanding of sound as an aesthetic, emotional, and functional resource. | Assembly | ||||
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Innovation by Design Honoree Reception Drinks Included Food Included Join us for a celebration of Fast Company's annual Innovation by Design Awards honorees. More Info | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Design | TYPE Private Event | More Info | Join us for a celebration of Fast Company's 12th annual Innovation by Design Awards honorees. | ||||
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM | Captivated and Inspired: What It Takes to Design Indelible Brands That Rise Above | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Every day there are literally millions of brand identities in the marketplace. And still, certain brands consistently stand out, rise above, and reshape our lives. This “brand magic” doesn’t happen by accident. There are ingenious strategies and actions that companies take to push their brands to the next level. This session will unite leaders from Disney, Verizon, CannonDesign, and more to break down the fundamental building blocks of brands and then share novel ideas about what it really means to push a brand leaps and bounds beyond its competitors. The session will inspire attendees to think more holistically about how a brand can reverberate in profound ways across the built world, the digital environment, and our lives. Following a presentation and discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a creative design session. Groups of participants will be given atypical brand clients and asked to conceive unique brand experiences. They’ll be able to think through how these unique brands can manifest themselves in the built and virtual worlds, in customer journeys, and more. | Midtown East | ||||
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM | Party Like It’s 1999! How to Reclaim Your Presence, Build Your Brand, and Boost Your Health with Meaningful Offline Events Drinks Included Food Included | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Wellness | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | We’ve been inundated with remedies for self-care, but what about community care? According to the American Time Use Survey, young people in America are gathering IRL 70% less than they were two decades ago, contributing to declines in mental and physical health. We all need to party more! Join Paperless Post cofounders James Hirschfeld and Alexa Hirschfeld with a panel of party and brand experts to learn how to host, and attend, memorable events that facilitate human connection and boost your brands and your health. This lively fireside chat will lead into cocktails and light bites, highlighting how to leverage digital tools to connect offline in meaningful ways. | Financial District | |||
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM | Behind the scenes of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on Broadway Entertainment | Entertainment | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Design | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Journey for a unique behind-the-scenes look into the preshow tech preset of Tony Award–winning Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway. A high-energy moment that offers a rare BTS opportunity to experience the magic behind the production as technical, scenic, and sound and lighting teams set up for the evening showing that same day. Ben Pearcy, technical director at 59, a Journey studio, and associate project director of the show, will guide attendees through this viewing of the genre-defying production. | Times Square | |||
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Kickoff Party Drinks Included | Drinks Included | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME | TYPE Party | More Info | Kick off the start to Fast Company's 11th annual Innovation Festival with our opening night party. | Lower Manhattan | Convene | ||
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | A dinner and conversation at Manhatta Drinks Included Food Included Mastering a customer-first mindset More Info | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME | TYPE Taste of Innovation | More Info | Union Square Hospitality Group attributes much of its success to its dedication to customer service, which should be a priority for any company. So how can you integrate more of a hospitality feel into your business operations? Join Patti Simpson, chief administrative officer and head of USHG's advisory firm, Hospitality Quotient, for an exclusive master class on how to have a customer-first mindset. | Patti Simpson - Union Square Hospitality Group | ![]() | Financial District | |
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | A dinner and conversation at Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson Drinks Included Food Included Versatility is crucial at the Perelman Performing Arts Center More Info | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME | TYPE Taste of Innovation | More Info | The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) was the last puzzle piece of a massive redevelopment and revitalization effort within Lower Manhattan's World Trade Center complex. And since opening its doors in 2023, PAC NYC's mission has been clear: to provide an innovative space for artists to flourish as well as be a hub for community building. That ethos certainly extends to Metropolis, PAC NYC's signature restaurant from celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson that explores the vast culinary traditions of New York City through a modern lens. Join PAC NYC's executive director, Khady Kamara Nunez, for an illuminating conversation on how food, art, technology, and civic engagement intersect within an ever-evolving cultural landscape. | Khady Kamara Nunez - Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) | ![]() | Financial District | |
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | ||||||||||||
