THE AMERICAN INNOVATION CONFERENCE is dedicated to sharing, collaborating, and celebrating customer-focused innovation and its impact on company success. Companies that are perceived to be innovative by their customers are more attractive, enjoy higher loyalty, and are ultimately more successful than companies that lag in innovativeness.

2024 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

12:30PM-1:30PM – Welcome Lunch

1:30PM – Welcome Address, Lerzan Aksoy, Dean of Gabelli School of Business

1:45PM – Keynote Address, Oakley Roberts, Vice President of Innovation and Product Management, Trane Technologies

2:15PM – 2024 American Innovation Index Results, Gina Woodall, VP & Group Director, Illuminas

2:30PM – Spotlight on Financial Services and Social Innovation, Leigh Anne Statuto, Executive Director, Responsible Business Center

2:40PM – Consumer Perceptions of AI in Innovation, Jay Shutter, CEO, Illuminas

2:50PM – INNOVATION PANEL: Innovation Accelerator or Ethical Disruptor?

Moderators + More Speakers To Be Confirmed

• Jenny Lee, Director, U.S. SLG/EDU/xTech CSM & Specialists, Amazon
• Jennifer Thomas, SVP Corporate Affairs, Honda
• Jeremy Neil, Vehicle Product Training Specialist, Toyota

Artificial intelligence has changed the business landscape in ways we could not have imagined just a few years ago. The rapid rise of AI has caused nearly every industry to explore opportunities for efficiency, but at what cost? Can AI create a more sustainable future? In this panel, corporate leaders will explore the benefits, ethical challenges and impact AI has had on innovation.

3:15PM – Coffee Break

3:30PM – The Latest on Social Innovation, Dr. Tim Keiningham

3:40PM – SOCIAL INNOVATION PANEL: Defining Social Innovation

More Speakers To Be Confirmed

• Katherine Hunter, Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase
• Clarissa Moses, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, JetBlue
• Navy Federal Credit Union [Speaker To Be Confirmed]
• Moderator: Professor Patsy Sciutto Doerr, Fordham University

What does it mean to be a socially innovative company? Is the main focus on environmental sustainability and/or social responsibility? When we think about working towards sustainable economic growth, the main challenge is how we address innovation from an economic, environmental and social perspective. At times, social innovation may not be looked at as favorably as system or product innovation. In this panel, you will hear from leaders in the field who will provide insight on why social innovation is needed to advance sustainable business practices across all sectors.

4:05PM – Fireside Chat, Thomas Gavitt, Head of Business Development and Innovation, IKEA

4:30PM – Award Ceremony & Celebration

Join us to hear success stories and lessons learned from the most innovative companies in America, as well as insights from the authors of the American Innovation Index. There will be an opportunity to talk to Innovation Leaders in all sectors at the celebratory reception following an awards presentation. Previous year’s speakers and attendees included many award winners, such as:

The conference is designed to ensure you come away with ideas for driving your company’s innovation strategy that will be applauded by your customers.