is here!
Over 350 marketing and business leaders participated in this survey to explore which marketing tools and practices actually deliver a return on investment.
Insight 2026 uncovers the best tools and practices that grow your business. From emerging technologies to changing consumer expectations, this year’s report gives you the clarity to make smarter, future-ready decisions.
This year’s contributors bring sharp perspective to a rapidly shifting digital landscape. Mike Saunders sets the tone with a powerful idea: confidence, fuelled by data, is now the most valuable asset in digital leadership. Bronwyn Williams questions whether brands can survive the trust crisis of late-stage capitalism, while Tiffany Markman makes the case for strategic imperfection in a world tired of polished content. Eoin McGuiness reveals how startups are outpacing legacy players with AI-powered go-to-market strategies, and Jochen Bischoff urges marketers to rethink measurement entirely — not more data, but better decisions. Together, they don’t just interpret the future; they help shape it.
Mike Saunders, CEO of Digitlab — on why confidence is the new digital currency.
Andrew Gillett — on real-time contextual advertising and the future of area-based targeting.
Bronwyn Williams — on the rise of late-stage hyperbrands and shifting market power.
Dan Brocklebank — on avoiding the organic social trap and measuring what truly matters.
Eoin McGuinness — on why AI has already transformed startup performance and GTM models.
Jean-Pierre — on South Africa’s unique realities shaping AR, VR, and metaverse adoption.
Jochen Bischoff — on the need for a new measurement mindset amidst uncertainty.
Paul Walker — on the movement from ads to authenticity in digital strategy.
Shreya R Nambiar — on why consent-management platforms (CMPs) are now critical for advertising and privacy.
Tiffany Markman — on why imperfection and humanity will shape digital communication in 2026.
According to the findings, the value of Insight 2026 lies in its ability to help businesses make smarter, faster, more confident decisions in a rapidly evolving market. With half of South African organisations still relying on instinct rather than data, and only a small fraction integrating AI meaningfully into operations, the report highlights an urgent need for confidence-building systems, stronger data maturity, and more adaptable measurement frameworks.
The report positions confidence—not just technology—as the defining competitive advantage of 2026. It provides leaders with a grounded understanding of market behaviour, emerging risks, and the actions required to stay ahead in a world where hesitation kills momentum and precision at speed drives growth.
We’re already preparing for the 2027 edition, and we’d love your input.
Complete our short survey for the 2027 Digital Trends Report, and you’ll receive free digital access to the full 2026 report.
Your feedback helps shape next year’s research—and you get immediate access to the insights shaping today’s digital landscape.
Get the 2026 Report Digitally
Instantly access the full report in an easy-to-read digital format.
Help Shape the 2027 Edition
Your insights guide the themes, focus areas, and analysis in next year’s report.
Support Industry Research
Contribute to one of South Africa’s most trusted digital insights resources.
We’ll reveal the full Insight 2026 report in an interactive live session, hosted by Mike Saunders and the Digitlab team.
When:
Where: Livestorm Webinar →
Cost: Free (registration required)
Reserve your spot now and be among the first to access the full report, hear key findings, and explore what 2026 means for your business.
Elevate your next conference or strategy session by inviting Mike to present on the latest trends that can shape your organization’s future. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies! Request a presentation from Mike today and empower your team to stay ahead of the curve. Contact us to secure your date!
