Interactive Sessions @ ICI’s 2026 Conference – Still in Demand or Outdated?

Some might claim that interactive, onsite sessions have reached the end of their shelf life. After all, we live (and learn) in a digital environment where “remote” has become the new normal. Enthusiasts of technology point to AI‑enabled tools and virtual collaboration platforms that promise to raise the efficiency of meetings to new heights.

 

But is that really the full story?

At the ICI 2026 Conference, we deliberately tested a wide range of formats: from traditional in‑person presentations to remote workshop participation. Yet, the clear standout – and the most praised element by participants – were the interactive team sessions.

 

 One group. One mission. One flow. 

Equipped with nothing more than whiteboards and simple cardboards to collect and cluster ideas on the wall, teams dove into real challenges. The low‑tech setting created space for high dynamics: intense discussion, visible thinking, and a shared sense of progress. Participants spoke enthusiastically about the energy in the room, the quality of the dialogue and the way ideas emerged and evolved together.

A key success factor: everyone could contribute, but nobody was forced to. This open, inclusive format encouraged diverse perspectives without putting anyone “on the spot”. As a result, the sessions combined psychological safety with intellectual rigor – precisely what is needed to advance Competitive and Marketing Intelligence in practice.

The lesson from our 2026 Conference is clear: interactive sessions are anything but outdated. When thoughtfully designed, they complement digital learning and AI‑enabled tools by unlocking something technology alone cannot deliver – genuine human collaboration, co‑creation and momentum.

Low tech, high dynamics: that was the winning formula of this conference segment and a powerful example of how ICI blends innovation with what truly works in real‑world CI practice.