Nick Bryant to open RESET 2026 with a global lens on disruption and trust    

Published AANA

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) today announced acclaimed journalist, author and global affairs commentator Nick Bryant will open RESET 2026: Growth Through Disruption, Australia’s premier conference for marketing leaders.

Presented in partnership with ThinkNewsBrands, Bryant will set the scene for the day by examining the geopolitical, economic and societal forces reshaping business, culture and public trust, and what they mean for Australian brands and marketers.

Nick Bryant is one of the most compelling voices on global politics, democracy and the media. He became regarded as one of the BBC’s finest foreign correspondents and has reported from the frontlines of political upheaval and social change for almost three decades. Drawing on deep experience across Washington, New York, South Asia and Australia, Bryant brings a powerful perspective on trust, leadership and what it takes for societies to navigate uncertainty.

Together with a panel of notable Australian journalists Nick will explore how global events are reshaping markets, institutions and consumer behaviour, helping marketers better understand the environment in which brands must operate and grow.

AANA CEO, Josh Faulks, said the opening session reflects the purpose of RESET 2026: helping marketers understand the forces reshaping the world so they can respond with confidence and clarity.
“Marketers are operating in a world of disruption and constant change, shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, rapid advances in AI and technology, and shifting consumer expectations. But, you can’t prepare for disruption until you understand it.

That’s why we’re bringing Nick Bryant to the RESET stage. He’ll help marketers make sense of the global forces shaping business, society and culture, giving our audience the broader context they need before we turn to the practical ideas and strategies that will help build resilience and drive growth.”

ThinkNewsBrands CEO Vanessa Lyons said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping marketers understand the role trusted media plays in navigating complexity.

“ThinkNewsBrands welcomed the opportunity to work with AANA RESET to have an important conversation about the kind of society we want Australia to be.

At a time when media, marketing and culture all feel more fragmented than ever, there’s a real opportunity, and responsibility, for all of us to help strengthen social cohesion and support a healthy democracy.
The conference theme of Growth Through Disruption couldn’t be more relevant. Trust has never been more important, or more fragile, and people are increasingly turning to trusted news and journalism to help make sense of the world around them.”

RESET’s World-class speaker lineup
Bryant will join a world-class RESET 2026 lineup of speakers focused on helping Australia’s marketing leaders lead through change and grow through disruption, including:
• Rory Sutherland – one of the world’s leading voices on behavioural science, creativity and marketing effectiveness.
• Raja Rajamannar – former Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and one of the world’s most influential marketing innovators.
• Dr Catherine Ball – futurist, social architect and AI leader helping organisations understand and adapt to technological transformation.

RESET’s Partners
Sharing AANA’s vison of growth through disruption, RESET 2026 is powered by an exceptional lineup of industry partners, including:
• Presenting Partner: ThinkNewsBrands;
• Platinum Sponsors: DoubleVerify, Ogilvy, Omnicom Oceania and News Australia
• Gold Sponsors: Commercial Radio Australia and The Research Agency; and
• Silver Sponsors: Google, Uber Advertising and Val Morgan.

Fewer than 150 tickets remain for RESET 2026.
Tickets are available at: https://aana.com.au/reset-2026/

About Reset

RESET is AANA’s flagship conference for marketing leaders, bringing together more than 600 senior marketers, business leaders and global thinkers for a day of ideas, insight and inspiration. With AI reshaping business, consumer expectations shifting and marketers under pressure to prove impact, RESET has become one of Australia’s most important forums for exploring the ideas, capabilities and leadership required to drive growth in a changing world.

About AANA

The Australian Association of National Advertisers is Australia’s leading marketing industry body, dedicated to shaping a trusted, sustainable marketing industry that drives business growth. AANA champions responsible, innovative and effective marketing, providing leadership, advocacy and professional development for Australia’s marketing community.

Media Enquiries
Ant Gattari
0424 151 545
ant@aana.com.au