The Fast Company Innovation Festival wrapped this week but the important topics discussed by panelists like Nada Stirratt, VP Americas at Meta and Alana Mayo, President at Orion Pictures will continue to be dissected and acted on for years to come. It is not just the themes that are important reminders for our industry. As we come back from a two-plus year hiatus from in-person and networking events we remember the true inspiration and innovation that comes from in-person interactions and collaborations. Our agency was on the ground and we’re breaking down a few key takeaways the tech industry should consider after attending this innovative event.
Inclusivity and Representation is Necessary
Many panels focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a future of work that is representative of all. Ebro Darden, Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B at Apple Music; Alana Mayo, President at Orion Pictures; and Tracy Sherrod, VP and Executive Editor at Little, Brown Publishers led an inspiring panel on why representation is vital and how new leaders are disrupting inequality in the arts and entertainment industries. The biggest takeaway? Challenging biases is a collaborative effort, and we must continue to seek out the knowledge of diverse communities. True representation will not happen overnight and we all have a role to play in reaching this goal. We should ask ourselves, how can we continue to create spaces and roles where everyone can feel at home and contribute by pulling from their personal experiences? This is how we ensure all voices are heard.
Metaverse Capabilities are Real
Meta hosted a panel with Nada Stirratt, VP, Americas at Meta; James Witte, Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at George Mason University; and Vriti Saraf, CEO and Founder at k20 Educators; Cofounder, Ed3 DAO who all shared unique perspectives on the virtual world of tomorrow. The reality is, we are not too far off from meeting coworkers in the metaverse as opposed to Zoom. You can think of the current metaverse as version 1.0 of dial-up internet. We can expect a secure, fully functioning and inclusive virtual world in the next ten years – and after that the possibilities are limitless. Not sure why you would use the metaverse? Use the acronym DICE — anything that is dangerous, impossible, counterproductive or expensive might be worth doing in the metaverse.
Easing Back into Networking
It can feel daunting to get back out there and network — especially after the very real social repercussions many feel from the pandemic. To ease back into things, start by not being on your phone. This body language communicates that you are attentive, engaged and there to connect. You can also strike up a conversation by commenting on something as little as the lunch choices, the long line to get a drink or a simple “I love that bag.” Small talk is back and you never know where conversations will take you or the potential working relationship you could uncover.
All in all — the 2022 Fast Company Innovation Festival was a great reminder of the inspiration and motivation that comes when you gather disruptors and change-makers in one place. These conversations, as well as technology, are necessary as we work to define what we as individuals want the future of work to look like by providing the same opportunities to all. This is an event you’ll want to add to your list for next year.
– Kyle Murray, Senior Account Manager