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

Kick-start your morning with a quintessential New York experience: a Brompton bike ride along the stunning Hudson River. Cycling is a core element of New York City's cultural fabric and future transportation landscape. Led by expert guides, this ride offers a refreshing blend of exercise, scenic views, and networking opportunities while trying out Brompton's iconic and innovative folding bikes. Following a 45-minute group ride along the scenic West Side Highway, Brompton will host coffee and casual conversation back at its store.

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

Are meritocracy and DEI really at odds? Is it possible to preserve the core benefits of DEI in a manner that optimizes all talent and maintains a culture in which everyone feels a sense of belonging? 

The headwinds against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have been fierce. Much of this opposition has been politically motivated or the result of pressure from anti-DEI activist groups. Yet some would argue that aspects of DEI have caused workplace divisiveness and hindered progress. Research shows the majority of executives plan to continue their DEI initiatives this year and beyond. Why? Is there a more balanced business case for diversity in today's business and political environment?  Is it possible to preserve the core benefits of DEI in a manner that optimizes all talent and maintains a culture in which everyone feels a sense of belonging? 

Join business leaders Ken Frazier (former Chairman and CEO, Merck; chairman, Health Assurance Initiatives, General Catalyst), Carolyn Childers (co-founder and CEO, Chief), and Nina Easton (Co-Founder, Journey To Lead & Co-CEO, SellersEaston Media), for a candid, nonpartisan business discussion on DEI in the workplace in today's challenging political and social environment.

In a world where IP remakes have become the norm, Tubi is betting big on new content from creators from non-traditional backgrounds. Tubi is now allowing fans to have a say in the content greenlighting process on their new platform, Stubios. Learn more about the strategy of the program and how technology increases access in a traditionally gatekept industry. A comedian from our stand up comedy Stubio will give a 15-minute performance to the crowd. At the end of their set, the comedian will pose a question to the audience and upload a poll into the Stubios app. The audience will then have an opportunity to vote and help the comedian make a decision on an aspect of their content they’re creating for their Stubio - like asking for audience feedback on which punchline is funnier.

Following the interactive session, executives from Tubi will join the stage and host a panel on Hollywood barriers for nontraditional creators—and share the results from the poll at the very end.

Sit with theSkimm to examine how brands can effectively engage millennial women in the world of sports. This session will highlight key strategies for connecting with this influential demographic, exploring their unique interests and behaviors. Industry experts will discuss successful campaigns, emerging trends, and the power of authentic messaging in sports marketing for women. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on capturing and retaining millennial womens' attention in the competitive sports landscape. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

MZ Wallace will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, which comes at a time when the fashion industry has never been more oversaturated. At this Fast Track, join MZ Wallace cofounders Lucy Wallace Eustice and Monica Zwirner for a conversation on how to build an independent, long-lasting brand in a competitive space.

Step into an interactive workshop that scores your brand’s ability to deliver high-impact ideas that drive business, brand, and culture with FutureBrand. This session will guide you through an immersive exploration of 10 pivotal dimensions of brand purpose and experience and how to use brand adaptability to succeed in tomorrow’s continuously dynamic market. You will benchmark your brand—or your client’s—against the titans of industry and creativity to see how your brand measures up on key attributes like seamlessness, authenticity, innovation, and more. You will leave this session with a tailored blueprint to future-proof your brand by ingraining bravery into the very fabric of your brand’s being.

The world today faces multiple overlapping crises—from climate and hunger to disinformation and conflict. These crises require new thinking and experimentation. Airbel Impact Lab, the International Rescue Committee’s in-house innovation center, is an in-house startup and a living laboratory for big solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. In this Fast Track, you’ll get an inside look at some of the game-changing innovations that are revolutionizing social good and humanitarian aid—from new applications of AI to “anticipatory action” to mitigate climate shocks to breakthroughs in nutrition and health. Experts will share the sector's biggest new ideas, and demo emerging solutions. 

