10th Annual Authors & Innovators Business Ideas Festival

October 22, 2026 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM (EDT)

Description

Great ideas drive business. The Authors and Innovators Business Ideas Festival returns Thurs. Oct. 22 at the Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst in Newton. Now in its 10th year, the festival is curated by Larry Gennari and his Needham-based firm Gennari Aronson, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, students, authors and innovators for a free celebration of fresh ideas and meaningful conversation.

This year's theme is The Nimble Entrepreneur: what it takes to adapt, experiment, seize opportunities and keep moving forward in a world that refuses to stand still. Hear from nationally recognized business book authors, innovators and top business minds as they explore entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, creativity and the changing world of business.

From author conversations and breakout sessions to book signings and an innovator showcase, you'll meet people who are thinking differently and walk away with new perspectives, new connections and plenty to talk about. Because the best ideas don't just live on the page — they come alive in conversation.

The event is free and open to all, but registration is required at authorsinnovators.org.

What the day looks like:

• 8:15 a.m. Morning networking over a light continental breakfast
• 8:45 a.m. Author conversations on AI, adapting to change and the new labor landscape
• 11:45 a.m. Working lunch with innovator presentations
• 12:35 p.m. Breakout sessions on AI go-to-market, social entrepreneurship, M&A and IP strategy
• 1:20 p.m. Afternoon sessions on experimentation, financing, communication and entrepreneurial grit
• 4:15 p.m. Wine and cheese reception to keep the conversations going