The Marketing Society Member Emma Isaac attended Anthropy 2026. Here she shares her thoughts on this important event.
Business, government, civil society, academia, the arts, young leaders and community voices all came together for Anthropy UK 2026 at the Eden Project in Cornwall - it was such a privilege to be a part of it.
Five key takeaways for me
A national strategy is emerging - and it starts with a shared dialogue
The National Strategy Project officially launched at Anthropy 2026, aiming to create a national conversation, a single coherent vision and a plan for how we deliver it. What stood out for me was the intent to think beyond short-term pressures, focusing instead on the kind of sustained, long-term change the country really needs to gain the focus and positive momentum it deserves.
Trust underpins national renewal and responsible innovation
Whether in institutions or in technology, trust is earned through transparency, delivery and responsible data practices. Building trust through consistent action is essential - not just for AI adoption, but for confidence in a shared national future.
AI can transform national productivity and growth - if inclusion keeps pace
AI is transformative, but only if everyone has the skills to use it. Without universal access to digital skills, it risks widening inequality rather than reducing it.
Place based collaboration is where strategy turns into outcomes
The most powerful examples I heard were where organisations align around real human needs, empowering local ecosystems and valuing lived experience and community insight as core to long term change rather than treating civil society as a delivery arm.
The conversation we can’t ignore: boys and young men
One of the most striking discussions focused on the growing challenges facing young men - a lack of belonging, identity and purpose, often filled by unhealthy online influences. The takeaway wasn’t blame - it was responsibility. Young men don’t need “fixing” - they need connection, role models, opportunity and consistent support. And if we don’t address this, the long-term social and economic consequences will be significant.
Beyond the provocative content and the spirited debate, it was a joy to catch up with the great and the good - many from our industry - to share what we’d learned and plot how to channel the best of Anthropy beyond the biomes…