Winner of the Fast Company Innovation by Design Award in the Hospitality Category, Public Records is a multipurpose sound + hospitality + design space conceived out of the historic ASPCA headquarters building in Brooklyn. Join cofounder and creative director Shane Davis on a tour of the building to learn about the design and programmatic concepts that define their iconic campus.

Experience the brand-new Chelsea Piers Fitness Flatiron facility with exclusive access to the club's Evolve Lounge. Start the session with one of two yoga class options hosted in the Himalayan Salt Studio or Infrared Studio, followed by small bites and casual conversation with the Chelsea Piers Fitness team about how this iconic New York institution is expanding throughout the NYC Metro area with the latest fitness and wellness amenities. Attendees of this Fast Track session will receive an access pass to the club from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. surrounding the session, providing ample time to get refreshed in the luxury locker rooms, enjoy the contrast therapy suite, or catch up on emails in the coworking space before heading to your next event. 

Rapid and radical technological change, like we’re experiencing with machine learning and AI, is often feared as a destructive force. But it has just as much potential to improve lives and expand opportunity. Join Robin Hood, NYC’s largest local poverty-fighting philanthropy, in exploring the game-changing capabilities of AI to combat inequality and help Americans facing disadvantage get ahead.

In this Fast Track session, learn how Robin Hood-funded AI concepts are revolutionizing the delivery of social services to low-income New Yorkers and improving the way we work and learn through live demos and discussion. Attendees will also get a first look at finalists and their concepts from Robin Hood’s AI Poverty Challenge, a nationwide call to identify powerful AI breakthroughs to expand upward mobility from poverty. These nine organizations are finalists for three $1 million awards to fund their AI concepts in the areas of workforce, education, and financial empowerment—shaping a more equitable future. 

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

Beginning in their late 30s, women experience a 3%–8% decline in lean muscle mass per decade. Although women make up a large portion of the nearly $100 billion global fitness market, most workouts are not designed to address these bodily changes and, to women’s detriment, emphasize a one-size-fits-all routine that does not evolve as their physiology does. Pvolve's clinically backed method, beloved by Jennifer Aniston, was developed by medical experts and professional trainers and pairs functional movement with resistance equipment to enhance strength, mobility, and stability. An adaptable workout for women at any life stage, the Pvolve Method has been proven to yield staggering positive health improvements and reduce lower back pain by 80%. Join this workout session led by chief training officer Antonietta Vicario, followed by a discussion with Vicario and president Julie Cartwright to learn how this cult-favorite workout is breaking through a crowded fitness space.

Put yourself in the driver’s seat with a thrilling Formula 1 (F1) Racing Simulator experience at Rokt’s Tribeca offices, then join Rokt CCO Elizabeth Buchanan and Domenic DiMeglio, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Data Officer, Paramount Streaming, as they discuss how their respective partnerships with Oracle Red Bull Racing and F1 are helping them accelerate diversity in sports and technology, while building new, highly engaged audiences. The fireside chat will highlight how these leading digital companies are benefiting from innovative, cross-industry collaborations.

Meet the team of architect developers at Alloy who are behind New York’s first all-electric skyscraper. Fast Track attendees will get a peek into the apartments and amenities at the building, while learning more about the team's plan to create the most sustainable block in Brooklyn.

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

Beginning in their late 30s, women experience a 3%–8% decline in lean muscle mass per decade. Although women make up a large portion of the nearly $100 billion global fitness market, most workouts are not designed to address these bodily changes and, to women’s detriment, emphasize a one-size-fits-all routine that does not evolve as their physiology does. Pvolve's clinically backed method, beloved by Jennifer Aniston, was developed by medical experts and professional trainers and pairs functional movement with resistance equipment to enhance strength, mobility, and stability. An adaptable workout for women at any life stage, the Pvolve Method has been proven to yield staggering positive health improvements and reduce lower back pain by 80%. Join this workout session led by chief training officer Antonietta Vicario, followed by a discussion with Vicario and president Julie Cartwright to learn how this cult-favorite workout is breaking through a crowded fitness space.

