The convergence of artificial intelligence, marketing, and enterprise strategy is no longer a theoretical debate held in boardrooms; it is a tangible, evolving reality. This October 13–15, the epicenter of this transformation will be Cleveland, Ohio, as the Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference (MAICON) 2026 returns to host the brightest minds in the industry.
While the keynote stages and breakout sessions offer deep dives into the mechanics of AI integration, this year’s conference aims to bridge the gap between static presentation and dynamic, real-time dialogue. For the second consecutive year, the MAICON Podcast Studio—powered by the production expertise of Evergreen Podcasts—will serve as a central hub for discourse. Eight of the most influential podcasts in the technology and marketing sectors will record live from the show floor, turning the conference venue into a broadcast studio that captures the industry’s most pressing questions in real time.
The Evolution of the MAICON Podcast Studio
In a digital landscape often saturated with polished, post-produced content, the live podcast experience offers something rare: authenticity. By placing industry leaders behind the microphone in front of a live audience, MAICON provides attendees with a "behind-the-curtain" view of how thought leaders process the rapid shifts in AI.
“The conversation doesn’t stop when a keynote ends,” says Cathy McPhillips, Chief Marketing Officer at the Marketing AI Institute and SmarterX. “By bringing these podcasts to the live stage, we are creating a bridge between the big-picture ideas shared on stage and the granular, practical applications discussed by these show hosts. It’s an opportunity for attendees to witness the intellectual labor of industry experts as they break down the news, debate the ethics, and navigate the future of business.”
The presence of the studio is not merely a logistical feature; it is an immersive educational component. Whether attendees are sitting in the front row of the studio or tuning in from their desks across the globe, they are invited to participate in a high-level masterclass that spans two days of intense, focused conversation.
A Chronological Guide to the Live Broadcasts
The schedule for MAICON 2026 has been carefully curated to ensure that every facet of the AI ecosystem—from higher education to revenue operations—is represented.
Day 1: October 14, 2026 – The Foundation of AI Strategy
The first day of live recordings focuses on the foundational shifts occurring within marketing departments and agency management.
- 7:30 a.m. – Marketing AI Sparkcast: Hosted by Aby Varma, this opening session is designed for the "AI-savvy" marketer. The conversation aims to move beyond buzzwords, focusing on how leaders are deploying AI in real-world environments to drive innovation.
- 10:35 a.m. – Build a Better Agency: Drew McLellan of the Agency Management Institute takes the stage to address the unique challenges faced by agency owners. This session promises actionable, tactical advice meant to be implemented immediately upon returning to the office.
- 12:20 p.m. – In-Ear Insights: Christopher Penn and Katie Robbert are known for their "no-fluff" approach. In a fast-paced 30-minute segment, the duo will tackle complex business questions, providing a comprehensive resource suite—including transcripts and data—for attendees to take home.
- 3:40 p.m. – The Artificial Intelligence Show: Closing out the first day, Paul Roetzer and Mike Kaput will synthesize the day’s developments. As the industry’s go-to for breaking news, this session will focus on the macro-trends that will define the next quarter for businesses.
Day 2: October 15, 2026 – Scaling and Operational Excellence
The second day shifts toward the integration of AI within institutional and organizational workflows, focusing on long-term sustainability.
- 7:30 a.m. – AI for U: Host Brian Piper kicks off the morning by addressing the specific needs of higher education. This session explores how AI can streamline administrative processes and improve the student experience.
- 10:35 a.m. – The Agile Brand: Greg Kihlström brings his expertise in customer experience and martech to the fore. Featuring insights from industry titans like Adobe and Salesforce, this session provides a blueprint for building a brand that remains agile in an AI-first world.
- 11:45 a.m. – Pretty Funny Business: Hosts Sydney Mulligan and Lauren Aquilino offer a necessary change of pace. This session explores the intersection of marketing, revenue operations, and the human side of running a business—reminding the audience that even in the age of algorithms, business is inherently human.
