Convergences: Five things SXSW 2026 told us about where technology, business and people are heading

From the end of the traditional trend report to the rise of AI-mediated relationships and a backlash against frictionless everything, SXSW 2026 revealed a shift in how technology intersects with human behaviour. These five takeaways highlight a common theme: in an increasingly automated world, the brands and organisations that win will be the ones that double down on what makes them unmistakably human.

The Buyer Has Already Moved On

AI is rapidly reshaping the buyer journey, shifting discovery from search engines to AI-driven conversations that summarise, compare, and recommend before a single website visit. As research, decision-making, and even purchases move inside platforms like ChatGPT, brands must rethink how they show up, structure content, and compete in an AI-led funnel.

AI: Confidential - What People Really Think About AI Right Now

We asked people to be brutally honest about AI and the answers might surprise you. From “my creative buddy” to “I’m not sure I trust it,” discover how AI is shaping creativity, work, and our thinking and why people are both excited and uneasy.

The Pattern of Success: 7 Things Winning Cultural Organisations Are Doing Right Now

Culture and technology aren’t opposites — they evolve the same way and thrive on impact. Drawing on 15 years of digital strategy and real-world examples, this piece explores seven patterns behind today’s most successful cultural organisations ahead of the REMIX Summit in London.

• Strategy & Innovation
• Brand Strategy & Identity

2026 Design Trends

Why design in 2026 is embracing imperfection, craft and visible humanity as a response to AI-driven sameness and the growing authenticity crisis.

• Strategy & Innovation

2026 Client Success Trends

The key client success trends shaping 2026, from consultative partnership and business impact to confidence, proactivity and long-term retention.