Optimizing the agency/client partnership can be the catalyst for successful innovation, but how are these effective partnerships formed, and how can they transform innovation culture and the quality of ideas? In this session, Pernod Ricard, one of the world's largest spirits companies, and independent agency BarkleyOKRP will explore this often-overlooked element of successful innovation and offer best practices you can apply immediately in your own organization and for your clients.

Join Pernod Ricard’s senior director of innovation, Emily Cohen, and BarkleyOKRP SVP of strategy, Andy Woolard, as they share how their teams continually optimize their collaboration across brands like Absolut, Malibu, Kahlúa, and Jameson. Following this interactive session, guests are invited to enjoy signature cocktails from Pernod Ricard’s portfolio.

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

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

What role does AI play in solving some of the most pressing challenges we face today? Join Creative Artists Agency in conversation with Abran Maldonado, cofounder of Create Labs Ventures, David Ohana, CCMO of UN Foundation, and Liz Randall, head of business operations, strategic development at CAA, for a Fast Track that explores innovative AI solutions that put people and planet first—all at one of the City's most admired feats of architecture, the Chrysler Building. Attendees are encouraged to join a happy hour after the panel.

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

Philip Atkins, founder of rising digital marketing agency Phidel Digital, and Tim Coolican, CEO of Milk Makeup, will speak to their winning playbook of how to build a brand for the next generation. This session will feature a deep dive into the success behind Milk Makeup's Cooling Water Jelly Tint and a Q&A on intentionally formulating product launches for the TikTok community. Guests will be given the floor to ask personal questions on e-commerce and digital strategy, social content, product development, and community. Each guest will leave with a Milk Makeup pouch with top-selling Gen Z–loved products and Phidel merch.

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

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

What does it take to change the perception of an entire genre of cuisine? Rajesh Bhardwaj, the restaurateur behind Jazba and Junoon, discusses how he's taken on the challenge of introducing Indian fine dining to customers stateside—and how he earned one of the first Michelin stars for an Indian restaurant in the U.S. along the way. And Deanna Ting, New York and Philadelphia editor at Resy, will join Bhardwaj in this conversation to discuss how the reservation platform is helping to amplify restaurants like Jazba.

The Class Relieve is a no-sweat workout that efficiently clears the mind and flushes heaviness from the body. Through movement, breath work, and meditation, participants will feel a surge of endorphins that transition into a cleansing of energy. The result is a reconnection to self. You'll leave this workout feeling clear, grounded, and present. This Class is perfect for anyone who's looking to open their creative pathways or shake off residue from a stressful experience, person, or atmosphere.

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

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

Brat Summer, Girl Dinner, Dark Academia, Cottagecore, Clean Girls, Butter Boards, Eyebrow Blindness—seemingly everywhere you look, there’s a microtrend. Society has become obsessed with identifying niche products and aesthetics, planting a flag in every new idea. For consumers, microtrends add layers to their identity, allowing them to try on new personalities at the speed of the trend cycle and discard them when they no longer fit. For brands, however, tapping into these trends isn’t so clear cut. In this Fast Track, the experts at Red Antler, PopUp Bagels, Cann, and Levain will dive into the world of brand strategy in the age of microtrends. From knowing when to engage with them to understanding how these trends gain offline traction, we'll explore the consumer insights behind our society's voracious appetite for novelty. Learn the creativity behind turning a microtrend into a sustainable business strategy, and how established brands can navigate this ever-shifting landscape with authenticity and foresight.

Embark on a journey into the world of Shinola, where watchmaking meets the spirit of Detroit. Join the watchmaking company for an intimate conversation with director of watch design Greg Verras as he unveils the artistry and precision that defines the brand's timepieces, and discover how Shinola has woven its heritage into the fabric of the Motor City and beyond.

What is the built world's role in shaping positive experiences? Why are some buildings and spaces more effective for healing and respite? What about productivity and learning? And what roles do experience design, ethnography and research each play in shaping better environments for all of us? Join CannonDesign for an interactive Fast Track that explores these questions through group work with designers, while reimagining how experience design can be amplified across a variety of spaces and scenarios.

