Over the December holidays, you got the sense that, as the decade wound down, we were headed for an extraordinary New Year. But who among us expected a January that would bring a global virus scare that would unnerve travelers and markets, an earthquake in Jamaica that would rattle Miami, a Brexit and a Megxit, and the tragic death of a 41-year-old NBA legend and his beloved daughter?

All this on top of an impeachment trial of a U.S. president – only the third in history.

CES 2020 is upon us and this year we can anticipate the world’s greatest technology companies to showcase their latest inventions that are predicted to change the way we live, work and play. Even if you are not planning to be physically in Las Vegas, CES has become a global phenomenon that everyone beyond those involved in technology are waiting to see, hear and know about. It is a showcase that sets the tone for the year where companies from toy to car makers are showcasing their innovations. 

Every fall, Fast Company convenes innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and communicators from across the world for the annual Fast Company Innovation Festival – five days of conversations with doers and change-makers who are shaping the future.

The biggest trend in communications and marketing could well be the caused-inspired corporate purpose statement. And with its rise has come plenty of questions.

We believe that with the right processes and rigor, influencers can add measurable value. This begins with fully vetting influencers to verify their legitimacy and ensuring they have an authentic connection to the brand.

Last week, I visited Boston for the annual meeting of the Arthur Page Society, arguably the world’s premier organization for senior-most communications leaders. Beyond the great networking, I was grateful to attend for this reason: To be reminded again of the important role that Communications professionals are playing today in a world of transformation and change.