Fast Company Innovation Festival Returns to NYC September 14-17

Fast Company announced the return of its 12th annual Innovation Festival, scheduled to take place in New York City from September 14 to September 17. The event, presented by Capital One Business, will be hosted at Convene Brookfield Place in downtown Manhattan. This four-day festival is designed to offer attendees a comprehensive experience, including insightful conversations, immersive experiential sessions, behind-the-scenes field trips, exclusive dinners, and networking opportunities. A significant focus this year will be on programming centered around the theme "A Brand New Brand Called You," scheduled for Thursday, September 17. This theme builds upon Tom Peters' influential 1997 Fast Company cover story, aiming to provide attendees with a personalized framework for building their professional brand and managing a workforce composed of personal brands. The festival will feature a curated lineup of speakers and sessions addressing diverse topics. Discussions will range from the future of creativity in an AI-influenced world to strategies for engaging in constructive conversations with individuals holding fundamentally different viewpoints. Notable headliners include Martha Stewart, Cofounder, Entrepreneur, and Author of Hint; Elizabeth Banks, Co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of Archer Roose Wines; Leslie Odom Jr., Vocalist, Songwriter, Author, and Actor; Jessica Tarlov, Author and Co-host of "The Five" and "Raging Moderates" on Fox News; Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management; Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN; George Arison, Chairman of the board and CEO of Grindr; Libby Wadle, CEO of J. Crew Group; Mark Barrocas, CEO of Sharkninja; and Sean Sherman, Founder and CEO of NATIFS and the Sioux Chef. In addition to the speaker sessions, the festival will bring back "Fast Tracks," described as field trips for adults. Over 45 companies are opening their doors to attendees, offering hands-on, intimate experiences. Highlights of these Fast Tracks include a tour of a museum exhibition with Nike and the brand's Chief Design Officer, Martin Lodi, and a wine and culinary experience. The festival aims to provide a platform for innovation, learning, and connection within the business and creative communities.