Join New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, Peloton instructor Becs Gentry, and TCS head of sports sponsorships, North America Haley Price for a recording of the NYRR Set the Pace podcast followed by a group run through Central Park. The nonprofit, which organizes 60 adult and youth races annually, including the TCS New York City Marathon, is committed to bringing world-class experiences that are also inclusive and accessible to its participants, spectators, and fans alike. At this Fast Track, you’ll learn more about the role that investments in technology, as well as partnerships with pioneering companies in that realm, play in enhancing and growing NYRR's impact as a NYC-based nonprofit. 

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

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

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

Design thinking can be a foundational practice for improving collaboration, resolving conflict, and honing your leadership skills. Join veteran experience design leader Klaus Heesch for an interactive session that leverages design thinking prompts and tools that will equip you with the tactics you need to navigate and optimize ecosystems of engagement.

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

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

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

Chasing trends while culture spins faster than ever is a losing game. In this workshop, we'll focus on the active solution to trend mania. We'll start by unpacking why we pay attention to the wrong signals and learning how to treat foresight as an active pursuit. Then we'll work on understanding the opportunity to support communities' existing goals and how to begin to build our preferred future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join PR specialists from Jennifer Bett Communications for an insightful session on "How to Hack the Newsjack: Strategies for Effective Engagement." Discover proven techniques and innovative approaches to capitalize on current events, enhancing your brand's visibility and engagement. From practical tips to ethical considerations, learn how to craft timely and impactful content that resonates with audiences in today's fast-paced media landscape.

From taking over monuments all around the world (including landing a 270-foot dragon on the spire of the Empire State Building) for HBO Max’s House of the Dragon to a real-life wedding for the latest season of Netflix’s Bridgerton, Giant Spoon expands the ways people experience brands. Its best work is the result of a creative process that centers on expansive thinking, which blends craft with collaboration and physical exploration. Join Giant Spoon for a hands-on session that will help you take more creative swings and mitigate the forces—both internal and external—that pull you into “playing it safe."

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

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

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

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

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

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 over 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 that attendees are present for all 90 minutes.

Join industry leaders Ben Christensen, CEO and founder of Cambium, and Emily McGarvey, director of sustainability at Room & Board, for an insightful discussion on the future of sustainable building and furniture design. Discover how innovative sourcing and responsible manufacturing practices are transforming the industry, with a spotlight on the Graft Collection and the journey of English walnut from salvage to showroom. After the discussion, guests are invited to tour the Room & Board store, explore the Carbon Smart Wood Graft collection, and see firsthand how these principles are brought to life by leaders of the industry in beautifully crafted furniture. Engage in a thoughtful dialogue on sustainability in design and walk away with fresh perspectives to inspire sustainability in your own brand and "smart home."

Experience the future of mental wellness at Being Health. Learn about the integrated care model—where multiple disciplines under one roof work together—while sampling services designed to enhance emotional and physical well-being. Meet the team, tour the state-of-the-art facility, and sample unique offerings such as acupuncture, breathing and relaxation exercises, and a peek behind the ketamine therapy experience—all under one roof.

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

In recent years, LinkedIn has become a sleeper hit among marketing agencies and creators alike. Once the go-to platform for digital networking and job hunting, LinkedIn has also become a content powerhouse, particularly for creators and brands looking to work with them. In this session led by Allyson Resh, global head of content partnerships at LinkedIn; Christoph Becker, chief creative officer, Whalar Group; and AJ Eckstein, founder and CEO of Creator Match, you’ll learn how to build your content marketing strategy on LinkedIn and unlock the platform’s full potential to boost your business. 

Experience the future of mental wellness as wearable device company Roga exclusively unveils its latest AI model. You’ll enjoy an AI-guided meditation session and a live demo of Roga's award-winning wearable, which was recognized as a top wellness product on Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas list.

