PHOENIX — Branded Merch Network (BMN) has announced three panel discussions for Automate & Elevate 2026, a free online summit exploring how artificial intelligence and automation are delivering practical business results across the decorated-apparel, print and promotional products industries.
Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1-2:30 p.m. EST, the event will feature industry professionals discussing real-world AI applications, operational efficiencies, customer experiences and emerging business opportunities.
“We’ve spent plenty of time talking about what AI can do. Now we want to hear what it’s actually doing for businesses,” said Jay Busselle, co-founder of Branded Merch Network. “That’s why we’ve brought together people who are putting these technologies to work.”
Three Panels Explore Practical AI Applications
The summit’s first discussion, “From Experiments to Results,” will examine where AI and automation are producing measurable business outcomes. Panelists will share real-world applications, lessons learned and examples of how companies are putting the technology to work.
Participants include Dane Clement of STAHLS’, Jake Krolick of ASI, Davis Slagle of BeeGraphix and Rick Molenaar of FastEditor. Busselle will moderate the discussion.
The second panel, “From Efficiency to Opportunity,” will explore how businesses can build on AI-driven productivity improvements to enhance customer experiences, expand capabilities and identify new opportunities for growth.
Panelists include Ali Banholzer of Wear Your Spirit/Shirt Lab, Brian Badillo of Mind Fire and Jesse Freeby of Custom Corvallis. Marshall Atkinson will moderate.
The final discussion, “When AI Becomes Part of the Work,” will examine how artificial intelligence may reshape daily operations, customer service and business planning while maintaining the importance of human judgment and expertise.
Eric Granata of PromoPilot and Kavish Soningra of AltOps will participate alongside other industry representatives, with Busselle serving as moderator.
Free Online Summit Scheduled for Nov. 12
Automate & Elevate 2026 is designed to connect industry professionals interested in moving beyond AI experimentation toward practical implementation.
The discussions will address how companies can evaluate AI tools, apply automation to everyday workflows and identify opportunities to improve their operations.
The summit is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1-2:30 p.m. EST. Attendance is free, and registration is open.
For additional information, visit Branded Merch Network.