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Understanding "The Anxious Generation"—and What Comes Next Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | When social psychologist and professor Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation hit shelves last year, it became an instant bestseller and a call-to-action for parents, educators, and policymakers grappling with the mental health crisis among kids growing up in the age of smartphones and social media. To date, more than half of U.S. states have passed laws banning or restricting phone use in school. Australian officials announced a social media ban for those younger than 16 going into effect this year, while the European Union has been considering similar measures. What Haidt laid out in The Anxious Generation has become part of a larger movement to protect the mental health of children, especially with new threats on the horizon. Hear from Haidt on what you need to know. | Jonathan Haidt - "The Anxious Generation"; New York University Stern School of Business | ![]() | Main Stage | |
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM | Power Shift: Rethinking the Future of Energy | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Sustainability | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation. Spiking demands are creating new opportunities while underscoring the necessity for more sustainable solutions. From reimagining infrastructure to scaling efficiency, this panel explores the future of energy and how what's coming next impacts us all. | Patrick Maloney - CIV Al Subbloie - Budderfly | ![]() ![]() | Forum | ||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Peak Performance: From Mindset to Match Point [INCLUDES WORKOUT] Workout | Workout | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Wellness | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Life Time at Penn 1 for an energizing Fast Track experience blending sport and self-optimization. Come ready to listen and play in this interactive session starting with a motivating discussion with Life Time senior vice president Jessie Syfko and Life Time vice president and founder of HPLT Brian Mazza, on how to fuel peak potential through discipline, mindset, and movement. Then grab a paddle (Life Time’s got ’em for you) and hit the court for hands-on pickleball instruction and/or straight up play with Life Time’s elite pros. Come in your workout gear and change after. With full dressing rooms on-site, you’ll be ready to power into the rest of your Innovation Festival day. | Penn District | |||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | The Freelance Generation: How Gen Z Is Redefining Work Food Included Giveaway | Food Included, Giveaway | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | As AI and economic concerns reshape the job landscape, Gen Z is building its own opportunities through freelancing. Fiverr will unveil its comprehensive “Next Gen of Work” research, revealing key insights into this generation’s attitudes toward work in the gig economy. Fiverr’s associate director of community and social impact, Michelle Baltrusitis, will offer an exclusive first look at this research, which explores motivations, expectations, and future plans that are reshaping how young professionals approach their careers. | Lower Manhattan | |||
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM | Creativity Meets Connection: Designing the Future of Experiential Branding | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Consumers are overwhelmed with everything competing for their attention. So experiential branding has become a powerful way to leave a lasting impression. But what's the right way to do it? Join this panel to understand how brands are maximizing engagement and connection with consumers across physical and digital spaces by employing immersive environments, interactive storytelling, and sensorial design. | James Chester - WVN Jamie Reilly - Moment Factory Sports and Entertainment Court Williams - De-Yan | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Forum | ||
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM | Leading in the Age of Anxiety: What Gen Z Needs from Us Now | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME | TYPE Workshop | More Info | Gen Z is entering the workforce in record numbers—and they’re bringing new expectations and anxieties with them. But are today’s leaders equipped to meet them where they are? Building off of professor and author Jonathan Haidt's main stage session, Alexa Arnold, managing director of the Anxious Generation Movement, will lead this workshop exploring how to lead, coach, and collaborate with Gen Z in ways that foster resilience and unlock their full potential. Designed for CEOs, senior leaders, parents, and anyone managing or mentoring young professionals, this workshop will give you new strategies to help Gen Z become more anti-fragile and thrive in dynamic work environments. | Alexa Arnold - Anxious Generation Movement | ![]() | Assembly | ||
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Investing in Impact: Alex Gibney and Wendy Schmidt on Storytelling That Matters Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Social Good | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney has spent his career uncovering mass corruption and scandals across Big Tech, politics, and corporate America with films including Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Taxi to the Dark Side, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, and Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief. It’s the kind of storytelling that’s had real-world impact—it’s also the kind of storytelling that desperately needs funding. In this conversation, Gibney sits down with billionaire philanthropist Wendy Schmidt to explain why he sold her a majority stake in his production company, what these types of documentaries mean in this current sociopolitical climate, and what truths will be uncovered in his next slate of projects. | Alex Gibney - Jigsaw Productions Wendy Schmidt - Schmidt Family Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute | ![]() ![]() | Main Stage | |