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

Podcasts are about so much more than just listens and likes: They’re about building communities with their own language, inside jokes, and a sense of belonging. Join a live show with Patreon that breaks down how podcasts are not only successful media empires but the core of many online communities. Hosted at Patreon’s office, you’ll learn from Stephanie Smellie, head of business development at Patreon, and Yowei Shaw, an award-winning podcast host, producer, and emotion-investigative journalist, about the art of engaging with real fans in today’s digital landscape, where fighting algorithmic feeds is a top concern for creators.

Attracting and recruiting a diverse workforce can be a difficult task. Retaining that talent with equitable and inclusive practices can be even more challenging. How do you foster a workplace that amplifies workplace development and shows care for the employee at every stage of the corporate pipeline? Especially given the increasing disruption of technology and a widening skills gap that requires employees to continuously adapt? Join us for a dynamic Fast Track at 2045 Studio in partnership with Randstad, where industry leaders will come together in an engaging roundtable to discuss the intersection of technology, culture, and current events in retaining diverse workforces. 

Moderated by Floss Aggrey, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Randstad North America, this roundtable discussion will feature leading panelists in the financial technology space, eager to share how equitable practices can drive innovation and success in the rapidly changing sector. Professionals across industries are encouraged to join the conversation with their shared experiences and strategies for addressing the evolving needs of today's workforce.

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

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

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

Whether indulging in a long-awaited luxury vacation or taking a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway, travel is back in a big way. Join Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, and Dana Pouwels, head of Chase Sapphire Partnerships, to hear what's next in travel and the changing world of premium card benefits and travel loyalty programs.

Join Melissa Bentivoglio, renowned Pilates instructor and the founder and CEO of Frame Fitness, for an exclusive, full-body burn Mat Pilates class. Step outside your comfort zone as you enhance your Pilates performance. This cardio-infused workout is sure to boost your strength, flexibility, and posture. You'll have the chance to foster deeper self-awareness and build a stronger you.

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

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

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

The 20-year trend cycle has collapsed. The conversation about the next hottest thing moves at breakneck speed. Many brands try to ride the waves of culture, newsjacking, shape-shifting, and jumping on TikTok trends with every new moment. But Dr. Martens has remained steadfast for 64 years. Join SS+K's chief creative officer, Stevie Archer, and the global creative director of Dr. Martens, Darren McKoy, for an interactive session at the ad agency's offices to learn more about brand building around lasting values.

Ever wondered if your designer handbag or watch could be more than just a fashion statement? Join finance expert Morgan Lavoie, editor-in-chief of Money News Network, and Sarah Davis, founder and president of Fashionphile, for an insightful discussion on luxury as an asset class. At this Fast Track, attendees will learn from industry leaders, exploring how strategic purchases and informed resale strategies can enhance their financial portfolios and contribute to long-term financial well-being.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 81st Street Studio is The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new discovery and play space for kids ages 3–11 and their families and caregivers. Through an art and science focus, the 81st Street Studio encourages exploration of the scientific properties of materials in the world and in works of art in The Met collection. This session will offer a hands-on tour of the space—for grown-ups—with Heidi Holder, Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education; Brett Renfer, Senior Project Manager of Emerging Technologies; and Kate Swanson, Associate Educator. Guests should enter via the Uris Center for Education entrance located at 81st Street and Fifth Avenue.

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

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

Visit Veja’s first U.S. cobbler station at the brand's Brooklyn store. Join Veja Chief Operating Officer, Tara Gilson, for a talk on the company's growing Repair Project, followed by a hands-on repair and cleaning demo by their U.S. cobbler. Veja's Clean, Repair, Collect program is all about making shoes last longer by fixing them or collecting them for recycling if they can’t be repaired. Since 2020, Veja has repaired around 27,000 pairs globally at its eight cobbler stations.

