Join us as we find out what three brands-side media leaders, who are members of ISBA’s Media Leaders group and are currently writing for The Media Leader, think about the big themes of 2026 and beyond. In the final panel of the day, James Longhurst, Content Director at The Media Leader sits down to discuss the conversations and stories dominating the newsroom.

The rapid-fire discussion will dig into the big industry debates of the year: Is there actually a meaningful difference between holdcos, and what role will brands play in driving a change in agency business models? How is AI going to change consumer habits and how will media plans adapt? With price inflation, tightening consumer budgets and global uncertainty, will brands continue investing through the downturn? How much control do brands really have over where their advertising appears and does it matter? And is the World Cup a genuine opportunity or the most overhyped conversation in media right now?