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Innovation in the Skies: How New Tech Is Revolutionizing Aviation | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Air travel is entering a bold new era. Legacy systems are evolving with cloud-based infrastructure. Manual check-ins are being replaced by facial recognition. In-flight entertainment is becoming hyper-personalized. And with the development of more fuel-efficient, hybrid, and even electric aircraft gaining momentum, aviation is headed toward a more sustainable future. Today’s most innovative tech companies are discovering that partnering with legacy aviation leaders is key to staying at the forefront of consumer travel innovation. In this panel, hear from the industry pioneers who are reimagining what is possible in our skies. | Amelia DeLuca - Delta Air Lines | ![]() | |||
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Exit Strategy: How These Founders Built Brands Buyers Couldn’t Ignore Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | What does it take to build a consumer brand from scratch—and grow it to the point where major players come knocking? In this panel, three powerhouse founders share how they turned vision into velocity. From product innovation to brand building, this panel is masterclass in scaling with intention and knowing when to take the next leap. | Allison Ellsworth - Poppi Sarah Gibson Tuttle - Olive & June Chriselle Lim - Phlur | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Main Stage | |
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM | Progress Under Pressure: Pushing DEI Forward in the Workforce | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | As political and cultural forces rail against DEI, it’s become critical to protect progress, unlock untapped potential, and ensure that the next wave of innovation reflects the world it’s meant to serve. Join this panel to understand how those affected by DEI rollbacks are finding their feet in a shifting landscape—and how they’re fighting back. | Daisy Auger-Domínguez - Auger-Domínguez Ventures Cristina Mancini - Black Girls Code Jana Rich - Rich Talent Group | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Forum | ||
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Immersive Everywhere: Exploring the Tech-Driven Future of Location-Based Experiences with Disguise Food Included | Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Design | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Disguise, the Engineering, Science, and Technology Emmy Award-winning technology platform and services company behind key location-based experiences at Illuminarium, the Burj Khalifa, and the NBA All-Star game, is at the forefront when it comes to driving a new era of immersive wonder for fans and visitors. Join Disguise at its Chelsea office to get an expert take on what the future holds for the location-based experience industry—from data-driven graphics and gamification supercharging in-stadium fan experiences to cinematic immersion taking theme park rides to new heights, and projection mapping and real-time content elevating the storytelling potential of museums, installations, architecture, and more. Experience some of this technology firsthand with a number of interactive demos, and meet the Disguise team to learn how these cutting-edge immersive experiences can be brought to life. | Chelsea | |||
12:40 PM - 1:10 PM | How to Build Your Thought Leadership in Non-Cringey Ways | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME | TYPE Workshop | More Info | If you've got big ideas but hesitate to put yourself out there, this high-energy workshop is your antidote to awkward. Digital marketing expert Kim Rittberg will teach you how to boost your visibility and own your voice without sounding over-polished, self-promotional, or downright cringey. Through fun and interactive exercises, you'll sharpen your communication skills and unlock fresh content ideas to find your unique edge as a thought leader | Kim Rittberg | ![]() | Assembly | ||
1:10 PM - 1:40 PM | On the Frontlines: Inside the ACLU's Fight for Civil Rights Mainstage | Mainstage | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Social Good | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | As the U.S. faces a growing wave of authoritarianism and systemic rollbacks of civil liberties, the American Civil Liberties Union is on the defense. From the erosion of reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections to threats against racial justice, free speech, and digital privacy, hear from leading voices within the ACLU on how they’re fighting against compounding crises and what’s in store for the nation’s future. | Yasmin Cader - ACLU Chase Strangio - ACLU Ben Wizner - ACLU | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Main Stage | |
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Humans, Machines, and the Art of Teaming | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Workshop | More Info | Drawing from research based in organizational psychology and socio-technical systems, researcher and executive coach Jacob Styburski will help you understand why productivity gains from AI often come with hidden costs such as burnout and decision fatigue. You'll be introduced to a framework of four essential conversations your teams can employ immediately to capture AI's promise while preserving their well-being and creativity. | Jacob Styburski - Styburski Coaching | ![]() | Assembly | ||
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Standards: The Security Blanket in the Supply Chain Storm | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Sustainability | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Amid unparalleled uncertainty in today’s global supply chains, organizations may be exploring automation and new technology, such as AI, to create efficiency and reliability. A critical prerequisite to this adoption is to fully embrace global data standards. These universally accepted best practices create the collaboration needed to keep supply chains moving—even in light of disruption, unpredictability, and change. In this in-depth conversation featuring a variety of industry leaders, learn how corporations are seizing opportunity in any business climate. Businesses cannot control ever-changing markets or geopolitical tensions, but they can stay above the international fray by embracing agility, innovation, and sustainability via standardization of their supply chains. | Greg Cathey - Walmart Melanie Nuce-Hilton - GS1 US | ![]() ![]() | |||
