The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) has unveiled the first international keynote speakers and conference tracks for DigiCon 2026, setting the stage for discussions on how collaboration can shape the future of digital marketing.
Under the theme “Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration,” DigiCon 2026 will bring together brands, agencies, platforms, creators, and technology leaders to explore how organizations can work across industries and disciplines as digital technologies continue to evolve.
The conference is scheduled for October 15–16, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel.
DigiCon Guide — Philippine Digital Marketing Convention (IMAGE CREDIT: digicon.com.ph)
DigiCon 2026 brings global perspectives
Among the first international keynote speakers announced is Professor Dr. Christian Busch, bestselling author of Connect the Dots and professor at the University of Southern California and the London School of Economics.
Busch is expected to discuss how organizations can unlock innovation by creating meaningful connections across industries and using serendipity as a competitive advantage.
Joining him is Judy John, Global Chief Creative Officer of Edelman and a highly awarded creative leader. Her keynote will examine the importance of cross-disciplinary thinking as brands navigate increasingly interconnected audiences, platforms, and technologies.
A major announcement was the confirmation of the first two international keynote speakers for DigiCon 2026.
The speaker lineup reflects DigiCon’s focus on moving beyond traditional marketing approaches and encouraging organizations to look at collaboration as a driver of innovation.
Three tracks to shape the conversation
DigiCon 2026 will organize its conference program around three major tracks: Innovation, Impact, and Immersive.
The Innovation track, led by Gino Nacianceno, will examine how organizations can move beyond the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and focus on practical applications that generate real business value.
The conference unveiled DigiCon 2026’s tracks, with Track Leads Gino Nacianceno (Innovation), Jordan Santos (Impact), and Denise Haak (Immersive), alongside DigiConX Co-Director Nikki Sunga, sharing the conversations shaping this year’s program.
The Impact track, led by Jordan Santos, will explore purpose-driven campaigns and how organizations can create initiatives that generate meaningful results for communities and society.
Meanwhile, the Immersive track, led by Denise Haak, will focus on experiences that bring brands and audiences closer together through technology, creativity, and cross-sector partnerships.
The program is designed to offer delegates more than keynote presentations, with hands-on workshops, networking sessions, and immersive brand activations that allow attendees to connect with industry peers, creators, and potential partners.
DigiConX takes digital marketing conversations nationwide
One of the major additions to DigiCon 2026 is DigiConX, a nationwide expansion designed to bring digital marketing discussions beyond Metro Manila.
DigiCon 2026 officials (from L to R:) Denise Haak, Avron Fernandez, Gino Nacianceno, Alan Fontanilla, Dale Lopez, Kit Ramos Disini, Raymund Sison, Jordan Santos, Mori Rodriguez, and Rey Tiempo.
DigiConX will feature satellite pop-ups across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through partnerships with organizations, schools, and brands. These activities will include talks, panels, and learning sessions focused on the changing digital marketing landscape.
Rather than functioning solely as a roadshow, DMAP said DigiConX is intended to extend the conference’s reach and give local communities greater opportunities to participate in industry conversations.
The initiative aligns with the broader theme of interoperability by connecting professionals, students, brands, creators, and organizations across different locations and sectors.
Collaboration takes center stage
DMAP Vice President for Internal Affairs and Board Trustees member Kit Ramos Disini said the rapid pace of change in marketing makes collaboration increasingly important. “The pace of change in marketing has never been faster, and no one organization has all the answers.”
She said DigiCon aims to create a space where different parts of the marketing ecosystem can learn from one another and help shape the industry’s future.
DigiCon 2026 Co-Chair Raymund Sison shared the conference’s vision and what attendees can expect from this year’s event.
DigiCon 2026 Co-Chair Raymund Sison similarly said the conference will continue to expand its speaker lineup, activations, and industry partnerships ahead of the October event. “We’re building a conference that reflects the collaborative future we’re asking the industry to embrace.”
For an industry being reshaped by AI, new platforms, changing consumer behavior, and emerging technologies, the focus on collaboration reflects a growing need for organizations to combine expertise rather than operate in silos.
A broader digital marketing ecosystem
The launch of the DigiCon 2026 program comes as digital marketing becomes increasingly connected to technology, data, artificial intelligence, content creation, and customer experience.
For Philippine brands and businesses, these trends are changing how they engage consumers and measure the value of digital campaigns. The conference’s emphasis on practical applications, immersive experiences, and cross-industry partnerships could provide a platform for local organizations to examine how these trends can be applied to their own strategies.
With DigiConX expanding the conversation nationwide, DMAP is also positioning the event as more than a two-day conference. It aims to create a broader network where professionals and communities can exchange ideas and participate in shaping the country’s digital marketing ecosystem.
As DigiCon 2026 moves toward its October gathering, additional speakers, activations, and partnerships are expected to be announced. At its core, the conference’s message is that the next phase of digital marketing will not be defined by technology alone, but by how effectively organizations collaborate, share expertise, and connect ideas across industries.
