Learn about the trends that are here to stay, 2026 shifts, and strategic best practices
Chicago, IL—The ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø (ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø) will host the 2026 Year Ahead in Marketing Virtual Conference taking place Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Industry leaders and trend-watchers will explore the forces shaping the marketing landscape in the coming year—from shifting consumer expectations and emerging technologies to evolving team structures and measurement strategies. Whether you’re planning campaigns or setting long-term strategy, this event will help you prepare with clarity and confidence.
Featured Fireside Chat:
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
10:00 am – 10:45 am CST
Key Insights from the 2026 Trends Report–This new ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø report explores the dynamic landscape shaped by shifting trends, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer expectations.
Join ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø’s CEO, Bennie F. Johnson to discuss the 2026 Future Trends in Marketing Report and the trends that will transform the marketing landscape over the next five to ten years. The ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø believes that marketers are not just responders to change, but active innovators shaping the future through their work. This new report was developed with input from over 30 professional marketers with diverse perspectives and highlights the key steps marketing teams can take to successfully navigate the coming changes.
Learn more about the 2026 Future Trends in Marketing Report and why this conversation is important for the marketing profession.
Conference Takeaways and Highlights:
- Key marketing trends to watch in the year ahead
- Insights into how AI and tech will reshape marketing roles and workflows
- Predictions for evolving consumer behavior and expectations
- Tips for aligning strategy with brand values and business goals
- Tools to help guide planning, budgeting, and innovation
Conference Information:
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 10:00 am – 12:45 pm CST
- Wednesday, January 21,2026 | 10:00 am – 12:05 pm CST
Registration for this virtual conference is free to all attendees. Registration and event information.
For additional information about the 2026 Future Trends in Marketing Report, please contact Amy Gwiazdowski, VP, Communications at agwiazdowski@ama.org.
Thank you to the sponsors of ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø’s 2026 Virtual Conference: The Year Ahead in Marketing—, , , , , and .
Learn more about ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø’s 2026 conferences and upcoming virtual and in-person events at ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø.org.
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ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍøt the ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø (ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø)
As the leading global professional marketing association, the ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø is the essential community for marketers. From students and practitioners to executives and academics, we aim to elevate the profession, deepen knowledge, and make a lasting impact. The ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø is home to five premier scholarly journals including: Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, Journal of International Marketing, and Journal of Interactive Marketing. Our industry-leading training events and conferences define future forward practices, while our professional development and PCM® professional certification advance knowledge. With almost 70 chapters and a presence on 350 college campuses across North America, the ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø fosters a vibrant community of marketers.
The association’s philanthropic arm, the ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø’s Foundation, is inspiring a more diverse industry and ensuring marketing research impacts public good. The ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø Foundation strengthens and elevates the marketing profession by advancing knowledge, building a global community of marketing leaders, and supporting marketing initiatives that drive innovation and societal impact.
ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø views marketing as the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. You can learn more about ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø’s learning programs and certifications, conferences and events, and scholarly journals at ÂÜÀòÉç¹ÙÍø.org.