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | The Future of Mobility: Driving Innovation and Efficiency in a Changing World | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | As global supply chains stretch under shifting demands, the transportation and logistics sector is moving fast, quietly redefining how goods and services flow in real time. This panel explores how AI, digital intelligence, and scalable tools are powering sharper, faster decision-making across mobility ecosystems. From predictive analytics to real-time visibility and advanced technologies, today’s leading companies are finding smarter ways to adapt, even as legacy systems and integration gaps persist. Hear from the leaders driving what’s next and shaping how mobility keeps up with the speed of the modern economy. | Heather Lane - Ulta Beauty Rita McGrath - Columbia Business School Sherry Sanger - Penske Transportation Solutions | ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Future-Proof Your Tech Brand: How to Transcend the Trust Gap | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Tech | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | With increasing concerns from consumers on data and privacy issues, tech brands must build trust against the “hacked and tracked” narratives. As they look to further integrate into the lives of their customers, tech needs to embrace trust as vital to purpose and experience, as well as a competitive advantage. | Midtown East | ||||
2:35 PM - 3:05 PM | Data to Decisions: How Consumer Insights Fuel Innovation | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | In today’s fast-moving markets, gut instinct isn’t enough—innovation needs to be grounded in real consumer insight. Learn how these companies are listening to their consumers in smarter ways, uncovering unmet needs, and making data-backed decisions that lead to new business models and category-defining innovation. | Michelle Crossan-Matos - SharkNinja Coulter Lewis - Sunday Lawn Care | ![]() ![]() | Forum | ||
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Experiential Session: Why Intuition Is the Leadership Advantage AI Can’t Replace | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Leadership | TYPE Workshop | More Info | In today’s hypercompetitive landscape, logic and analytics alone are no longer enough to create a breakthrough advantage. The next era of leadership belongs to those who can access a deeper intelligence: intuition. This experiential session moves beyond theory to give forward-thinking founders, executives, and creatives direct experience with practical intuitive tools. You’ll work with pendulums to gain energetic awareness, explore tarot as a reflective decision-making framework, and practice techniques to access your inner knowing in real time. | Jessica Kruskamp - Reidiant Elizabeth Rosenberg - The Good Advice Company | ![]() ![]() | Assembly | ||
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM | An Afternoon at One World Observatory | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Experience awe-inspiring 360-degree views at One World Observatory, situated atop the iconic One World Trade Center. Since its opening in 2015, visitors have been able to take in the magnificent New York City skyline from a climate-controlled indoor space, located more than 100 stories above the bustling streets. It’s the highest point in the city, offering a truly unparalleled view. This event is come and go as you please and does not require attendees to be present for all 90 minutes. | Tribeca | ||||
5:45 PM - 7:15 PM | Best Workplaces for Innovators Awards Cocktail Reception Drinks Included Food Included | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Private Event | More Info | Join us for a celebration of Fast Company's annual Best Workplaces for Innovators honorees. | Financial District | Convene | ||
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | A dinner and conversation at The Bazaar Drinks Included Food Included José Andrés Group is on a mission More Info | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME | TYPE Taste of Innovation | More Info | The famed restaurant group is continually innovating on its core value: "Changing the world through the power of food." Hear how Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of José Andrés Group, thinks about growing a successful brand around "doing good." Across the group's 15 different restaurant concepts, Bakhshandehpour challenges each team to do just this through initiatives such as teaming with food surplus recovery service Copia and creating menu items geared to utilize as much of the ingredient as possible to reduce food waste. Join us at the Bazaar by José Andrés inside the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad for an insightful evening and incredible cuisine. | Sam Bakhshandehpour - José Andrés Group | ![]() | NoMad | |
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | ||||||||||||
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Inside the Mind of Dr. Becky Kennedy | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Wellness | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy became known as the "millennial parenting whisperer" for her practical and actionable advice dispensed through her popular social media presence. And she's parlayed her impressive following into a business empire aimed at building healthier relationships between parents and their kids. In this one-on-one conversation, Dr. Becky explains what's next for her company Good Inside, how she's employing AI in such a sensitive space as therapy, and gives lessons in more compassionate parenting. | Dr. Becky Kennedy - Good Inside | ![]() | Forum | ||
