Fast Company‘s 10th annual Innovation Festival is less than a month away, so if you haven’t booked your tickets yet, make sure to do so now! It’ll be a jam-packed week with Fast Tracks, interactive workshops, Taste of Innovation dinners, and insightful panels featuring celebrities including Busy Philipps and Shaboozey and high-level execs of buzzy companies such as Ōura, Rare Beauty, Reddit, Tubi, Frida, and many more. And, of course, we have our main stage conversations featuring our 10 Most Innovative People of the Last 10 Years.
It’s a lot to take in. So we wanted to make sure we included programming that focused on mindfulness and wellness as well. We’ll have workout sessions, wellness-based programming, and hands-on labs all dedicated to the different aspects of health, both mental and physical.
Check out some of the sessions that will allow you to exercise not just your body, but also your brain.
Fast Tracks
Biking and Brews with Brompton Bikes: Hosted by Brompton Bikes
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.
How Pvolve Is Building a Sustainable Fitness Routine for Women: Hosted by Pvolve
Although women make up a large portion of the nearly $100 billion global fitness market, most workouts are not designed to address their bodily changes, and, to women’s detriment, emphasize a one-size-fits-all routine that does not evolve as their physiology does. Pvolve’s low-impact method, developed by clinical experts and professional trainers, utilizes functional movement and patented resistance equipment to enhance strength, mobility, and stability, providing an adaptable workout for women at any life stage. 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.
Where Running and Tech Intersect: Hosted by New York Road Runners
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.
Mind Your Being: Exploring the Mind-Body Connection at Being Health: Hosted by Being Health
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, nutrition x mental health sessions, and a peek behind the ketamine therapy experience—all under one roof.
Workshops: Workouts and Meditation
Reconnect with Yourself Through the Class Relieve: Featuring Taryn Toomey, Founder, The Class
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.
Reinvigorate with Pilates: Featuring Melissa Bentivoglio, Founder and CEO, Frame Fitness
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.
Reset with a Forward__Space Movement Session: Featuring Kristin Sudeikis, Creative Director and CEO, Forward__Space
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!
Unwind with Roga: An AI-Guided Meditation Experience
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.
Panels
Why Better Mental Health at Work Starts at the Top
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.
FEATURING: Linus Karlsson, Chief Creative Officer, Ikea; Andy Dunn, Founder and CEO, Pie, Elyse Cohen, EVP, Social Impact and Inclusion, Rare Beauty
Live Long and Prosper: Unpacking the Longevity Economy
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.
FEATURING: Melanie Goldey, CEO, Tally Health; John Mackey, Co-Creator and CEO, Love.Life; Tom Hale, CEO, Ōura
Inside the Future of Healthcare
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.
FEATURING: Kayvon Modjarrad, Executive Director of Vaccine R&D, Pfizer; John-Ross “JR” Rizzo, Health System Director of Disability Inclusion at NYU Langone Health; Anne Gibson, Design Principal, CannonDesign