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

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

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

Launched in June 2024, Great Many is on a mission to make hair growth an answer, not a question. Join Great Many cofounders Michael Pollak (cofounder of Heyday and adviser to WTHN) and Steve Klebanow (former Estée Lauder exec and cofounder of Haar & Co. Barbershop) for a conversation about why they see hair growth as the next frontier in the world of wellness and services—and how a physical retail space gives a brand an advantage in credibility, trust, and growth potential. Following the talk, Great Many’s clinical team will conduct a scalp and follicle analysis demo, demonstrating how the clinic’s in-depth hair analysis and consultation offer an up-close and personal look at one’s follicle health, hair density, and more.

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

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

Are you comfortable with ambiguity? If you’re like most of us, probably not. But VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) environments are not going anywhere. When ambiguity arises, you can either flee, freeze, or charge ahead blindly. In this interactive session, learn to equip your team with a practical process that helps them embrace the gray. Team leaders, managers, and business owners will learn the preliminary steps to apply the L.E.A.P Method (leverage, envision, ask, and prototype) and go from a fuzzy question to an actionable product, service, or experience. 

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

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

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

In the late 90s and early 00s, basketball advertising was full of attitude and personality. Over the years, art took a back seat to science, and the launch playbook grew predictable and unexciting. So when Adidas and Johannes Leonardo got together to launch Anthony Edwards’s first signature shoe, the mission was to bring the edge back to the basketball category and restore the feeling. The result is a campaign that has reignited the flame in basketball culture through fun and provocative films that felt more like entertainment than advertising. Join Johannes Leonardo for a panel including Paul Webber, senior director, Global Brand Marketing, Adidas Basketball; Cam Mason, head of sports marketing, Adidas Basketball; Stephanie Mejia, WME sports executive and NBA agent; and Zack Browne, creative director, Johannes Leonardo. Attendees can then step into a re-creation of the Anthony Edwards 1 set to interact and capture photos within the experience, learning about the behind-the-scenes process of creating the ad campaign in the process.

Join Tom Cortese, chief operating officer at Kernel, and chef Andrew Black, Kernel's chief culinary officer, for a sneak peek behind the scenes and a taste of delicious, chef-crafted dishes. Learn more about how Kernel—the new fast-casual concept from Chipotle founder Steve Ells—is maximizing efficiency, minimizing food waste, and creating a hospitality experience like no other. 

Where does trend stop and lifestyle begin—or, more to the point, how do you turn a trend into a profitable, sustainable business? Join Eric Helms, founder and CEO of Juice Generation, and chief brand officer Simone Shepard, for an insightful conversation around how to stay relevant in an ever-shifting wellness landscape. Bonus: You’ll be treated to their first-ever Juiced Gelato. 

As a world-renowned auctioneer who's raised more than $1 billion for charities throughout her career, Lydia Fenet is an expert in selling and negotiation—and she's learned how to do it her way. This workshop is designed to empower you with the skills to confidently ask for what you want. Learning how to negotiate effectively is key to finding happiness and fulfillment in your professional life. Whether you're seeking a raise, a promotion, or countering a job offer, this session will arm you with the tools you need to get what you want and deserve.

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

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

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

Join Mastercard and OnesToWatch for an engaging panel discussion with industry experts on the future of music. Discover how artists are leveraging brand partnerships, managing their careers, and driving their businesses forward—essentially becoming their own CEOs. The conversation will be followed by a happy hour and live performances, featuring two musical acts, including a special performance by singer-songwriter Juliet Ivy from the Mastercard Artist Accelerator program, and American singer-songwriter and YouTuber mxmtoon. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, network, and enjoy great music.

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

Join an interactive conversation and tour with Publicis Groupe’s creative collective Le Truc and architecture firm A+I about the environmental design of Le Truc’s headquarters, located at the heart of the company’s flagship building. Le Truc believes that when it comes to creativity, where we work matters, and its office space directly reflects the working model that resides within it: defiant of hierarchy and convention, and inspiring human interaction and collaboration leading to new solutions. Light bites and drinks will be available to attendees.

