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Inc. Magazine Best Innovation Conference

HOW TO INNOVATE IN THE ERA OF AI SUPER AGENTS Toronto, Sept 23-25, 2025

Name: Future Festival World Summit 2025
Start: 2025-09-23
End: 2025-09-23
Location: TIFF Lightbox

Learn Why Starbucks, Netflix, Samsung, NASA, Lego & Google rely on Trend Hunter AI + Future Festival...97% rate it the "best innovation conference"

Top-Tier
Innovators

Innovation &
Trend Keynotes

1:1 Meetings &
Assessments

After Party &
Networking

Pro Platform
+ Takeaways

5-10
DISRUPTIVE
IDEAS

“Step into a future defined by the rise of AI Super Agents, where innovation and intelligent technology reshape the boundaries of what’s possible. As we enter a new era fueled by a decade of rapid AI advancement, this year’s conference also marks a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of our World Summit Toronto. For a decade, we’ve been at the forefront of uncovering what’s next. This year, we honor that legacy while looking forward and exploring how artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, creativity, and human potential. Our mission is bold and clear: to host the world’s best innovation conference, a place to uncover next year’s trends with the world’s #1 trend firm. Join pioneering thinkers, visionary leaders, and innovation champions as we chart the future together. With 97% of attendees calling our World Summit the best innovation event they’ve ever experienced, this 10th anniversary is your opportunity to stay ahead, connect deeply, and innovate boldly in the age of AI Super Agents.”

Sarah St. Jules
Chief Operating Officer, Trend Hunter

In-Person 2-5 Day Festivals

Our EPIC Event
Toronto Sept 23-25, 2025

World Summit
5-Day Masterclass

Graduate from FuturistU
Toronto Sept 22-26, 2025

Custom Events & Training

Why Attend This Year

Why Attend THIS Year

Why You Should Bring Your Team

Video FAQ

Sample Keynote: Create The Future (3,500,000 Views)

2024 Trend Report Sample (5 Minutes)

"The best, most engaging and most relevant business event I have ever attended." Chief Strategy Officer & SVP of Marketing

"Hands down, the best way to experience innovation and the future." Consumer Insight Specialist

"The best event I've ever attended, and we go to motorcycle races." Head of Sensing and R&D

"Future Festival is a concentrated dose of inspiration and insights. This event is a must-attend!" Associate Brand Manager

"No service out there captures Consumer Behavior as well as Trend Hunter" Creative Development Manager, Ideation

"An incredible experience that left me fueled and supported with new tools." Creative and Business Development

"Future Festival created opportunities for our team and expanded our people's thinking." CEO

"Undoubtedly the most meaningful conference I've ever attended." VP of Sales

"Any senior executive would benefit hugely from taking a couple of days and attending Future Festival." Global VP of Innovation

What's different about our innovation conference?
For starters, pure ENERGY, optimism & excitement. But also:

Engaging Presentations

vs. Passively Listening

AI-Enabled Opportunity

vs. Lessons Stuck in 2020

Fresh, Data-Driven Insights

vs. Outdated Material

Energetic & Actionable

vs. Random & Outdated

Workshops with Your Team

vs. Limited Takeaways

Downloadable Presentations

vs. Take-Your-Own Notes

Individual Assessments

vs. Generic Content

One-on-One Advisor Time

vs. Lack of Follow-Up

Trend Safaris

vs. Vendors

YOUR SCHEDULE
TORONTO WORLD SUMMIT

DAY 1 - Tuesday, Sept 23rd

TIFF Lightbox - 350 King St W, Toronto, ON

Decode the AI Super Agent Era

7:30 AM

Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM

Morning Show & Land Acknowledgement
9:30 AM

How to Innovate in an Era of AI Super Agents
11:00 AM

Break
11:15 AM

The Innovator’s Identity Curve
11:55 PM

Lunch
1:00 PM

Sustainable Intelligence
1:40 PM

Panel: Tech Innovators on AI Super Agents
2:20 PM

Trend Sprint: Decode, Discuss, Digest
2:30 PM

Break
3:00 PM

Microgenerations
4:00 PM

Opening Night 10th Anniversary Tech Reception at Malaparte (TIFF)

DAY 2 - Wednesday, Sept 24th

TIFF Lightbox - 350 King St W, Toronto, ON

Reimagine Possibilities with AI Super Agents

7:30 AM

Breakfast
8:30 AM

Morning Show
9:00 AM

Super Future
9:50 AM

The New Retail Code
10:30 AM

Break
11:00 AM

Marketing Rewired
11:40 AM

Fireside Chat: Itonics
12:00 PM

Lunch + VIP Lunch
1:00 PM

Panel: Feeding the Future
1:30 PM

Entertainment Recoded
2:15 PM

Break
2:30 PM

Innovation Strategy Awards
3:15 PM

1:1 Meeting Appointments, Self-Guided Safaris, Special Programming & FuturistU Trend Safari
4:00 PM

