What to expect at Fast Company’s 10th Annual Innovation Festival: Panels

To celebrate our 10th Year Innovation Festival this September 16-19 in New York City, we’ve created a special series of big-stage, one-on-one interviews featuring our list of the 10 Most Innovative People of the Last 10 Years—but we’ve got more panels than -10 you should mark your calendars.

From exploring how online sales and programs have started a new, immersive shopping experience You are busy this week hosted Busy Philipps on how artists navigate emerging industries with SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe and producer and singer-songwriter Shaboozey, there’s no shortage of inspiring and compelling programming.

Just take a look at some of the highlights from this year’s panel lineup and be sure to stay tuned to our Innovation Festival events as we add more every week:

Rethinking Retail and Late Night with Busy Philipps and QVC
Busy Phillips is no stranger to late night television—but this time he has something to sell. QVC+, the shopping network’s free streaming service, debuted You are busy this week earlier this year, an affordable nightly show that aims to blur the line between organic programming and video commerce. Join You are busy again David Rawlinson IIpresident and CEO of Qurate Retail, as they discuss the future of vertical distribution.

Preparing for the Quantum Leap
With all the buzz around AI, one has to wonder what’s next in technology. Many would argue that quantum computing, a diverse field that, at its core, uses quantum technology to solve problems that are too complex for conventional computers. Understand why tech giants, researchers, and investors see quantum computing as the next big leap—and where to lean.

PROOF: Darío GilSVP of research, IBM; Martin A. SchmidtPresident, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Margaret ArakawaChief Marketing Officer, IonQ

Controlling Creativity: How Artists Are Navigating Emerging Industries
Last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike brought to light the serious concerns writers and actors have about fair pay and emerging technologies that are infringing on their work. And Hollywood is far from the only industry facing similar problems. Through the lens of the music business, this panel will examine how artists navigate everything from promotion and distribution to equity in payment and representation.

PROOF: Michael HuppeCEO, SoundExchange; Shaboozeyproducer and singer-songwriter

How Early Founders Found Their Way
In 2023, 5.5 million new small business applications were filed, making it the highest year on record. There has been a clear increase in entrepreneurship since 2020—and in the wave are early adopters who are learning, adapting, and growing as business leaders. In this panel, you’ll hear how these early founders transitioned their careers and found entrepreneurial success—not without trial and error to learn from.

PROOF: Sophie BayiFounder and CEO, BAI Biosciences; Mika ShinoFounder and CEO, Issei; Emily HikadeFounder and CEO, Petite Plume

Your Company’s Guide to AI Orientation and Security
As businesses across industries continue to use AI in their operations, understanding AI management and cybersecurity threats has become increasingly important. 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.

PROOF: Ron De JesusChief Privacy Officer, Transcend; Wendi WhitmoreSVP and Head of Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks; Rafi KrikorianChief Technology Officer and Managing Director, Emerson Collective

From Z to A: What You Need to Know About Gen Alpha
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 has the answers.

PROOF: Joe FerenczFounder and CEO, Gamefam; Matt TraubChief Operating Officer, DKC; Fiona SimmondsCofounder, Pinkie; Brian BordainickFounder, Starface

For a full list of programs, visit our events page. And be sure to get your tickets for these light panels, Fast Tracks, Taste of Innovation, and much more.