Apply to speak
Bring your perspective to the conversation
We are accepting speaker applications for Innovate for Impact NYC 2026 — The Power of Human Connection.
We are looking for leaders, founders, investors, executives, creators, athletes, innovators, and practitioners who can contribute a distinctive perspective to one of six conversations.
Start your applicationThe 2026 programme is being finalised. Applications that arrive close to the date are considered for a remaining place or for a following edition.
The six conversations
Every application goes to one conversation.
Each one is a 35-minute panel built around a single central question, with speakers from industries that rarely share a stage. Choose the conversation your perspective belongs in — the full questions are on the event page.
- PLACE — The Places That Connect Us
- EACH OTHER — The Experiences That Unite Us
- SELF — The Connection Within
- LEARNING — The Humans We Are Becoming
- TECHNOLOGY — Can AI Make Us More Human?
- FUTURE — The Future We Choose
What we look for
- Real operating or lived experience — not only theory
- A clear and distinctive point of view
- Ideas that can challenge or expand the conversation
- Relevance beyond one industry
- A willingness to engage in dialogue rather than deliver a presentation
- A contribution relevant to the 2026 theme and programme
How selection works
Applications are reviewed on relevance to the 2026 theme, programme fit, diversity of perspectives, evidence of experience, and the overall balance of each session.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a speaking position. Due to volume, the team may only contact applicants whose proposals can be advanced. Speaking opportunities are editorially curated and are not sold as sponsorship benefits.
Before you apply
Prepare a concise point of view, the conversation it best supports, evidence that grounds your perspective, and links that help the programming team understand your work.
Do not submit a generic biography in place of an idea.
Speaker application