Mid-Week Mixer at Trend Hunter Office

DAY 3 - Thursday, Sept 25th

Steam Whistle - 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON

Shape your AI Super Agent Advantage

7:30 AM

Breakfast
9:00 AM

Mapping Megatrends in the Age of AI
10:00 AM

Utopia Dystopia
10:30 AM

Break
11:00 AM

Automate Enhance
12:00 PM

Lunch
1:00 PM

Patterned Thinking
2:00 PM

Ideas Canvas
3:00 PM

Happy Hour Reception at Steamwhistle
6:00 PM

FuturistU and Speaker Dinner
(*invitation only)

Future Festival Main Stage - September 23rd & 24th
TIFF Lightbox
350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5

FuturistU Programming - September 22nd & 26th
Trend Hunter Office
26 Soho St, Toronto, ON M5T 1Z7

Future Festival Workshop - September 25th
Steamwhistle Brewery
255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9

Conference Hotel Partner
The SoHo Hotel
318 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3T4

YOUR
FUTURISTS
IN TORONTO

Our core Future Festival curriculum is brought to life by Trend Hunter's team of Futurists -- inspiring keynote speakers and workshop facilitators relied on by hundreds of the world's leading brands. Our Futurists will spark your new ideas while delivering fresh, data-driven content from our Trend Hunter machine and deep insight from delivering more than 2,000 annual custom trend reports.

JEREMY GUTSCHE NYT Bestselling Author & CEO of Trend Hunter

ARMIDA ASCANO Chief Content Officer & Renowned Speaker

COURTNEY SCHARF Chief Client Officer & Entertainment Expert

JONATHON BROWN Chief Growth Officer and Innovation Strategy Storyteller

ZAHRA KARIM Senior Research Advisor and Marketing Trend Forcaster

JENNIFER KANG Senior Research Advisor

MARK ONUFER VP Sales

SEAN WATSON SVP of Sales Operations & Special Projects

GIL COHEN SVP Client Success & Strategic Partnerships

Previous Speakers & Surprise Guests

Nikki Laughlin

EVP, Retail & Media

Future Festival Guest Speaker McClatchy Media

Stephanie Mehta

Editor-in-Chief

Doug Warner

Head of Business Innovation

Sarah Beachler

Chief Strategy Officer

Joey Edwards-Lebair

Senior Manager of Customer Insights

Francis Pierrel

CEO

Chris Sensibaugh

Senior Director of Consumer Insights

Future Festival Guest Speaker Newell Brands

Deborah Amato

Chief New Opportunities Office

Helen Holder

Chief Technologist

Tony Hunter

CEO

Malcolm Gladwell

Author

Matias Duarte

VP, Design

Yasmin Al Enazi

Co-Founder & Ambassador

Bill Hayden

Chief Strategy Officer

Lori Guetre

VP Commerical & Strategy

Future Festival Guest Speaker 1PointFive

Taras Malyshev

Head of New Business Innovation

Vicki Hollub

President & CEO

Bob Barnes

Senior Vice President, Operations

Nick Thompson

Editor-in-Chief

Betsy Armentrout

Strategy Director, Emerging Brands

Jodi Goldstein

Executive Director, Innovation Lab

Day 1
Decode the AI
Super Agent Era

Uncover the foundational steps necessary to leverage AI for innovation. Chart a course toward transformative advancements.

DAY 1 - Tuesday, Sept 23rd

TIFF Lightbox - 350 King St W, Toronto, ON

Decode the AI Super Agent Era

7:30 AM

Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM

Morning Show & Land Acknowledgement
9:30 AM

How to Innovate in an Era of AI Super Agents
11:00 AM

Break
11:15 AM

The Innovator’s Identity Curve
11:55 PM

Lunch
1:00 PM

Sustainable Intelligence
1:40 PM

Panel: Tech Innovators on AI Super Agents
2:20 PM

Trend Sprint: Decode, Discuss, Digest
2:30 PM

Break
3:00 PM

Microgenerations
4:00 PM

Opening Night 10th Anniversary Tech Reception at Malaparte (TIFF)

Registration & Breakfast

Pick up your badge and fuel up alongside fellow innovators over coffee, tea or juice, and enjoy breakfast before the day kicks off. Note that vegetarian-friendly options will be provided. Vegan options can also be provided upon request prior to the event. A great chance to make early connections and set your intentions for the sessions ahead.

Morning Show & Land Acknowledgement

Start your day with energy as we spotlight emerging trends, highlight key themes, and set the stage for two days of AI-driven innovation and insights.

