Expert Events

Human Connection in the Age of AI: Why Trust and Relationships are Becoming the Ultimate Competitive Advantage

Name: Human Connection in the Age of AI: Why Trust and Relationships are Becoming the Ultimate Competitive Advantage
Start: 2026-07-22T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-07-22T11:30:00+01:00
Location: Virtual

Join Blend and senior marketing leaders from across Europe for a candid discussion on why human connection is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage in an AI-driven world. Through peer exchange and shared experiences, attendees will explore how executive engagement, communities, and relationship-driven growth strategies are helping organizations build trust, influence buying committees, and strengthen customer loyalty at scale.

Virtual

July 22, 2026

to July 22, 2026

10:00 am

- 11:30 am

About this event

As AI transforms marketing through automation, personalisation, and scale, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the more digital the buyer journey becomes, the more valuable human connection becomes.

Join senior marketing leaders from across Europe for a candid discussion on how organizations are building trust, influence, and meaningful relationships in an increasingly automated world. Together, we’ll explore the evolving role of executive engagement, peer-to-peer communities, and relationship-driven growth strategies, as well as why authentic human connection may become the ultimate competitive advantage in modern B2B marketing.

Through peer exchange and shared experiences, attendees will discuss how leading brands are balancing digital efficiency with human engagement, navigating increasingly complex buying committees, and creating lasting relationships that accelerate growth and strengthen customer loyalty.

This conversation isn’t about whether AI will reshape marketing (spoiler alert: it already has). It’s about understanding what becomes more valuable when everything else becomes automated.

Our speakers

Julia Belle

Head of Community - London

Julia is a broadcaster, political commentator, corporate event host and business trainer. She has been covering news, current affairs and entertainment for BBC Three for three years and before this she featured weekly on BBC 5 Live – discussing the newspaper headlines and the latest breaking news.

She hosted a BBC election show, diving into key voter topics, as well as a TED Talk titled “The Secret to Being Right” which was instantly selected amongst TED’s “Editor’s Picks.”

She has interviewed some of the most influential figures in politics and business, on a range of topics from general elections to generative AI.

She runs the London community of Blend as well as the members’ exclusive Blend Book Club, interviewing prolific business authors and sharing key learnings from a range of titles covering topics like leadership, negotiation, DEI, productivity and handling difficult issues.

Steve Gee

CEO & Co-Founder | Blend

As Co-founder and CEO, Steve brings a wealth of experience in both entrepreneurship and executive leadership, fueling Blend’s mission to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation among its members helping them to break down silos and unlock the power of cognitive diversity.

With a background rooted in business strategy, events and technology, Steve is deeply passionate about harnessing the power of community to elevate individual and organizational success. His strategic insights, coupled with a relentless dedication to fostering meaningful connections, have helped propel Blend as the premier destination for executives from enterprise seeking to expand their networks and amplify their impact.

Steve’s leadership philosophy is centered on the belief that true success is achieved through collective empowerment and shared knowledge. Under his guidance, Blend has evolved into a vibrant membership ecosystem where executives from diverse industries come together to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Prior to co-founding Blend, Steve held key leadership roles in the events and technology sector, where he honed his skills in building high-performing teams and driving transformative change.

Blend is poised to redefine the future of executive networking and development, providing a membership platform where leaders can thrive, connect, and shape the future of business together.

Key themes & discussion topics

Human Connection in an AI-Driven World
Exploring how trust, relationships, and authentic engagement are becoming critical differentiators as AI transforms marketing and sales.

Executive Influence and Peer Networks
Examining the growing role of executive communities, peer-to-peer learning, and trusted relationships in shaping business decisions.

Engaging Complex Buying Committees
Discussing strategies for building meaningful connections across increasingly diverse and influential stakeholder groups.

The Evolving Role of Marketing and Growth
Understanding how marketers are balancing AI-driven efficiency with human-led experiences to drive engagement, loyalty, and long-term growth.

Event agenda

Welcome remarks

10:00 – 10:15 AM

Guided group discussion

10:15 – 11:15 AM

Closing thought & group reflection

11:15 – 11:30 AM

Why should you attend?

Hear how senior marketing leaders are balancing AI-driven efficiency with relationship-driven growth in today’s evolving landscape.

Learn how leading organizations are strengthening credibility, influence, and engagement with increasingly discerning buyers.

Discover how communities, peer networks, and executive relationships are shaping decision-making and business outcomes.

Exchange ideas and real-world experiences with fellow marketing and revenue leaders facing similar opportunities and obstacles.

Who should attend

This roundtable is designed for senior marketing and revenue leaders responsible for driving growth, pipeline creation, customer engagement, and account expansion.

The session will be particularly valuable for leaders exploring how executive engagement, communities, field marketing, and live experiences fit into an increasingly AI-driven go-to-market strategy.

Venue

Virtual

N/A

Apply to participate