CMO Summit, July 2026

ThinkNewsBrands CEO Vanessa Lyons joined Australia’s leading marketing executives at the 2026 CMO Summit by Marcus Evans, sharing insights on why trust has become a critical factor in building stronger brands and driving commercial outcomes.

Held on the Gold Coast, the invitation-only CMO Summit brought together senior marketing leaders to discuss the challenges shaping the future of marketing, including AI, digital transformation, customer experience, brand credibility and delivering measurable business impact.

As part of the summit’s focus on brand credibility in the digital age, Vanessa explored how the rapid growth of digital content and increasing concerns around misinformation are changing the way consumers engage with brands and media.

In her keynote presentation, Vanessa highlighted why trust should not be viewed as a soft marketing metric, but as a commercial multiplier that can influence attention, confidence and consumer behaviour.

ThinkNewsBrands’ News Nation research found that 85% of Australians have greater confidence in brands they encounter in trusted news environments, reinforcing the role credible media environments play in helping brands connect with audiences.

Vanessa also challenged marketers to review the role automated brand safety tools and keyword blocklists play in campaign decisions, highlighting the importance of balancing brand protection with the opportunity to reach engaged audiences through trusted journalism.

The session reinforced a key message for marketers: in a rapidly evolving media landscape, credibility and trust are powerful drivers of brand growth.

The 2026 CMO Summit provided a valuable platform for senior marketing leaders to exchange perspectives, challenge thinking and explore the opportunities shaping the future of the industry. From emerging technologies to the evolving role of trust and credibility, the event highlighted the importance of building stronger connections between brands and audiences.