How to Innovate in an Era of AI Super Agents

Drawing from a decade of AI-driven transformation at Trend Hunter, Jeremy explores how leaders can thrive as AI Super Agents reshape business, creativity, and decision-making. Joining the conversation, McClatchy CEO Tony Hunter will share strategies for navigating disruption, leveraging AI to foster innovation and sustain growth. Discover how to orchestrate human-AI collaboration and future-proof your innovation strategy in an era of exponential change.

Jeremy Gutsche

NYT Bestselling Author & CEO of Trend Hunter
Trend Hunter's CEO, New York Times bestselling author, and award-winning innovation keynote speaker and AI expert, will guide you through how to maximize your potential and innovate in times of change. As one of the world's most sought-after keynote speakers, he has helped over 800 brands, billionaires and CEOs make change happen.

"Jeremy Gutsche blew us away. He truly is an intellectual can of Red Bull. I couldn't feel better about the kind of thinking we are going to get." - CEO

The Innovator’s Identity Curve

Progress, Purpose, and Perpetuation Driving Innovation Legacy

What if innovation is more than a business skill? What if it’s a personal journey? In this keynote, Jonathon Brown explores the three stages of innovation through identity, culture, and legacy. You’ll leave with clarity on where you are, how to unlock creative momentum, and what it takes to build something that truly lasts.

Jonathon Brown

Chief Sales Officer
As Trend Hunter's Chief Sales Officer, he drives strategy for business innovation research, development, and marketing. With experience interviewing 500+ business leaders, he uncovers innovation best practices, drawing insightful lessons from hip-hop history and applying them to internal innovation frameworks.

Lunch

Enjoy a mid-day break with lunch provided for all attendees, offering an opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow participants over great food and conversation.

Sustainable Intelligence

Can AI Help us Save the World?

This keynote and industry expert Q&A explores how AI could drive the next wave of sustainable innovation. From climate solutions to circular systems, discover where intelligent tech meets environmental impact. While excitement runs high, so does skepticism—this session unpacks both, offering a grounded look at the opportunities, limitations, and what it really takes to build a smarter, greener future.

Gil Cohen

SVP Client Success & Strategic Partnerships
As Trend Hunter's SVP of Client Success & Strategic Partnerships, she works with leading brands across a variety of industries, leveraging her extensive trend expertise to facilitate innovation and spot opportunities with actionable implications for clients

Panel: Tech Innovators on AI Super Agents

As AI Super Agents evolve from passive tools into proactive collaborators, this panel gathers top industry voices to explore how leaders are navigating the human-AI relationship at scale. From creative fields to operational systems, our surprise guest panelists will unpack real-world applications, risks, and transformative breakthroughs. This future-facing conversation goes beyond hype, diving into the ethical, strategic, and imaginative ways Super Agents are reshaping how we innovate, lead, and live.

Sean Watson

SVP of Sales Operations & Special Projects
As Trend Hunter's VP of Sales Operations & Special Projects, he leverages his tech expertise, AI knowledge, and unparalleled enthusiasm for TH's content. In strategic internal initiatives and as a keynote speaker, he unveils AI's impact on humanity's future and our evolving relationship with technology.

Trend Sprint: Decode, Discuss, Digest

This rapid-fire audience interaction offers a quick chance to explore standout ideas from the keynote sessions and programming. Decode emerging concepts, discuss fresh perspectives, and take time to digest—and jot down—what resonates. Ideal for future-focused thinkers looking to casually tap into big shifts and spark early-stage ideas in a fast, collaborative setting.

Jonathon Brown

Microgenerations

Culture's Path to AI Readiness

As AI Super Agents reshape how we live, work, and connect, we must consider how cultural values shift and transform alongside technology. Through a microsegmented cultural lens, Armida explores how Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z shape a culture accepting of these tools. Uncover the cultural tensions, generational gaps, and emerging opportunities for brands to design AI-powered experiences that resonate deeply across generational lines.

Armida Ascano

Chief Content Officer & Renowned Speaker
As Trend Hunter’s Chief Content Officer and the brain behind our trend sessions and workshops, she is our most requested Futurist for custom trend keynotes. With expertise in generations, she explores the evolving dynamics of Millennials, Boomers, Gen X and Gen Z, and their distinctive responses to the AI’s expanding influence.

Opening Night 10th Anniversary Tech Reception at Malaparte (TIFF)

Kick off Future Festival with an unforgettable rooftop reception at Malaparte, atop the TIFF Lightbox. Enjoy cocktails, light bites, and CN Tower views while networking in the Innovation Zone, powered by the City of Toronto. A vibrant start to an inspiring week of ideas.