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Longevity Tools for the Desk-Bound Body | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Wellness | TYPE Workshop | More Info | If you spend most of your day hunched over a keyboard, your posture—and your future health—could be at risk. In this workshop, NYU Langone orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Charla Fischer will guide you through physical assessments including spine tests and grip strength to evaluate mobility and strength. This session offers practical strategies to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and bad posture to build a foundation for lasting wellness. | Assembly | ||||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Build Things That Last: The Craft and Care of Leather Footwear with Thursday Boot Company Giveaway | Giveaway | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Design | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Thursday Boots at its Flatiron headquarters for an overview of the details that distinguish quality footwear that is built to last. Presenters will cover materials, construction, and a quick history of shoemaking before demonstrating the easiest ways to care for your favorite pair of boots. Participants will get advice on everyday maintenance from expert cobblers and leave with a special gift. | Flatiron | |||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Function and Flow: How Innovation Moves with Us Food Included | Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Entrepreneurship | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join the founders of bag brand Dagne Dover to learn more about how they differentiate innovation from product newness. This session will feature a conversation on how the founders pursue opportunities, approach financing, and evolve Dagne Dover’s brand, as well as how new ways of thinking guide the creation of systems, relationships, and human-centered solutions. Following the conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to shop at Dagne Dover’s flagship location with an exclusive Innovation Festival discount. | Soho | |||
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Mix and Match Gone (Brand) Wild. Using AI to Innovate the Cross-Sector Brand Mashups | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Hypothetically, what if John Deere partnered with Manscaped to launch a new kind of “hedge” trimmer? Or if Scotch tape came together with Starface, the blemish-fighting sticker accessory, to make skincare accessible in a whole new kind of way? | NoMad | ||||
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM | Forecasting for Advantage: How to Harness Weather Data Across Your Business | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Tech | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Most people think of weather as just a forecast on their mobile phone—but it’s so much more. Weather impacts every industry, from logistics and operations to marketing and customer experience. Yet many organizations fail to leverage climate intelligence strategically. This panel will explore how accurate weather forecasting, powered by cutting-edge technology and human expertise, can create competitive advantage for all kinds of companies—from finance to defense to infrastructure and health. We’ll break down how the world’s most accurate forecasts are built, why accuracy matters, and how forward-thinking leaders across industries are integrating weather intelligence to boost their bottom line. | |||||
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM | What Does Your Brand Sound Like? | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME | TYPE Workshop | More Info | In a world overflowing with visual noise, it’s sound that cuts through by tapping into the power of our subconscious mind. Ten years after the release of his book, The Sonic Boom: How Sound Transforms the Way We Think, Feel, and Buy, Joel Beckerman, founder of Made Music Studio, will lead you on a journey through the evolving world of Sonic Branding. You'll learn the secrets of elevating brand experiences while boosting brand recognition, engagement, and purchase intent. See why some of the world’s biggest brands, from Corona to General Mills and Burger King, are investing deeply in their sonic identity. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or creative, this workshop will help you think beyond logos and taglines to develop a distinctive sonic identity that speaks directly to your audience. | Joel Beckerman - Made Music Studio | ![]() | Assembly | ||
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM | The Future Is on the Table: Navigating the New Food Economy | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Sustainability | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | As the global food system faces mounting pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and waste, a new wave of innovators is stepping up to reimagine how food can nourish both people and the planet. In this panel, you’ll hear how technology, policy, and consumer behavior are shaping a new food economy—and what it takes to build scalable solutions. | David Haines - Flora Food Group Anthony Myint - Zero Foodprint | ![]() ![]() | Forum | ||
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM | Breakout Session: Turn a Burning Question into a Bold Next Step | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Personal and Career Development | TYPE Workshop | More Info | Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective from others to gain clarity on a burning question that haunts you. Join Braindate CEO and social learning expert Christine Renaud for a transformative coaching circle where you’ll collaborate with a group of curious minds toward breakthroughs and actionable next steps on a challenge you currently face. Come with a question, leave with a plan—and a new circle of allies. | Assembly | ||||
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Have No Fear. Daisy, Your AI Granny Is Here: How Brands and Creatives Can Focus Their AI Efforts to Make the World a Better Place | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Tech | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | For many, AI can be scary and confusing. There’s fear of it taking our jobs, taking our information, and even taking over the world. But there’s a lot that generative AI can give us, and give back to us as well. | Flatiron | ||||
