Taipei, Taiwan: Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing marketing, but the growing availability of automated tools is also prompting businesses to reconsider the role of human creativity, empathy, and curiosity in brand building. Against this backdrop, DigiAsia 2026 will take place from October 28–29 in Taipei under the theme “Heartificial Intelligent Marketing,” bringing together digital marketing, creative, technology, and business leaders to examine how AI and human capabilities can work together. 

Organized by the Taipei Association of Advertising Agencies and authorized by the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations, DigiAsia has operated as a biennial digital and creative industries congress in Taipei since 2014. The 2026 edition will focus on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human-centered marketing through three themes: Creativity, Empathy, and Curiosity. 

The first day will focus on AI and creativity, examining how organizations can use AI as a collaborative partner rather than simply an automation tool. Sessions will explore creativity, human-AI collaboration, industrial intelligence, customer engagement, reputation, and AI agents working with large datasets. Speakers include senior representatives from dentsu, FoxBrain, LINE Taiwan, LinkedIn, Sunway University, and other technology and marketing organizations. 

The second day will shift attention toward AI and empathy, examining how technology can support stronger brand relationships while maintaining human-centered experiences. Topics include human-centered AI, brand value, agentic AI transformation, digital trust, fraud prevention, marketing transformation, geofencing, and AI-powered information services. 

Brand engagement will be an important part of this conversation. As AI becomes capable of generating content, analyzing audiences, and automating marketing activities, organizations are increasingly required to determine where human judgment adds value. The event's “Heartificial” concept positions emotional connection and human understanding alongside technological efficiency, rather than treating them as competing priorities. 

The event will also explore the changing role of AI agents within marketing operations. Businesses are beginning to consider autonomous systems for tasks such as data analysis, audience intelligence, campaign support, and decision-making. DigiAsia's program will examine these developments alongside questions about creativity, trust, accountability, and the continued importance of human direction.

Curiosity will provide a further dimension to the event through an industry and cultural experience planned for October 30. The program is intended to expose participants to Taipei's industry, innovation, and culture while connecting the broader marketing community with emerging ideas and commercial opportunities. 

Networking will complement the conference sessions through welcome and gala dinners, luncheons, and a dedicated networking party. These activities will provide opportunities for participants from across Asia and international markets to develop relationships and exchange perspectives beyond the formal conference program. 

DigiAsia 2026 will feature more than 20 keynote presentations, two focus discussions, four AI showcases and multiple networking activities. The event's program demonstrates the increasing intersection between marketing technology, AI, creative industries, digital media, and business strategy. 

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in marketing workflows, organizations will need to balance automation and efficiency with creativity, emotional intelligence, and authentic customer relationships. DigiAsia 2026 will provide a platform for examining how these capabilities can coexist and how human-centered thinking can influence the next generation of marketing technology.

MarTech Outlook highlights technologies and strategies transforming marketing, advertising, customer engagement, and digital business. Through coverage of DigiAsia 2026, the publication continues to examine how AI, marketing technology, human-centered innovation, and creative intelligence are reshaping the future of digital marketing across Asia.