Join Eat Offbeat, a team of refugees and immigrants with an unparalleled passion for the craft of cooking, for an unmissable Fast Track at Atelier Jolie, the Angelina Jolie–founded creative collective. Attendees will hear from cofounder Wissam Kahi about Eat Offbeat's founding story, lessons learned from launching, and the experience of running a social enterprise in the city. A cooking demo and Q&A with Chef Lebjulet Braganti will follow.

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

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

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

After a hotly anticipated opening, Din Tai Fung shares their legendary xiaolongbao with New York City. With more than 180 locations in 13 countries, it’s more critical than ever for the brand to communicate its purpose of "bringing people together to inspire appreciation of culture.” Learn how Jessica Chao, vice president of brand marketing and communications of Din Tai Fung North America, leads with cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and purpose during this exciting period of growth. Also hear about the intention behind Din Tai Fung’s community engagement initiatives working with Christine Yi, general manager of Gold House Futures, to uplift and empower Asian communities to create the next generation of leaders.

Drop in, connect, and exhale with a movement session led by Forward__Space founder, creative director, and CEO Kristin Sudeikis. Forward__Space is a 360 reset by way of embodied movement and incredible music. Expect to be guided through easy-to-follow movements, athletic conditioning, and a moving meditation. All fitness levels are welcome on the Forward__Space dance floor!

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

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

Microsoft and HWKN Architecture, two of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, are teaming up to host an engaging session that delves into the cutting-edge collaboration between AI and architecture. Mike Pell, envisioneer for the Microsoft Garage, and Matthias Hollwich, founding principal of HWKN, will provide attendees with an inside look into AI's boundless potential to create more socially, sustainably, and emotionally enriching environments across the globe. Attendees will get an inside look into HWKN’s AI design process by sharing their own ideas and prompts to see how the technology can develop the vision efficiently, while Pell will dive into his experience designing the Microsoft Garage in New York City and his unique approach to innovation and the work of rapidly bringing new ideas to life known as his “Fast Design” methodology.

Join strategy and design company Sylvain’s chief design officer, Michael Ian Kaye, and co-chief strategy officer, Joey Camire, for a studio tour and three insightful sessions that reveal the company’s approach to defining brands, evolving businesses, and identifying opportunities. In "The Anomaly of Delight," Michael discusses the role of serendipity in design and creativity, followed by a co-creation session. Joey's "The Deception of Comfort" examines how comfort stifles innovation, with a light workshop on breaking comfort cycles in the workplace. Each session concludes with a Q&A and networking with the Sylvain team. Refreshments will be provided.

Curious about the Emmy Award–winning technology company behind Adele and Beyoncé concerts, MSG’s Sphere, the Euros, and this year's Olympics broadcast coverage, as well as film productions Daddio and Time Bandits and the recent immersive experience at Top of the Rock? From 360-degree immersive visuals in stadiums and tourist locations, transformative live concert experiences, and AR graphics for broadcast and film productions that take you to a whole new reality, the nature of entertainment is changing. Disguise’s integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, cloud, and services is driving this transformation between the physical and the virtual. Join Disguise at its office in Chelsea to experience this technology firsthand and meet the teams behind this transformation of the entertainment industry. You'll learn how the company's software helped bands like U2 tell stories on stage and how its industry-leading virtual production platform creates a more collaborative environment on set. Discover what the future holds for Disguise as it continues to innovate in the realms of real-time 3D, immersive entertainment, and AI.

Two years ago, French fashion brand Sandro partnered with Archive to launch a branded resale platform for selling secondhand products in the U.S. In this session, Sandro senior brand director Jasmine Chen Lee dives into the history behind and evolution of Sandro's resale program, Secondhand, as well as learnings and the customer response since their launch. Attendees will also hear from Archive's head of marketing, Meredith Blechman, who will explore the latest trends and insights driving the fashion resale industry. Meredith and Jasmine will showcase some of the exclusive secondhand pieces Sandro has available in-store. In celebration of Secondhand September, this conversation is a must for anyone interested in sustainable fashion and the future of retail.

