Bay Area's Top Leaders Gather for Inaugural IDEASF Forum

Visionary minds from Gap Inc., McKinsey, and more to convene in San Francisco for thought-provoking discussions on the future

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a clean, monochromatic background with a carefully arranged composition of premium, polished objects representing the key elements of the IDEASF forum, including a sleek laptop, a modern desk lamp, a stylized 3D model of the San Francisco skyline, and a single red apple symbolizing the city's innovative spirit.The inaugural IDEASF forum will bring together the Bay Area's most visionary leaders to shape the future of innovation and civic life.San Francisco Today

Leaders from prominent companies like Gap Inc. and McKinsey & Company, along with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and other influential figures, will come together for the inaugural IDEASF (IDEAS San Francisco) forum on June 2-3. The two-day event, hosted at Gap Inc.'s headquarters on the San Francisco waterfront, will feature conversations, roundtables, and discussions on a wide range of topics shaping the Bay Area's 'Idea Economy', including AI, medicine, climate tech, transportation, design, arts and culture.

Why it matters

As the epicenter of innovation, San Francisco is the ideal setting for this new high-impact forum that aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on shaping the city's future. The event marks an important milestone in the Bay Area's ongoing efforts to foster innovation, strengthen its community, and position itself as a global hub for cutting-edge ideas and solutions.

The details

IDEASF is being led by the team behind the acclaimed Aspen Ideas Festival and Skoll World Forum, and is founded by the Pisces Foundation and Advance SF. The forum will feature voices from across sectors, engaging on issues ranging from Art & AI to Philanthropy and Public/Private Partnerships. Key partners include Gap Inc., McKinsey & Company, Salesforce, Bank of America, and Advance SF.

  • IDEASF will take place on June 2-3, 2026.
  • The forum marks the expansion of the IDEAxCHANGE events that have been held over the past year.

The players

IDEASF

A new high-impact event that will bring together influential minds in the Bay Area and the world to discuss ideas shaping the future.

Gap Inc.

A company proudly founded in San Francisco that is hosting the IDEASF forum at its headquarters on the city's waterfront.

McKinsey & Company

A global management consulting firm that is a key partner for the IDEASF forum, embodying the Bay Area's ecosystem of innovation and civic leadership.

Daniel Lurie

The Mayor of San Francisco, who will be participating in the IDEASF forum.

Kitty Boone

The Principal of IDEASF and the Ideas Collaborative, who says the forum marks a new chapter in bringing serious people together around serious ideas.

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What they’re saying

“IDEASF exists to bring serious people together around serious ideas—without losing imagination, humanity, or hope.”

— Kitty Boone, Principal, IDEASF + Ideas Collaborative

“As a company proudly founded in San Francisco, we care deeply about the city's next chapter and the role we play in shaping it. At Gap Inc. our purpose is to bridge gaps to create a better world, and that comes to life by bringing people together across perspectives, disciplines, and ideas to imagine what's next.”

— Richard Dickson, President and CEO, Gap Inc.

“The San Francisco Bay Area has long been a proving ground for ideas that reshape industries and improve lives. IDEASF represents exactly the kind of cross-sector dialogue needed in this moment—bringing together leaders across business, government, technology, and the arts to translate innovation into inclusive, durable impact.”

— Laura Furstenthal, Senior Partner and Managing Partner, Western US, McKinsey & Company

What’s next

Tickets for the inaugural IDEASF forum on June 2-3, 2026 are now available for purchase on the event's website.

The takeaway

The IDEASF forum represents a significant milestone in San Francisco's efforts to cement its status as a global hub for innovation and bold ideas. By bringing together top leaders from business, government, and civic sectors, the event aims to catalyze new collaborations and solutions that will shape the future of the Bay Area and beyond.