The marketing landscape of 2026 is fundamentally different from just two years ago. Artificial intelligence has moved from experimental technology to essential infrastructure, reshaping every aspect of how brands connect with consumers. As we reach the midpoint of the decade, the AI marketing trends emerging this year will define the competitive landscape for the remainder of the 2020s and beyond.

The era of the executive who simply delegates technology decisions is ending. In 2026, the leaders who will define their industries are the ones who build alongside AI, not the ones who wait for a briefing deck about it. Matt Britton, CEO of the AI-powered consumer intelligence platform Suzy and bestselling author of Generation AI, is among a rare breed of Fortune 500-serving executives who don't just talk about artificial intelligence on conference stages. He builds production software with it, every day, that is already being used by some of the world's largest brands.