Observed Signal · Sep 14, 2026 · Interviews & Commentary · Source: Meedia · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
VOK DAMS' Schmidt-Ott: AI era boosts demand for real-world events
In an interview with Meedia, Dr. Anja Schmidt-Ott of VOK DAMS Strategy & Consulting discusses the growing importance of real-world events in the AI age. She argues that the flood of AI-generated content and digital fatigue are increasing the desire for authentic in-person experiences. Schmidt-Ott highlights the use of AI, specifically 'digital doppelgangers' (behavioral simulation models based on around 39 variables), to tailor event formats to different audience segments. These GPT-based models simulate attendee behavior to optimize event design, training, and communication. She emphasizes that while AI helps prepare and personalize, it cannot replace the trust and credibility built through physical gatherings, forecasting a rise in event budgets and the significance of live formats in the communication mix.
Insightful commentary on the intersection of AI and experiential marketing, highlighting a strategic shift towards in-person events. Relevant for agencies and brands but not a major industry-shifting announcement.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- VOK DAMS hires Dr. Anja Schmidt-Ott for strategy and consulting, focusing on change communication.
- Schmidt-Ott utilizes behavioral simulation models ('digital doppelgangers') built as GPTs for event planning.
- The models use around 39 variables to simulate typical event behaviors and identify dominant audience types.
- Schmidt-Ott predicts that real-world events will become more important and more frequent in 2026.
- She suggests that AI-generated content is increasing the desire for authentic in-person experiences.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Dr. Anja Schmidt-Ott joins VOK DAMS Strategy & Consulting to strengthen the team.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
In-Person Events Boost Trust in AI-Saturated Market
In an AI-saturated market, in-person connection is becoming a key differentiator for marketers. A July 2026 Cvent study found that 85% of marketers say AI-generated content has made it harder to build audience trust, and 81% report increased brand trust after in-person events. Raptive's own September 2026 survey of 3,083 U.S. consumers showed that only 42% trusted AI-generated answers without a source, rising to 75.4% when the answer came from a trusted creator or expert. Raptive doubled its event schedule in 2026, hosting workshops, retreats, and executive experiences to foster trust and gain insights. The article outlines strategies for successful events, including designing for depth, listening actively, measuring outcomes, and leveraging hospitality. It emphasizes that in an era of abundant AI-generated content, human interaction and genuine connection provide a competitive advantage.
BDA Creative: AI reshapes entertainment marketing
In an interview with DWDL.de, Marc Strotmann and Benjamin Kerneck, Managing Partners of BDA Creative, discuss the evolving landscape of on-air promotion for TV and streaming content. They note increased market consolidation, such as the RTL-Sky merger, and the normalization of AI in creative workflows. AI now handles routine tasks like production scheduling and rights management, saving days of preparation time. However, they caution about the risk of homogenized content and 'AI fatigue' among audiences, where even genuine content may be questioned. They emphasize the ongoing importance of strong concepts and the 'thumbstopper' effect in trailers, and predict a shift towards more targeted, single-highlight promotions with increased transparency demands.
Face-to-Face Experiences Build Trust in an AI Era
Sophie Taylor of George P. Johnson argues that as AI lowers the barrier to creating synthetic content, trust becomes a scarce competitive advantage for brands. Citing the Freeman Trust Report 2023, she notes that 77% of enterprise buyers trust a brand more after face-to-face experiences and many distrust AI-generated content. Live events and unscripted interactions allow buyers to interrogate experts, validate claims, and experience authenticity that digital channels struggle to deliver. Taylor uses Oracle’s AI Live activation at London Tech Week as an example of how real-world dialogue with engineers produced stronger buyer conviction than polished digital promotion.
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