Three Key Lifestyle Evolutions: Fast Company Innovation Festival 2026

Published 28 September 2026

Author

8 min read

The Fast Company Innovation Festival 2026 (New York, September 14-17) gathered business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from across sectors to discuss the pressing issues facing consumers and brands. We highlight key themes, including the imperative to adopt a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence (AI), the evolution of ethical business, and the importance of creativity and connection for brands and consumers.

Adopting a Human-Centred Approach to AI

Evolved Imperatives for Ethical & Inclusive Brands

Creativity, Connection & Slowing Down

Speakers praised the breadth and speed of insight that AI helps brands access. However, they also acknowledge the importance of using AI in ways that uplift human creativity and communities – offering solutions to the problems posed in our report AI Sceptics.

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While panellists agreed on the relevance of corporate social responsibility, they argued that brands need to marry purpose with performance to ensure their mission resonates with consumers. Speakers offered strategies ranging from awareness-boosting brand partnerships to activating grassroots communities.

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Speakers urged brands to connect with consumers’ burgeoning desires to slow down, create and connect – themes we’ve discussed in The Boredom Boom and The Micro-Passion Economy. A technology-sceptical ethos underlined these conversations. “AI doesn’t have an imagination. Creativity will protect us against any technology,” said Jason Schupbach, president of New York-based university the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Three Key Lifestyle Evolutions: Fast Company Innovation Festival 2026

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Topics

AI & Robotics

Brand Experience

Ethics

Health & Wellness

Women

Work & Education

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