During our final Caffeine & Camaraderie of the year, participants from our talent pool shared their predictions for 2026, knowing we might publish them. Their only request: a little grace (and forgiveness) if any of these forecasts miss the mark.
Agency consolidation will continue.
Between AI and its still-untapped potential, the rise of specialist boutiques, consultants, and fractional leaders, and ongoing chatter that the traditional agency model is in “serious trouble,” 2026 could be a challenging year for large communications firms.
Authentic voices will eclipse “AI slop.”
The pendulum is swinging away from clearly AI-generated messaging and toward human-generated storytelling. Communicators will increasingly partner with creators and storytellers who can deliver a trusted, distinctive voice.
Video podcasts will become the next talk shows.
Even if many people listen more than they watch, YouTube’s reach and convenience will push more podcasts to go fully visual. And compared with traditional talk shows, podcasts are far easier (and cheaper) to produce.
Humans will supplement AI as “video clippers.”
Hiring people to watch full podcast episodes and pull the best promotional clips is becoming more common. AI tools can help, but they do not always identify the most meaningful or memorable moments.
Resistance to AI will grow, especially among Gen Z.
Recent polling suggests many Gen Zers are thoughtful about when to use AI, citing concerns like energy use and climate impact. Combined with fatigue from low-quality “AI slop,” this may drive renewed interest in original, proprietary work created by people.
A return to analog.
Younger generations may push back on always-on tech, opting for simpler choices, from “dumb” TVs to flip phones and other back-to-basics alternatives.
The push to learn a trade will pick up steam.
Jobs less vulnerable to automation, such as HVAC technicians, carpenters, and plumbers, will continue gaining appeal, with more young people choosing vocational paths and avoiding heavy student debt.