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Twenty Years of the Modern: Leadership Lessons with Executive Chef Tom Allan Food Included | Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Leadership | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Founded by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, the Modern is a two-Michelin-starred, contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, join the Modern’s executive chef, Tom Allan, in a fireside chat as he reflects on the restaurant’s legacy over the past two decades, sharing lessons on leadership, fostering team culture, and staying creative in today’s competitive restaurant landscape. Gain an inside look at how enduring excellence is built and sustained through innovation, collaboration, and vision. The conversation will be followed by a Q&A session, a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, and a few light bites to close out the experience. | Midtown East | |||
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Play Your Way There: Reconnecting with Creativity | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Workshop | More Info | When's the last time you really played? What does play look like as an adult? A playful mindset can lead not only to creativity and innovation, but also joy and overall well-being. It can help you embrace uncertainty and work comfortably with unknowns. In this workshop, inventor and author Cas Holman will help participants reconnect with their playful selves and give tools to integrate it into their daily lives, work and beyond. | Cas Holman | ![]() | Assembly | ||
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Brownie Baking and Changemaking Food Included | Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Social Good | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Join Tony’s Chocolonely for a deliciously disruptive cooking class! Attendees will bake rich, fudgy brownies using Tony’s irresistible chocolate while learning how the chocolate company is reimagining the cocoa industry to end exploitation for good. Discover how radical transparency, bold partnerships, and sweet innovation drive Tony’s impact and business success in equal measure. Come for the treats, stay for the truth. | Lower Manhattan | |||
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Building Brands at the Speed of the Feed: How McCann Leverages Creativity, Culture, and Creators to Build Enduring Brands | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME Creativity | TYPE Fast Track | More Info | Step inside McCann Content Studios, McCann’s global social and influencer space, for an immersive look at how today’s most innovative brands are built in real time. Led by Monica Tailor, global chief social marketing officer and co-managing director of McCann Content Studios, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look into McCann’s unified creative, strategy, influencer, and production operating model that delivers the agency's “Truth Well Told” philosophy at the speed of the feed. | Midtown East | ||||
3:05 PM - 3:35 PM | The Beat Goes On: Hit-Boy's Lessons in Creativity and Control More Info | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Creativity | TYPE Panels and Conversations | More Info | Three-time Grammy winning producer Hit-Boy has made chart-topping beats for the likes of Beyoncé, Jay Z, Nas, Doechii, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. As successful as he's been to the outside world, behind the scenes he was stuck in a restrictive publishing deal he signed when he was just 19 years old. But now he's in full control of his art and his story. In this intimate conversation, the hitmaker opens up about reclaiming his creative freedom and prioritizing his mental health. He'll also dive into his creative process and how he's walking the line of AI and art. | Forum | ||||
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Experiential Session: The Celebration Lab | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME Wellness | TYPE Workshop | More Info | Do you ever feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you’ve forgotten how to have fun? The Celebration Lab is an immersive, community-centered wellness experience that blends somatic movement, mindfulness, and creative expression—all in pounds of confetti. Guided by the Confetti Project’s signature Celebration Method, this 60-minute journey invites you to reconnect to joy through something we tend to lose as we grow up: play. In this session, you’ll have the opportunity to slow down to check in with yourself and feel like a kid again while giving yourself the space and permission to make a beautiful mess. If you’re craving to feel lighter, freer, and more present and hopeful in your life, this is for you. | Assembly | ||||
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Closing Night Party Drinks Included | Drinks Included | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | VENUE Convene Festival Hub | THEME | TYPE Party | More Info | Celebrate a week of innovative conversations and new connections during our closing night party. | Lower Manhattan | Convene | ||
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | A dinner and conversation at Naks Drinks Included Food Included How to expand strategically in crowded industries More Info | Drinks Included, Food Included | VENUE Offsite Location | VENUE Offsite Location | THEME | TYPE Taste of Innovation | More Info | In Tagalog, naks is used as an exclamation of delight, surprise, or admiration—all descriptors that are apropos to the titular East Village restaurant. Naks, which is part of the Michelin-starred restaurant group Unapologetic Foods (Semma, Dhamaka, Adda), is a love letter to Filipino comfort food showcasing the bold and regionally diverse flavors from the country. Join Roni Mazumdar, CEO of Unapologetic Foods, as he explains the inspiration behind expanding the group's portfolio beyond Indian cuisine and how to find success in hypercompetitive industries like New York City's restaurant scene. | Roni Mazumdar - Unapologetic Foods | ![]() | East Village |