#2 'HUMAN INTELLIGENCE'
24th JUNE 2026
AI has shifted the game. But in the race to embrace new technology, the most powerful tool in the room is still the people in it.Human Intelligence is a conversation exploring two viewpoints: the brand leaders orchestrating AI to do more, and the brand leaders doubling down on human instinct, craft and trust.
Both are winning. The question is knowing which one you are...
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Partners, Sponsors & Attending
JUNE 24th, 18:00
CUPRA MCR
Come to the only senior brand speaker event in the North West to discover how brand shapes success across multiple sectors, platforms & audience acquisition.
Sponsors kindly providing a complimentary bar
Aftershow party access only if registered
REAL CONVERSATION
REAL BRANDS
The tools got smarter. But did the thinking?
Our 2nd event of the year, themed: 'Human Intelligence' explores how AI has shifted the game. Execution is faster, cheaper and more scalable than ever. But that acceleration has done something unexpected: it's made judgment the scarce resource. Taste. Orchestration. Knowing what to make, what to kill, and what only a human should touch.
The best brand leaders right now are operating in two modes. Orchestrating AI to do more with less, and protecting the spaces where human instinct, relationships and creative conviction are the whole point.
Because not every brand leader wants to lead with AI. And not every brand story should. Some of the most compelling work being made right now is a direct product of human craft, human connection and human obsession with getting it right.
Human Intelligence is a conversation about both. Where the technology is genuinely shifting how brand leaders operate, and where the humans are winning precisely because they stayed human.
The taste-maker and strategist is a relationship with a competitive advantage. When everything can be produced, what gets made? When everyone has the same tools, what's the edge?
The signal is human. Always has been.
Want to get involved - Sponsor, Speaker, Panel?
Want to speak at a future OnlyBrands LIVE event?
Email: hello@only-brands.live
Speakers
& Panel
Brands, Platforms, Experts & Content Creators
Michelle is Marketing Director at Aimia Foods, steward of iconic UK brands including Horlicks, Drink Me Chai, and licensed household names Mars, Galaxy and Maltesers. She leads brand strategy across retail, foodservice and out-of-home for one of the North West's most prolific FMCG manufacturers.
Social Media Marketing Specialist and Content Creator - Nick has grown the brand's social presence from the ground up and established himself as its on-screen face and a well-respected content creator in the FMCG space. He's the rare marketer equally at home in a campaign concept and a design file.
Amna translates cutting-edge consumer behaviour research into actionable strategies for brands including McDonald's, Tesco, JD Sports and Very. A global keynote speaker and regular BBC and ITV contributor, she has featured in over 35 primetime retail documentaries and brings rare clarity to the science of why consumers trust, buy and stay loyal.
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A fixture of Manchester’s media, digital and creative scene, leading Reach’s branded content partnership team across the UK, Guy has helped shape the city’s media and cultural landscape for over two decades.
UNCENSORED CONVERSATION
Human intelligence has always been the engine behind great brand work. The judgment, instinct and relationships that no process or platform can manufacture. But in the excitement of a technological revolution, it is the one thing at risk of being taken for granted. Will this be the conversation that puts it back where it belongs?
Two hours packed with actionable strategies, panel, Q&A's and networking that will set you up for commercial success.
IS TECH MISSING THE POINT?
In a world optimised for speed and scale, the human touch and creative instinct that built great brands are getting quietly sidelined. Is the rush to automate actually costing us the thing audiences connect with most?
WHAT'S NEXT?
As AI takes on more of the creative workload, the question isn't whether humans can keep up. It's how they respond, adapt and push back. We explore what the next wave of technology means for brand creativity, and where human imagination goes from here.
STAYING AHEAD
From the big four to the indie disruptors, the technology landscape is moving fast, but so are the humans who know how to use it on their own terms. We look at what it takes to stay sharp, stay relevant and stay distinctly human in a world that keeps accelerating.
Join us
24th June
CUPRA MCR
M2 7LG
Get the insights, opinions and stories on what matters in brand growth.
In person event
Join us at CUPRA City Garage, M2 7LG for an evening of talks, brand strategy sessions, and open conversation with some of the North's biggest brands.
June 24th | 18:00 start
Networking
Get time to connect with other brands and business owners.
Engage with the panel and Q&A.
Timing
June 24th 2026, 18:00pm start. Plan for 2+ hours, with complimentary drinks and networking after. All details will also arrive with your registration confirmation.
Don't miss this
Limited tickets available for this event. Register today.
"AI is here and it's moving faster by the hour. Are we letting the tech rule our creative decisions, or are we ready to play a new role in the creative process?"
Currently this is an in-person event. If you can't make it, contact us and we will strive to get you a comprehensive summary.
June 24th, Central Manchester 17:30 evening session. Running for approx three hours with welcome drinks, networking, panels, speakers and Q&A.
Yes! In-person attendees get dedicated time with speakers and other brands.
17:30, June 24th
CUPRA City Garage Manchester
4-6 St Ann St, Manchester M2 7LG
Yes, In-person capacity is limited and we have a lot of interest in this event, so please register early to secure your spot.
Currently this is an in-person event. If you can't make it, contact us and we will strive to get you a comprehensive summary.
Need more help?
Reach out to us directly with any other questions.
Reach out
Questions about the event or registration?
We're here to help, just reach out.
June 24th 18:00 start
CUPRA City Garage Manchester
4-6 St Ann St, Manchester M2 7LG