There's no single professional category we're filling — we're curating a mix. Every HATCHer is someone we believe is demonstrating real action toward a positive impact, not just holding an impressive title. That shows up differently across disciplines: a founder scaling a solution, a scientist reshaping a field, an artist reframing how people see a problem, a policymaker moving something through a system that resists moving.

What we're actually scoring for when we curate the 100: cross-disciplinary range (we deliberately avoid rooms full of one sector), systems thinking, a mentorship spirit toward people earlier in their journey, sector and geographic diversity, and what we call chemistry — the sense that this person will spark something in a room they wouldn't otherwise be in.

We're intentionally not looking for corporate operators optimizing an existing system. We're looking for people building the next one.

See some HATCH Alumni examples here.

HATCH is a bit different from a traditional conference model, where there's a clear line between “speakers” and an “audience.” Everyone we invite is there because we believe they have meaningful experience, perspective, or ideas to contribute — in many ways, every participant is both a learner and a contributor.

Throughout the Summit we occasionally tap someone on the shoulder to share a brief story or insight with the group, often as a 5-minute lightning talk. There's a real chance we'll ask you too — so it's worth having in your back pocket: is there a topic, story, project, or question you'd be excited to share if asked?

That said, participation in these moments is part of the overall HATCH experience, not a separate speaking engagement. Your attendance isn't contingent on it either way.

The four days are the spark, not the whole relationship. HATCHers stay connected year-round through HATCH Community — Masterminds, regional Hubs, and The Portal, our private network for the broader HATCH family. Many of the collaborations that come out of a Summit take shape months later, once trust has had time to compound.

Every seat at HATCH is individually curated, so we don't have a standard plus-one policy — but if there's someone specific you think belongs in the room, tell us who and why. We review those case by case.

As a non-profit, the Summits run at break-even. The price covers the hard costs only: 4 nights' accommodation, 3 meals a day, and direct expenses, split evenly across 100 people plus a 10% markup that funds partial scholarships based on need. Access to the HATCH experience and the global community itself is free as part of accepting the invitation to the HATCH 100.

We never want finances to be the barrier to entry. We don't typically offer full scholarships except for NextGen students, but we do our best to support people based on need. If you're open to it, tell us what level of support would make attending feasible, and we'll make sure you're included in the scholarship process.

Monday, Sept 14th is a travel day — we kick off at Happy Hour, so be on site by 4pm. The Summit is designed as a full-arc experience, and we ask everyone to be there for the entirety of it. That continuity is a big part of what makes HATCH what it is — the trust and depth really build over the full time together.

You're welcome to leave as early as you'd like on Friday, Sept 18th, though we encourage staying past breakfast.

The closest airport is Albany (ALB), about 45 minutes away. Newark (EWR) is roughly 2 hours away and is the better option for international connections.

Full Moon Resort · 1 Valley View Road, Big Indian, NY 12410

From Albany and points north: Take the NY State Thruway (I-87) South towards New York City, then Exit 19, Kingston (see below).

From New York City and points south: Take the NY State Thruway (I-87) North/West to Exit 19, Kingston. After the toll, merge slightly right onto Route 28 West (toward Pine Hill) and travel about 30 miles to Big Indian/Oliverea. Turn left onto County Route 47 just after the brown sign reading “Oliverea 3 miles,” then continue 5 miles on County Route 47 (Oliverea Road). You'll see signs for Full Moon on the right.

We're hoping for pleasant afternoons and chilly evenings — pack layers. We'll have heaters and fire pits going after sunset, plus covered dining or a tent as backup.

Think layers over formality — days warm into the high 60s, evenings drop into the 40s. Bring a warm jacket for after sunset, comfortable shoes for uneven ground and short hikes, and something you'd be glad to wear in a photo you actually like.

Three meals a day are included as part of the package. Let us know about any dietary restrictions ahead of time and we'll make sure the kitchen has you covered.

Full Moon Resort is genuinely in the mountains, so cell service is spotty in places. WiFi is available in common areas. We'd gently encourage treating this week as a chance to be fully present — that's where the real value of HATCH tends to show up.

The Catskills reward slowing down. For the full picture, the New York Times' guide to the region is a great companion — here are a few favorites, organized by mood.