Agenda

We kick off Predictions 2026 with an unmissable fireside chat with one of marketings genuine luminaries - Richard Edelman of global communications business Edelman - who'll be offering his insights on what 2026 will demand from brands and marketers. With brand trust expected to become even more essential in 2026's expect sharp insight on trust, reputation and the shifting expectations of consumers. A rare chance to hear one of marketing’s most influential voices decode the year ahead.

Customer Experience 3.0 is here - but is your brand ready? This session will explore what CX 3.0 really means in an era of AI, hyper-personalisation and connected journeys. Our expert panel will discuss how brands can evolve from transactional touchpoints to truly immersive, emotionally intelligent experiences - and what the rewards will be for those who get it right. Discover how CX 3.0 can unlock deeper engagement, stronger loyalty and sustainable growth in 2026.

Consumers aren’t always rational - and in 2026, they’re behaving more unpredictably than ever. In this eye-opening session, one of the UK's leading behavioural scientists will unpack the real forces shaping consumer decisions, from the recent UK budget changes to emotional triggers and social influence to sustainability and digital fatigue. We'll reveal what’s driving buying behaviours in 2026 - and how brands can harness behavioural insight to engage smarter, build lasting loyalty and ultimately turn unpredictable consumers into passionate advocates.

This lively panel will explore how AI and synthetic research are transforming the way marketers develop strategy, deliver campaigns and measure impact. As virtual respondents and predictive models replace traditional qual and quant methods, what are the gains - and what could be lost? Join leading researchers and strategists as they debate whether synthetic insight is the future of marketing intelligence or a step too far.

It’s time to play Brand Family Fortunes! In this fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek gameshow, two brands go head-to-head to see who really knows today’s consumers. Our contestants will battle it out to predict what will drive engagement and purchase in 2026. Expect laughter, lively debate and a few surprising answers as marketing meets entertainment - game-show style.

As the industry sets its sights on 2026, a leading UK marketer will lay out his New Year’s resolutions for marketing - urging brands to be bolder, braver and more imaginative. We’ll explore why creativity must reclaim its seat at the top table, how marketing can better engage the C-suite and how data, measurement and personalisation need to evolve. Expect sharp insights on how marketers can raise their game - and their impact - in 2026.

Commerce media is rewriting the rules of retail, but where is the revolution as we enter 2026? This panel will explore the fast-evolving opportunities for brands as commerce, media and data converge. From retail media networks and shoppable content to in-store digital innovation, we’ll spotlight the platforms and pioneers leading the charge. Hear which brands are embracing this blended physical–digital route to market, and what it takes to turn commerce media into measurable growth.

In this rapid-fire session, one of The Drum’s regular columnists shares their insights on what 2026 will bring for brands and marketers. Expect fast analysis, bold provocations and clear takeaways as they decode the trends, tensions and opportunities that will define marketing’s next twelve months.

Are the days of linear TV numbered? In this panel, media experts will explore how the rise of Connected TV and VOD is reshaping audience behaviour, advertising strategies and creative storytelling. They’ll discuss how brands can tap into the booming CTV ecosystem, blend data with content, and unlock new opportunities for reach, relevance and ROI in the golden age of on-demand viewing.

In this fast-paced session, we’ll explore how the rise of AI search is rewriting the rules of discoverability. As consumers turn to ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity instead of Google, how can brands ensure they still show up - and stand out? Expect sharp insights, live examples and urgent warnings about the cost of being invisible in the next era of search.

Influence is shifting fast. By 2026, influencers and niche creators will sit alongside legacy media in shaping what people believe and buy. This session unpacks how brands can navigate this new era of intentional influence - from choosing creators who genuinely move culture to building partnerships that drive trust, relevance and measurable commercial impact. Discover what it takes to thrive when influence becomes decentralised, personalised and powered by creator credibility.

In this rapid-fire session, one of The Drum’s regular columnists Tom Goodwin will dial in from Miami to shares his insights on how AI will continue to change the game from brands, marketers and consumer. Expect fast analysis, bold provocations and clear takeaways as he offer his thoughts on the trends, tensions and opportunities that will define marketing’s next twelve months.