- 12:40 p.m. – AI Marketing Companion: Sandy Carter, a globally recognized tech leader, concludes the broadcast schedule. Her deep dives with industry experts offer a glimpse into the strategic thinking required to lead an organization through a digital transformation.
Supporting Data and Industry Context
The popularity of these podcasts reflects a larger trend in professional development: the shift toward "just-in-time" learning. According to recent surveys by the Marketing AI Institute, over 70% of marketers identify a lack of time as the primary barrier to AI adoption. By curating 20–30 minute, high-density audio segments, MAICON is addressing this pain point, providing leaders with the ability to consume complex information during their commutes or during short gaps in their workday.
The partnership with Evergreen Podcasts underscores the professional standard of these recordings. By providing a broadcast-quality environment on the show floor, MAICON ensures that the "live" aspect does not compromise the quality of the information, resulting in a product that remains valuable for listeners long after the conference concludes.
Official Perspectives: The Future of AI Discourse
The ethos of the MAICON Podcast Studio is rooted in the belief that knowledge should be democratized. When asked about the importance of these sessions, organizers emphasize the need for transparency.
"AI is moving too fast for traditional white papers or static training modules," notes a spokesperson for the event. "The podcast format allows for a level of transparency and vulnerability that you don’t get in a keynote slide deck. When you hear an agency owner talk about the mistakes they made while implementing a new AI tool, or a CMO describe the challenges of change management, that is where the real value lies. We are recording the ‘lessons learned’ in real time."
This sentiment is echoed by the speakers themselves. Many of the featured hosts have noted that the live studio environment forces a level of precision and clarity that is sharpened by the energy of a physical audience.
Implications for the Modern Business Leader
The implications of these sessions extend far beyond the three-day event in Cleveland. For the attendee, the value is two-fold: immediate education and long-term networking.
1. Moving from Experimentation to Impact
The primary goal of MAICON 2026 is to move the industry from the "experimentation phase" to "real-world impact." The podcasts scheduled for this year focus heavily on this transition. By highlighting case studies—such as how a higher education institution uses AI to improve student retention or how a Fortune 500 company integrates AI into their MarTech stack—the podcasts provide a roadmap for leaders to follow.
2. The Cultural Shift in Leadership
The inclusion of shows like Pretty Funny Business highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of AI adoption: culture. As organizations integrate more automation, the "human" element of the brand becomes a competitive differentiator. These conversations at MAICON emphasize that while AI can handle the data, the strategy, ethics, and emotional intelligence must remain firmly in the hands of the leadership team.
3. A Curated Knowledge Base
For those unable to attend in person, the conference serves as a massive content engine. The "resource suites" offered by shows like In-Ear Insights transform a standard podcast episode into a comprehensive educational tool. This ensures that the knowledge shared in Cleveland is accessible to a global audience, effectively democratizing access to top-tier AI strategy.
How to Engage with the Conversation
Whether you are a seasoned CMO, an agency owner, or an educator, the MAICON 2026 podcast lineup offers a diverse set of perspectives.
- For In-Person Attendees: The MAICON Podcast Studio is located on the main show floor. Attendees are encouraged to stop by to witness the recordings, meet the hosts, and—in many cases—participate in Q&A segments that follow the main recording.
- For Remote Listeners: Each of the eight shows mentioned will release their MAICON-recorded episodes shortly after the conference. It is recommended that listeners subscribe to these channels now to receive notifications the moment the live episodes drop.
As we look toward the future, the dialogue surrounding artificial intelligence will continue to evolve. Events like MAICON are not just conferences; they are recording the history of a technological revolution. By capturing these voices in the heart of Cleveland, the Marketing AI Institute is ensuring that the industry’s most critical conversations are not just happening—they are being heard, analyzed, and applied by the leaders shaping the future of business.
To join the conversation and secure your place at the forefront of the AI movement, register for MAICON 2026 today. The future is being written in Cleveland—and for the first time, you can listen to every word.