Convergence at the Innovation Conference - You'll join the world's top innovators to experience the future before it happens

Kick-off with Jeremy Gutsche, the world's #1 most-watched innovation keynote speaker & an AI expert

Innovation Keynote speaker Jeremy Gutsche

Get inspired by CHAOS, OPPORTUNITY & the Rise of AI Super Agents with Jeremy Gutsche -- one of the world’s foremost innovation keynote speakers, chaos theorists, and the #1 most-watched innovation speaker on YouTube with over 20,000,000 views. For nearly a decade, Jeremy’s keynotes and bestselling books have explored the transformative power of AI. Now, in his brand-new keynote, he dives deep into the history of innovation and how the trajectory of your innovation will evolve in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent agents and exponential change.

As the CEO of Trend Hunter and a New York Times bestselling author, Jeremy has advised 800+ leading brands, billionaires, CEOs, and even NASA — helping them innovate through volatility and disruption. At this year’s World Summit, he’ll kick off the experience with his signature energy, guiding you through chaos toward clarity. Later, he’ll return with a special lunchtime keynote: “How to Create the Future with AI”, where he’ll unpack strategies to thrive in the age of autonomous intelligence.

"Gutsche is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers on the planet, well-regarded as the top trend-spotter in the world... the most energizing, inspiring & applicable... & I’ve heard Bill Clinton... Bill Gates... & Tony Robbins." - The Sun Newspaper

Learn how to make innovation and change actually happen

Create the Future Gold Medal Winner Innovation

Get inspired about CHAOS, OPPORTUNITY with Jeremy Gutsche, one of the world’s top innovation keynote speakers & chaos experts, in a NEW keynote, diving into how innovation and change work, including a special section on how 6-factors related to how AI will shape the world.

What great opportunity is within your grasp? Our latest book, Jeremy Gutsche's award-winning Create The future, is all about how to make innovation and change happen, particularly during times of chaos. The book, which is our textbook on innovation, features tactics for disruptive thinking, innovation, and change in an AI-driven world.

We've reached a point in time when everyone wants innovation, but most people don't know how to make it happen. In our era of rapid change, disruption, and possibility, there are so many great opportunities within your grasp. However, smart, successful people consistently miss out. We have 7 traps that keep us stuck to the path we are already on.

Focus on your ideas, not note-taking, with a 100+ page workbook + learning materials

Maximize your World Summit Experience with the Future Book and Trend report.

• Takeaways Notes and Frameworks

• Key Insights from Each Speaker

• The Must-Know Top 20 Trends in 2026

• The 2025 Megatrends Framework

• Workshop Exercises and Homework Questions

• Details for Trend Safaris

Opening Night 10th Anniversary Tech Reception

Experience an unforgettable first night opening reception at Future Festival, held at Malaparte, the renowned venue, located on the TIFF Lightbox rooftop and in the heart of downtown Toronto. Enjoy light bites, cocktails, and breathtaking views of the CN tower as you connect with top innovators and forward-thinkers. Featuring the Innovation Zone, powered by the City of Toronto, this scenic, tech-enhanced event creates the perfect atmosphere for networking, offering a unique opportunity to build connections with industry leaders and fellow attendees in a lively, engaging setting. It’s the ideal kickoff to an inspiring week ahead.

Day 2
Reimage
Possibilities with AI
Super Agents

Witness real-world applications and success stories, discovering how AI is reshaping industries and unlocking new opportunities.

Breakfast

Fuel up and connect with fellow innovators over coffee, tea or juice, and enjoy breakfast before the day kicks off. Note that vegetarian-friendly options will be provided. Vegan options can also be provided upon request prior to the event. A great chance to make early connections and set your intentions for the sessions ahead.

Morning Show

Kick off day two with energy and inspiration as we set the stage for another dynamic day of future-focused learning. We’ll spotlight what’s ahead and gear up for a fresh round of content, panel discussions and engaging workshops that dive deeper into the evolving landscape of innovation in the era of AI Super Agents.

Super Future

Navigating Humanity's Next Evolution

AI super agents are redefining what’s possible, blurring the boundaries between human and machine, thought and action. This keynote explores the technologies shaping our next era, from autonomous systems to generative creativity. As innovation accelerates, discover how the next wave of AI is transforming industries, challenging cultural norms, and ushering in a future where intelligence is embedded in everything we do.

Sean Watson

The New Retail Code

Blended Futures in Tech and Transformation

Retail is being reshaped by AI Super Agents—blending authenticity, automation, and hybrid experiences. This keynote and expert Q&A dive into how leading brands harness AI to understand consumer intent, build meaningful trust, and fuse digital precision with physical immersion. Discover how personalization and hybrid strategies are forging a future where technology deepens, rather than replaces, the human retail experience.

