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.

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?
We’re entering a shift as profound as the industrial age, one that demands rethinking how teams function when they include more than humans. Increasingly, organizations are turning to frameworks that assign responsibility, autonomy, and decision rights not only to people but intelligent agents.
This panel explores new dynamics of leadership, productivity, and trust in a workplace shared by humans and AI.

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.

Network with fellow honorees during a breakfast at Fast Company's headquarters.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.
Attendees will explore the evolution from transactional retail to experiential community building, how to design events that align with your brand values while driving measurable results, practical frameworks for creating "white-glove" experiences that customers actually want to attend, and the intersection of physical and digital community building in today’s marketplace.
Following a 30-minute panel discussion, attendees will experience M.M.LaFleur’s beloved Sip & Shop format firsthand—complete with personalized styling, networking, and an exclusive discount for attendees. You'll leave with actionable insights on event strategy and perhaps a few new additions to your professional wardrobe. This session is perfect for founders, brand managers, and anyone interested in building deeper customer relationships through intentional experience design.

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.
Join Ramp CEO Eric Glyman and chief product officer Geoff Charles for an inside look at how Ramp has scaled by making bold calls in both hiring and product. Glyman will walk through Ramp’s recruiting playbook—how the team has brought on more than 70 ex-founders and empowered high-performing individual contributors to drive outsize impact. Then Charles will share a candid framework for something few teams talk about openly: how to recognize when a product isn’t working, make the call to sunset it, and turn that decision into a strategic advantage.
After the conversation, stick around for Q&A and a happy hour at Ramp HQ, where you’ll meet fellow operators, builders, and members of the Ramp team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
As Oscar Mayer’s core audience matured and its pop-culture presence waned, the iconic Wienermobiles remained beloved. The challenge was clear: spark new brand conversation during the kickoff to grilling season, leveraging a nearly 100-year-old brand asset. The result: the Wienie 500. What began as a one-page idea in a brainstorm quickly evolved into a campaign that made marketing history and the Kraft Heinz record books. Generating more than 6 billion impressions and securing the No. 2 trending hashtag on X, the Wienie 500 took the world by storm, with fans demanding it become an annual tradition.
Featuring speakers from the Oscar Mayer brand and Johannes Leonardo, this session will give attendees a deep dive into how Oscar Mayer and Johannes Leonardo crafted America’s newest obsession and pastime in a way that sparked smiles and spread love for Oscar Mayer hot dogs across the nation.

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.

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.

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?
Join Local Projects, the Fast Company award-winning experience designer of the new Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, for a tour of the exhibition with the founders. Visitors will then hear from a panel of entrepreneurs at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ product development as they share their lessons learned from centering LGBTQ+ customers.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.
Of note: The theater has requested that there be no photos/recordings of the event.

Kick off the start to Fast Company's 11th annual Innovation Festival with our opening night party.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.
Hear from some of the top Gen Z talent on Fiverr about how they built their businesses and scaled to six-figure and even million-dollar revenues during a conversation moderated by Fiverr’s chief human research officer, Sharon Steiner. These success stories will provide practical insights into strategies, challenges overcome, and lessons learned from building thriving freelance enterprises. 
Attendees will also receive a catered breakfast, along with playfully self-aware merchandise that channels Gen Z’s signature mix of irony, hustle, and existential humor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Explore the 10 key dimensions of purpose and experience critical to building trust with brand strategy company FutureBrand. Attendees will leave this session with a personalized score comparing themselves to the world’s leading brands and a blueprint to future-proof their own, inspiring confidence through their tech brand’s every interaction.

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.

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.
In this session, you’ll also learn how to sense alignment and cultivate grounded presence for clear decision-making, quiet mental noise and build intuitive clarity in high-stakes environments, integrate intuition with analysis for more confident leadership, and much more. And you’ll leave with a curated Intuitive toolkit including a crystal pendulum, resource collection, and actionable frameworks that bridge ancient wisdom with modern leadership practices—all designed to help you integrate intuition into your daily leadership life.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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?
One of the arguments against AI in the creative community is that it lacks serendipity. Not anymore. With the right frameworks and inputs, AI can bring form to one-of-a-kind partnerships that help brands break into new audiences, categories, and cultural contexts. At their NoMad clubhouse, the crew behind indie agency CBX will ideate unthinkable and yet undeniable brand mash-ups alongside attendees, short-listing two hypotheticals for design. During this exercise, every attendee will play a role, but they won’t find out what it is until we begin: (1) creator or (2) evaluator.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 
Meet Daisy, the award-winning AI granny who was created by O2 and VCCP to bait phone scammers, wasting their time while keeping them away from scamming real people. Upon launch, the world fell in love with Daisy. From features on NPR, The New York Times, and more, she served as a glimmering example of AI for good.
Attendees of this session will meet Daisy herself and hear from Alex Dalman, VCCP’s head of AI and innovation, to discuss how brands and the creative community alike can focus their AI efforts on making the world a better place, while simultaneously helping their bottom lines.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Attendees will dive into the process of building scroll-stopping content across clients like Aldi, Lysol, and L’Oréal. Fueling this work are insights from Truth Central, McCann’s creative intelligence group, which help ensure every idea is grounded in the truths shaping culture today.
Whether you’re a marketer, creator, or creative technologist, you’ll leave with insights on how to evolve your brand’s social voice, partner meaningfully with creators, and build enduring brand platforms in a social-first world.

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.

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.
Space is limited for this experiential session, so sign up soon!

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

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.