B2BMX 2026 will feature four keynote addresses from industry trailblazers who are redefining the boundaries of marketing innovation.
Benedict Evans, Elfried Samba, Dane Vahey and Ashley Faus will take the stage in front of brightest minds to explore the future of B2B marketing. This year’s conference, powered by Advertising Week, offers a dynamic agenda filled with cutting-edge insights, actionable strategies, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
The first day will focus on how artificial intelligence is impacting B2B marketing. On Tuesday, the keynote will examine the power of human-to-human brand building and the closing address will emphasize how to foster trust in a digital-first world.
Following is a preview of what the keynote address that will be held next week:
Benedict Evans: Decoding the AI Revolution
Benedict Evans, an independent analyst with over 25 years of experience in technology and media, will kick off the event with his keynote, “AI Eats the World.” Evans will delve into the $400 billion investment in AI by major tech platforms in 2025, exploring its transformative potential and the opportunities and challenges it presents for marketers. His keynote promises to provide a roadmap for navigating the AI-driven future, offering insights into value creation and disruption in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Elfried Samba: Humanizing B2B Brands
Elfried Samba, CEO and Founder of Butterfly Effect, will challenge the notion that B2B is boring with his keynote, “Building a Sexy Brand in an Unsexy Industry.” Drawing from his experience scaling Gymshark’s community to over 20 million followers, Samba will highlight the power of human-to-human brand building. He will share a practical framework for turning attention into trust, trust into community, and community into revenue, proving that authenticity and cultural relevance are the keys to modern B2B success.
Dane Vahey: Empowering Marketers as Builders
Dane Vahey, Head of B2B Marketing at OpenAI, keynote is titled, “You Can Just Build Things.” Vahey will inspire marketers to embrace their roles as builders, not just operators, in the AI era. Through live demos and real-world examples, he will showcase how AI can empower individuals and teams to achieve what once seemed impossible, redefining the scope of what marketers can accomplish.
Ashley Faus: Building Trust in the Age of AI
Ashley Faus, Head of Lifecycle Marketing at Atlassian and author of Human-Centered Marketing: How to Connect with Audiences in the Age of AI, will share her expertise on fostering trust in a digital-first world. Her keynote, “Human-Centered Marketing in the Age of AI,” will emphasize the importance of connecting with the humans behind the screens. Faus will provide actionable frameworks and real-world examples to help marketers adapt their strategies, build trust, and create meaningful connections in an AI-driven era.
B2BMX 2026
B2BMX 2026, powered by Advertising Week, includes 50+ Breakout & Thought Leadership Sessions that are packed with actionable strategies, practical frameworks, and real-world case studies, all focused on delivering immediate, tangible results you can implement the moment you return to the office.
Connect with industry leaders, discover top solution providers, and network with peers in a fun and collaborative setting for three days of intensive learning and high-level strategy in a beautiful, inspiring environment. Other features of the conference include:
- The Marketplace Access:Explore a dynamic exhibition floor showcasing the future of MarTech and SalesTech. Discover innovative tools, cutting-edge platforms, and strategic partners that can instantly optimize your tech stack, enhance campaign performance, and accelerate your revenue engine.
- Exclusive Networking Receptions:Forge invaluable connections in a relaxed, collaborative setting. Mix and mingle with hundreds of top-tier marketers and sales leaders—your peers, potential partners, and future collaborators to exchange ideas, share challenges, and build a powerful professional network.
- Hands-On Workshops: Go beyond theory and engage in intensive, small-group skill-building sessions. Dedicated workshop slots each day offer opportunities for deep strategic growth, allowing you to master specific tactics in areas like RevOps, ABM execution, and AI integration.
The conference and Marketplace, hosted at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA, is an experience is packed with unparalleled value, offering actionable sessions and visionary keynotes that deliver strategies you can implement immediately.