Jennifer Kang

Senior Research Advisor
Senior Research Advisor and Futurist at Trend Hunter. She has curated and presented over 300 custom reports, hosted a variety of webinars, and led keynotes and workshops that empower audiences with tangible solutions to create meaningful change within their organizations.

Marketing Rewired

The Human-Agent Workflow

In the era of AI Super Agents, marketing is being rebuilt from the inside out. This keynote and Q&A explores how human creativity and machine intelligence can work in tandem to craft hyper-personalized, agile campaigns. Learn how brands are embracing AI agents to optimize workflows, enhance storytelling, and unlock new levels of speed, precision, and emotional resonance in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Zahra Karim

Senior Research Advisor
A Senior Research Advisor and Futurist, Zahra partners with leading brands in the food, beauty, CPG, and tech industries to showcase her deep understanding of consumer behaviors across various contexts through numerous trend reports, trend sessions, webinars, keynotes and workshops.

Fireside Chat: Itonics

Driving Innovation in the AI Era

In this fireside chat sponsored by ITONICS, discover how innovation leaders are leveraging AI Super Agents to anticipate change, uncover opportunity spaces, and accelerate transformation. Gain insights into how ITONICS blends human foresight with intelligent systems to future-proof strategy and spark continuous innovation. Explore what it takes to build adaptive, AI-powered innovation engines in a world of accelerating complexity.

Jonathon Brown

Lunch + VIP Lunch

Enjoy a mid-day break with lunch provided for all attendees. VIP guests are invited to an exclusive lunch experience for deeper networking and discussion.

Panel: Feeding the Future

AI and Food Innovation

Hosted by Kareth Middlemass, this thought-provoking panel explores how AI is revolutionizing the food industry. From personalized nutrition to predictive product development, discover how intelligent systems are reshaping how we ideate, design and prototype food and beverage innovation. Join industry leaders as they unpack the opportunities and challenges of innovating what we drink and eat in the era of AI Super Agents.

Kareth Middlemass

Entertainment Recoded

How AI is Redefining Leisure

From digital travel concierges to automated DJs, AI is transforming how we spend our free time, for better or for worse. This keynote explores how consumers are embracing — and resisting — the invisible intelligence shaping their experiences in entertainment, tourism, nightlife, and media. Discover how evolving desires for curated, effortless, and hyper-connected moments are redefining what it means to have fun.

Courtney Scharf

Chief Content Officer
As the Chief Client Officer at Trend Hunter, she leads the Client Relations team, curating over 5,000 custom trend reports. Specializing in the future of leisure, nightlife, and entertainment, she explores experience in the AI era and its intersection with culture.

Innovation Strategy Awards

Honoring the world’s boldest thinkers, the Innovation Strategy Awards celebrate standout tactics from interviews with top CEOs, authors, and speakers. Winners are recognized across five core innovation pillars—from adaptive strategy to culture-building—and awarded on the Future Festival stage with a custom 3D-printed rocket ship. Join us in celebrating the change-makers shaping the future of innovation across industries.

1:1 Meeting Appointments, Self-Guided Safaris, Special Programming & FuturistU Trend Safari

Attend your 1:1 meetings with Trend Hunter experts, explore trends at your own pace with self-guided safaris, or dive into the exclusive FuturistU Trend Safari for an immersive, educational experience, designed to help you customize your Future Festival journey.

Mid-Week Mixer at Trend Hunter Office

Join us for the Mid-Week Mixer at the Trend Hunter Office rooftop—an energizing evening of casual networking, drinks, and great conversations with fellow innovators in a relaxed space.

DAY 2 - Wednesday, Sept 24th

TIFF Lightbox - 350 King St W, Toronto, ON

Reimagine Possibilities with AI Super Agents

7:30 AM

Breakfast
8:30 AM

Morning Show
9:00 AM

Super Future
9:50 AM

The New Retail Code
10:30 AM

Break
11:00 AM

Marketing Rewired
11:40 AM

Fireside Chat: Itonics
12:00 PM

Lunch + VIP Lunch
1:00 PM

Panel: Feeding the Future
1:30 PM

Entertainment Recoded
2:15 PM

Break
2:30 PM

Innovation Strategy Awards
3:15 PM

1:1 Meeting Appointments, Self-Guided Safaris, Special Programming & FuturistU Trend Safari
4:00 PM

Mid-Week Mixer at Trend Hunter Office

Apply for the Innovation Strategy
Awards 2025

Presented by Trend Hunter at award-winning venue TIFF Lightbox, the 2025 Innovation Strategy Awards will take place at Future Festival World Summit on September 24, 2025. Spotlighting inspiring innovation tactics from the world's most successful brands, the awards are grounded in our renowned innovation frameworks and sourced from conversations with thought leaders, authors, and Fortune 500 CEOs.

