2026 Trends: The Status Playbook, Treat Culture and the Future of Pleasure
Our first event of the new year, join us for future focused inspiration
Join us for our first event of 2026 with a future looking double header exploring new trends
The Status Playbook
Presented by Rosie Tilson-Smith, Director and David Power, Head of Quant, davies+mckerr
The Status Playbook reveals the hidden hierarchy of signals that shape how we perceive, and are perceived by others. Built on rigorous quantitative research, it decodes the markers that elevate status today and exposes the tension between what people admire and what they actually aspire to become. It offers individuals a practical framework to strengthen presence, influence, and credibility, while giving brands a roadmap to help consumers achieve meaningful social elevation in a world where traditional cues have lost power. This talk illuminates the modern status ladder, the rungs that matter, and the strategies to climb them. If you’re setting bold New Year’s resolutions, start here.
Rosie is a quant specialist with over 15 years’ agency-side experience, including roles at Populus and Strive Insight. Now at d+m, Rosie leads large foundational studies across tech, telecoms, FMCG, energy and automotive. With a background in both qual and quant, Rosie is driven by turning insight into action and helping organisations make sharper, future-focused decisions.
Dave is Head of Quant at d+m, having joined the agency in early 2024. Throughout is career Dave has led a number of agency side teams, at both Ninth Seat and Crowd DNA as well as spending a good amount of time working clientside in both Media and Publishing.
Treat Culture and the Future of Pleasure
Presented by Susie Hogarth, Head of Cultural Strategy and Jem Fawcus, CEO, Firefish
Treating ourselves has become a cultural force; not just a moment of indulgence, but a new way people create joy, comfort and meaning in their everyday lives. In this session, we’ll dive into the rise of Treat Culture and why it’s reshaping how we spend, socialise and seek pleasure. We’ll unpack what’s driving this shift, the new mindsets behind it, and how the trend will show up across sectors in 2026, from snacking and beauty to luxury, hospitality, financial services, wellness and beyond. Expect a culture-rich, inspiring session packed with thought-starters for brands looking to tap into this mood.
Susie is a cultural strategist and semiotician who’s spent over a decade helping brands make sense of the world. She’s led cultural strategy teams at Flamingo, We Are Social and now Firefish, partnering with clients like Oreo, Google and adidas. Analytical and imaginative, she believes the best ideas start in culture. Her favourite treat is gratuitiously ordering a single tin of premium margarita on Deliveroo.
Jem is the founder and CEO of Firefish. Whilst that gives him pleasure -most of the time -so does Fly Fishing, Football, and his family (again, most of the time).
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