Date: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
Time: 1-2:30 p.m. ET
Format: Live online
PHOENIX — Branded Merch Network (BMN) has announced the return of Automate & Elevate, an online educational event focused on helping promotional-products, print and apparel professionals understand and apply artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies.
Automate & Elevate 2026 will take place Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1-2:30 p.m. ET. The 90-minute event is free to attend and will bring together industry organizations, technology companies and practitioners to examine where AI and automation are already having an impact on businesses.
Practical AI and Automation Take Center Stage
Rather than focusing broadly on emerging technology, this year’s program will emphasize practical applications businesses can use to improve workflows, increase efficiency, support decision-making and create better customer experiences.
“AI is moving incredibly fast, but most businesses don’t need more hype or another long list of tools,” says Jay Busselle, co-founder of Branded Merch Network. “They need practical examples, trusted voices and a clearer understanding of where these technologies can actually make a difference.”
The program will combine industry education with real-world applications, demonstrations and panel discussions featuring professionals currently putting AI and automation to work.
Industry Partners Join Automate & Elevate 2026
Technology partners include PromoPilot, AltOps and FastEditor, while The 2 Regular Guys will return as hosts. Additional speakers and programming details are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
The event builds on the inaugural Automate & Elevate held in 2025, which attracted 269 registrations from across the promotional-products, print and apparel industries.
BMN recently reported that nearly three-quarters of respondents associated with the 2025 event were already using ChatGPT, while participants also reported using tools spanning image generation, workflow automation, research, coding, sales prospecting and data visualization.