Winners will be celebrated on stage and recognized for their exceptional innovation strategies. As part of the ceremony, each winner will also participate in a brief 1–2 question Q&A to share insights with the audience. In addition to this on-stage recognition, winners will receive exclusive editorial coverage, social amplification, and a commemorative award to mark the occasion.

Eligibility:

A company or person entered to win an Innovation Strategy Award will be chosen based on the most unique and impactful innovations presented and must complete our enclosed survey to be eligible.

1:1 Meetings & Trend Safaris

Enhance your Future Festival experience with a personalized 1:1 session and curated Trend Safari explorations. In your 1:1 meeting, you’ll connect with a Trend Hunter expert to discuss your innovation goals, gain tailored insights, and experience a live demo of TH GPT—our powerful AI tool for uncovering trends and opportunities.

You’ll also have the chance to explore Toronto’s innovation scene through two types of Trend Safaris:

• Self-Guided Safaris (open to all attendees) let you discover Trend Hunter recommended hotspots at your own pace.

• Exclusive FuturistU Masterclass Safaris offer immersive, hands-on experiences across themes like mixology, lifestyle, and VR—complete with networking opportunities.

Day 3
Shape your
AI Super Agent
Advantage

Lead your organization into a new era of prosperity and growth, and embrace the future with confidence during out Innovation Workshops.

Breakfast

Mapping Megatrends in the Age of AI

How AI Super Agents are Redefining Leisure

Explore the forces shaping our AI-powered future in this data-rich keynote with Courtney Scharf. Drawing from the 18 Megatrends and 6 Patterns of Opportunity, discover how cultural shifts, technological breakthroughs, and behavioral change intersect in unexpected ways. Learn how to decode and identify what’s next to seize emerging opportunities in a world where change is constant and accelerating.

Courtney Scharf

Utopia Dystopia

Workshop Session

In this immersive workshop, explore the extremes of what the future could hold—utopian breakthroughs and dystopian risks alike. Guided by scenario thinking and cultural foresight, participants will map the possible outcomes of AI Super Agent integration. Challenge assumptions, surface new opportunities, and reimagine the future of your industry in a world of accelerating technological disruption.

Automate Enhance

Workshop Session

An exercise to help people imagine how to use AI in their roles, now that they've absorbed a full day on AI and its applications across different industries. based on the simple idea that AI should be an ally to innovation, but will it boost creativity or productivity?

Lunch

Enjoy a mid-day break with a buffet lunch provided for all attendees.

Patterned Thinking

Workshop Session

This workshop empowers you to harness creativity through Trend Hunter's 6 Patterns of Opportunity, transforming ideas into actionable solutions.

Ideas Canvas

Workshop Session

One of the crown jewels of our AI masterclass program is the Idea Canvas. It embodies the notion that AI is a business problem, not a tech problem, requiring participants to fill out a detailed canvas that pushes them to consider their ideas from multiple angles.

Happy Hour Reception at Steamwhistle

Unwind at the Happy Hour Reception at Steam Whistle Brewery, a Toronto landmark steps from the CN Tower. Enjoy local craft beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages alongside snacks, and lively conversation in a vibrant, historic setting. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and toast to an inspiring week at Future Festival.

FuturistU and Speaker Dinner

An exclusive FuturistU & Speaker Dinner at Mademoiselle Toronto (*by invitation only). Connect with fellow speakers, educators, and innovators over a curated dining experience in one of the city’s most elegant venues.

DAY 3 - Thursday, Sept 25th

Steam Whistle - 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON

Shape your AI Super Agent Advantage

7:30 AM

Breakfast
9:00 AM

Mapping Megatrends in the Age of AI
10:00 AM

Utopia Dystopia
10:30 AM

Break
11:00 AM

Automate Enhance
12:00 PM

Lunch
1:00 PM

Patterned Thinking
2:00 PM

Ideas Canvas
3:00 PM

Happy Hour Reception at Steamwhistle
6:00 PM

FuturistU and Speaker Dinner
(*invitation only)

WORKSHOP DAY - Filter all your new ideas into actionable insights

Turn insights into action on this remarkable day. You'll learn:

• High Performance Innovation Methods for Your Brand

• How to Get Better & Faster

• How to Find Overlooked Ideas Using Patterns & Megatrends

Important: Here's why most people attend in teams of 6+:

• Focus All Exercises on YOUR Company at a Private Table

• Develop 5-10 Company Specific Innovation Ideas & 20+ Next Steps

• Get a Group Innovation Assessment to See Strengths, Gaps & Opportunities

• VIP & PRO Upgrade Options Available – Unlock access to exclusive extras including premium seating, extended content, foresight leadership training opportunities, and enhanced team facilitation to maximize your experience

Innovators Who Send Teams: Starbucks, Disney, Visa, The US Air Force, Adidas, Domino's, Aflac, Staples, Netflix, Microsoft, Red Bull, Universal, Target, Pepsi, VW, Walmart, Bayer, Honda

Your
Personalized
Experience

Maximize your potential with personalized learning, custom research and special access to the world’s #1 trend platform (now with eLearning!)

