MTM Forum: Breaking Through the Sea of Sameness — Building Brands and Driving Growth in an AI-Powered World
Hosted by Marketers That Matter & Canva on Sept 10, 2026 (virtual participation is also available)
Location
Canva Offices
Overview
AI is rapidly changing marketing and creating a sea of sameness. Content can be created faster, campaigns can be optimized more efficiently, and brands have access to tools and capabilities that were unimaginable just a few years ago. As AI becomes more accessible, however, a new challenge is emerging: when everyone has access to similar technology, what truly differentiates a brand?
Hosted by Marketers That Matter and Dana Marineau, CMO of Canva, this MTM Forum will bring together leading CMOs to explore how companies are building brands that stand apart in an increasingly crowded and AI-enabled marketplace. From category creation and brand transformation to global growth, customer trust, and AI-powered operations, these leaders will share how they are balancing innovation with discipline to create meaningful competitive advantage and lasting customer connection.
Designed for marketers of all levels, this Forum will blend strategic perspective with practical lessons that attendees can apply immediately.
During this Forum, you’ll hear about:
Building brands that stand out in an AI-powered marketplace
How marketing leaders are creating distinctive brand experiences, emotional connection, and customer trust when technology is making it easier than ever for competitors to replicate tactics, content, and campaigns.
Creating and shaping categories
How challenger brands are redefining customer expectations, disrupting established industries, and building lasting competitive advantage beyond traditional market boundaries.
Scaling creativity and content without sacrificing quality
How leading organizations are using AI, technology, and new operating models to accelerate creation, localization, and personalization while maintaining strong brand standards.
Designing the marketing organization of the future
How CMOs are evolving team structures, workflows, and capabilities to combine human creativity, strategic thinking, customer insight, and AI-enabled execution.
Lessons from the top: career pivots and leadership decisions
Real-world perspectives from senior leaders on navigating change, making pivotal decisions, and evolving as a marketing leader.
Agenda:
- 2:00 – 2:30 — Arrivals/Networking
- 2:30 – 3:45 — Panel discussion
- 3:45 – 4:15 — Speaker-Led Breakout Discussions
- 4:20 – 4:30 — Wrap Up / Final Thoughts
- 4:30 – 5:30 — Social Hour
Speakers:
- Dana Marineau, CMO, Canva
- David Corns, CMO, Turo
- Kristy LoRusso, SVP, CMO, Kaiser Permanente
- Kathy Hollenhorst, Chief Community Officer, Marketers That Matter (moderator)
