Make NYC Your Innovation Playground

Hotspots to explore abound in New York City, especially during Future Festival 2025, where the spirit of innovation isn’t confined to the conference venue. Extend your learning journey with real-world inspiration by stepping into the dynamic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks that define the city's forward-thinking energy.

1. Hudson Yards: Where Technology Meets Architecture
Begin your urban exploration at Hudson Yards, a shining example of urban reinvention. Home to innovation-forward companies, interactive art installations, and design marvels like The Vessel, this neighborhood represents the future of smart city living. Be sure to visit The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, for an inspiring panoramic view of the city that mirrors the boundless potential of new ideas.

2. Industry City: Brooklyn’s Innovation Ecosystem
Head across the East River to Industry City, a revitalized industrial complex in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. This hub of creators, startups, and design labs is a hotspot for sustainable innovation, artisanal manufacturing, and collaborative workspaces. After exploring pop-up shops and immersive galleries, relax at Japan Village or grab coffee from one of the many small-batch roasters on site.

3. Cornell Tech & Roosevelt Island: Academic Innovation in Action
For a look at the academic side of tech disruption, visit Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island. This state-of-the-art campus is a showcase for green design and interdisciplinary research, bridging academia and real-world problem-solving. Take a scenic ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram and stroll the serene waterfront afterward for a contrast to Manhattan’s fast pace.

4. Post-Conference Hotspots in Midtown Manhattan
When the day winds down, Manhattan offers endless ways to unwind while staying immersed in NYC’s creative energy. For cocktails with a view, head to Dear Irving on Hudson, a sleek, retro-futuristic lounge with sweeping skyline vistas. Hungry? Book a table at Balthazar, the iconic SoHo brasserie beloved by artists, entrepreneurs, and trendsetters alike. And of course, no NYC trip is complete without catching a Broadway show, just steps from Times Square, where storytelling and spectacle collide.

5. Museums That Marry Culture and Innovation
Enhance your inspiration at institutions where art, technology, and history intersect. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) features groundbreaking exhibits in digital media, design, and architecture. Meanwhile, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum offers interactive displays that connect design thinking to real-world innovation.

Future Festival 2025 is more than an AI in business conference—it’s a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic urban innovation ecosystems. From trailblazing tech campuses to trend-forward cultural landmarks, New York City invites you to explore, learn, and be inspired at every corner. So while you're in town, make space in your schedule for discovery; the future is waiting—right outside the conference doors.

Curious about what’s coming next? Join the waitlist for Future Festival NYC to stay in the loop—or make it official and grab a ticket to the World Summit in Toronto. Either way, you’re in for something big!