Continue learning with our AI tools, insights, reports & customized Dashboard

innovation conference learning materials

1 year of essential learning content

Learn to filter out the noise and identify relevant opportunities even in times of widespread change and disruption.

2026 Trend Report Library

AI PRO Dashboard Subscription

Trend Hunter eLearning Subscription

500+ Page Presentation Deck

THE INNOVATION ASSESSMENT

Supercharge your leadership development with 7-10 pages of personalized recommendations

Get a personalized innovation experience with 5-10 pages of custom insight about your innovation archetype, how you innovate, your strengths and your blindspots. The innovation conference keynotes will dive deeper into what this means, but you'll leave the conference with personalized insight and if you bring a team to the event, you can get an organizational assessment to compare your team's behaviours and composition to the world's top innovators. The end result is to make this more than just a conference on innovation, but rather a training program with a remarkable level of personalization.

Dive into your innovation assessment or a topic of your choosing with a Trend Hunter Advisor

Trend Reports Custom Research and Consumer Insights

Before and after the conference, PRO and VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet with one of our innovation experts one-on-one. They can walk you through your individual or team innovation assessment, help you problem-solve using Trend Hunter frameworks, or steer you towards inspiration for your next big project.

PRO Tip: Most Attendees Come with Their Team

Many of the activities are designed for teams, leading you to specific outputs for your own brand. Don't worry, you will still get a chance to network with other people... but for the workshop, it's better to have a team. These clients send groups of 6 or more: Starbucks, Disney, Visa, The US Air Force, Adidas, Domino's, Aflac, Staples, Netflix, Microsoft, Red Bull, Universal, Target, Pepsi, VW, Walmart, Bayer, Honda

OPTION &
THE FUTURISTU
MASTERCLASS

How pro can you go? This year's World Summit program offers new experiences for VIPs, and a 5-day FuturistU Masterclass option to get certified as a futurist!

VIP Option - Get a category trend report on your favorite topic (worth $2,000)

Our business model is curating custom trend reports for 1,500 of the world's leading brands. This year, we completed more than 2,000 custom reports for aggressive brands looking to win in 2025 and beyond, and the #1 category has been: AI. It’s time to immerse yourself in the future, and disrupt before you are disrupted.

“The custom reports really speak out to us. There is a lot of information out there, but filtering is really difficult. What makes the difference is having somebody who begins to understand what we are doing, who can really help with that curation... a great resource." - Creative Director, Adidas

"No service out there captures Consumer Behavior as well as Trend Hunter" – Creative Development Manager, Ideation, Disney

FuturistU 5-Day Masterclass - Innovation Foresight Leadership Training for Executives

FuturistU 5-day AI Masterclass Certificate

Monday, September 22nd - Friday, September 26th

Take your innovation leadership to the next level with FuturistU, an immersive 5-day executive masterclass tailored for VP and C-level leaders. This high-touch experience combines innovation foresight training, hands-on workshops, strategic networking, and exclusive access to Trend Hunter’s world-class innovation tools.

Running alongside Future Festival World Summit, FuturistU ensures you don’t miss iconic moments like the Trend Day, Tech Party, or major networking events. But unlike general attendees, you’ll participate in a private, elite stream guided by Jeremy Gutsche and Trend Hunter’s Futurist Team.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND - This program is ideal for VPs, executives, and innovation leaders seeking real-time foresight, collaborative ideation, and strategic application through a structured, executive-level experience.

CURRICULUM & OUTCOMES - Learn Trend Hunter’s full-cycle innovation framework through a mix of executive-friendly content and interactive workshops. Mornings are focused on high-impact insight; afternoons are dedicated to structured exercises designed to apply those insights to real-world challenges. Over five days, you’ll develop and refine a personalized capstone project that culminates in a pitch-ready innovation case tailored to your organization’s strategic goals.

EXCLUSIVE PERKS - Your journey begins with a private welcome event on Sunday, September 21, followed by a second networking cocktail hour and early badge pickup on September 22. Throughout the week, enjoy green room access, private debriefs, preferred seating, an executive dinner, a curated Trend Safari, and a certificate of completion — all designed to elevate your learning and connection.

