Monthly Marketing Meetup

Feelings vs Funnels: Does Brand Love or Algorithms Win in 2026?

Get ready for a high-energy marketing debate at the Marketing Association’s first Auckland Meetup for 2026!

Contagion’s Dean Taylor argues that brand love, storytelling, and emotional memory are the only assets that survive shifting platforms and changing channels. Jake Calder fires back that algorithms, automation, and measurable conversion decide which brands win in 2026. Expect sharp takes on funnels, cultural relevance, distribution, optimisation, and whether marketing should persuade humans or feed machines.

Once you’ve heard their arguments, it’s your turn to discuss! Do you favour Romance or Robots? Hear what other marketers think, share your thoughts, and meet some new people.

Each Marketing Meetup starts and finishes with networking and a few laughs over drinks & nibbles. Come join us!

Are you a Student? You will need to apply here to secure 1 out of 20 tickets available for Students to attend.

The Marketing Meetups are proudly in partnership with Contagion.

Product Details

Date:
24/03/26

Time:
5:30pm - 7:30pm

Event Location:
Auckland

Venue Name:
Marketing Association

Venue Address:
69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland

Event Pricing

Members: Free

Note: In-person Marketing Meetups are now MEMBERS ONLY due to popularity.

Are you a Student? We have a limited number of tickets available for Students. Please fill out this form to apply for a ticket.

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Meet Our Presenters

Dean Taylor

Managing Partner
Contagion

Presenter

Dean Taylor

Managing Partner
Contagion

Presenter

Feelings vs Funnels: Does Brand Love or Algorithms Win in 2026?