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

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

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

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

Join Charles Scalesse, VP of Mobile Engineering at Zola, to learn how to revolutionize your company by thinking big and acting swiftly with mobile-first innovation. Discover how Zola transformed the wedding-planning experience by placing the consumer at the heart of its product strategy. Rather than viewing mobile apps as mere extensions of its core products, Zola has created a dynamic innovation pipeline to meet the unique needs of couples with speed. Attendees will hear from Scalesse on building mobile-only products and integrating familiar experiences from other apps to enhance user satisfaction and drive business success. They will also have the opportunity to submit questions for a live Q&A session. Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

Visit Disney’s “LIVE with Kelly and Mark” studio and join key creatives and executive stakeholders from Lay’s, Disney, Maximum Effort, and Kimmelot Labs for an engaging panel discussion on collaborative creativity and the making of their Groundhog Lay's campaign this year. Guests are invited for a light networking sessions with the panelists after the session.

While brands often tap into the holiday spirit for creative campaigns, Groundhog Day in February is often overlooked . . . until now. Weaving tongue-in-cheek brand storytelling into a 1993 cult classic, Lay’s, Disney Advertising, Maximum Effort, and Kimmelot Labs launched the Groundhog Lay’s campaign on February 2 featuring multiple custom ads, a questionable time loop, a can’t-miss daylong media takeover, an iconic character, and eight flavors of Lay’s chips.

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

Plastic's impact on the environment and human health is one of the most consequential crises of our generation. Whether you're just starting your own personal sustainability journey or looking to enhance your company’s efforts, join Grove Collaborative CEO Jeff Yurcisin for an engaging session that will provide valuable insights, tactical takeaways, and tangible strategies to help you and your organization "go beyond plastic."

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

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

Join The Oberon Group for a conversation between Managing Partner Henry Rich and author and founder of Progressive Hedonist and former editor- in-chief of Food & Wine Dana Cowin on how to create a more sustainable food system—from restaurants to consumers. Why is the most straightforward, daily activity—eating—one that we're making the least progress on when it comes to sustainability? We know that food is a driver of climate change, so why is it so difficult to talk about how we build a more mindful, conscious food system? How is restaurant culture driving consumer habits? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this interactive session focused on innovation and inclusion, futurist Kanene Ayo Holder will guide participants through tools including AI human C.L.Ai.R.A. and Empwrd, along with exercises designed to expand your thinking around power and possibilities. Participants will play and discuss strategies in how to equip themselves with a toolkit to de-escalate issues and implement innovation inclusively. We will create clear values, goals, and metrics for inclusive innovation success, along with a system for check-ins to ensure accountability.

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

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

Quality endures. Just ask Filson creative director Alex Carleton, who will share how the American brand has built a heritage of quality spanning 127 years at this Fast Track. Learn about the brand's start outfitting explorers of the 1897 Alaska Gold Rush and the Pacific Northwest logging industry, its supplying uniform and field attire for the U.S. Forest Service, and its evolution to its current reputation as a wardrobe staple for those who thrive in the outdoors. Carleton will host a showcase of selected historic pieces from Filson's archive—including the iconic Cruiser—for attendees to experience firsthand. Other on-site activations will follow.

Why, in a world where 1:1 connection is faster, easier, and more consistent than ever before, are we still struggling to meet the human needs of the modern workforce? What is the value of in-person connection for businesses and their employees? In an intimate fireside chat with Industrious and Delta Air Lines execs, Fast Track attendees will explore these questions and more. PENN1, the office building that has revitalized the Penn District, will serve as the living backdrop for this conversation. 

We’re making decisions every day in the workplace and our personal lives. But have you thought about the science behind it? In this session, Dr. Paul Glimcher, director of NYU Langone Health's Neuroscience Institute, will break down his pioneering research into neuroeconomics, a field that bridges psychology, economics, and neuroscience to better understand human decision-making. You’ll learn why you choose the things you do—and hopefully how to make more insightful decisions. 

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