5-Day Program Agenda

DAY 1: TREND FORECASTING IN THE AGENTIC ERA
Explore how to build a future-ready culture through trend forecasting, scenario planning, and emerging behavioral insights. You'll tap into the key forces shaping tomorrow’s world—like technology, generational shifts, and human behavior—through inspiring talks, collaborative discussions, and immersive experiences. Rather than traditional training, this day is about broadening your lens, exchanging ideas with peers, and collecting fresh, relevant perspectives you can bring back to your team.

DAY 2: DECODE THE AI SUPER AGENT ERA
Get immersed in the big picture of AI’s evolving role across industries through insightful keynotes, live discussions, and panels with industry experts. This day is designed to help you connect the dots between AI disruption, cultural shifts, and generational behavior. You'll explore major trends, unpack emerging tensions, and share reactions in an open forum setting—with plenty of room for conversation, reflection, and networking. The day wraps with a lively tech reception to keep ideas flowing.connecting with future-focused thinkers at our exclusive Opening Night Tech Reception.

DAY 3: REIMAGINE POSSIBILITIES WITH AI SUPER AGENTS
Dive into a high-energy, category-by-category exploration of the trends shaping the future of tech, marketing, lifestyle, culture, and beyond. This day delivers a flood of big ideas and provocative perspectives—from generational shifts to AI-driven transformations—through keynotes, Q&As, and live discussions. Between moments of inspiration, you’ll join in immersive trend safaris, enjoy guided breakouts, and collaborate with your peers to surface the most relevant insights for your world.

DAY 4: SHAPE YOUR AI SUPER AGENT ADVANTAGE
Shift from trend observation to idea exploration. Day 4 is all about making sense of what you've seen so far, using guided frameworks, thought exercises, and group discussions to spark new directions. Instead of pressure-testing business cases, you’ll identify emerging opportunities, map ideas across different time horizons, and start shaping the concepts that resonate most for your team. The day ends with a relaxed Happy Hour where conversations and creative thinking continue.

DAY 5: PROTOTYPING WITH THE FUTURISTU FORUM
Wrap up the week with space to reflect, connect, and distill the insights that matter most to you. Through collaborative workshops and facilitated scenario discussions, you’ll fine-tune your understanding of key trends and finalize the themes that align with your goals. It’s not about pitching, it’s about clarity. You'll head home with a focused set of takeaways, inspired conversations still in motion, and a clearer view of what’s next.

Testimonials

"One of the things about Future Festival is to understand that every aspect of the organization can benefit from it, whether they are in product development, marketing, consumer insights, research operations, because the idea is to think differently." Sr. Manager, Consumer Insights Marketing & Analytics, Disney

"The five day Masterclass was awesome. We were able to take what we learned that first day, blend it in with the awesome high energy keynote conversations that were happening, and then on the back end, we were really able to have some time to process and think through the kinds of applications of what we learned while building as a team." Digital Strategy and Management - Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton

"We really enjoyed the connection - connection with industry and the weaving in of the regular Future Festival World Summit experience into this new Masterclass opportunity. They really married the experiences with the best of both worlds." Director, Northern Michigan University (SISU)

Immersive FuturistU
Trend Safaris

Exclusive Trend Safaris for FuturistU Masterclass participants

Learn about the latest trends shaping the future with immersive Trend Safaris - a hands-on experience exclusively curated for FuturistU Masterclass attendees. From mixology lifestyle to VR movement, this year's Trend Safaris will highlight Toronto's coolest innovations, and will also include a networking component.

FAQ

Who attends Future Festival?

Future Festival was designed for industry leaders who are ready to break through chaos. Content is aimed at Managers, Directors, VPs, and C-Level execs from all industries who lead innovation, strategy, marketing, R&D, insights, and transformation initiatives. Whether you're driving growth at a global brand, steering change within a fast-growing startup, or guiding strategy at a non-profit or government agency, the content is curated to provide high-impact ideas and tools you can immediately apply.

What are the dates and locations?

Future Festival World Summit is located in Toronto, Canada. Days 1 and 2 will take place at TIFF Lightbox, and Day 3 will take place at Steamwhistle. All dates and other event locations for our in person events are listed on FutureFestival.com

Why should I bring my team?

Because innovative thinking is better shared. At Future Festival, you will be excited by trends and undiscovered opportunities. These are best shared with your group.

Right now you can get great deals on tickets. Quantities are limited. Buy now!

Who is speaking at Future Festival?

View our list of speakers!

Can I Transfer my Ticket to Another Person?

Yes, tickets can be transferred to a colleague. Note that transfers will be accepted up to one week before the event. Please email futurefestival@trendhunter.com a week before to make the change.