As we step into 2026, the marketing, technology, and design sectors continue to evolve at an astonishing pace, driven by shifting consumer behaviors and the growing demand for seamless digital experiences.  To help businesses and innovators stay ahead, the Gate 39 team is sharing our top predictions for 2026. Here are the transformative trends and strategies that we believe will define the year ahead.

Allison Bischoff, Director of Marketing: I think people are going to go back to methods that used to work because people are craving nostalgia. More in person events, prospecting on the phone, clients wanting trainings and meetings in person, simpler advertising that plays on nostalgia and the past.

Eduardo Estevez Nunez, DevOps Specialist: Just like I thought for this year, I predict we will continue to see a rise in cybersecurity threats in 2026. Cybercriminals won’t stop, they are more sophisticated every day using artificial intelligence and machine learning. They also target third-party vendors to get access to organizations’ data, and target employees through Social engineering to access sensitive data. Organizations will need to invest more in cybersecurity to monitor and safeguard their assets. They will also need to invest in training employees and senior leaders about cybersecurity threats.

Wendy Rodgers, Marketing Manager: In 2026, authenticity won’t just matter—it will be the thing that separates what people actually  trust from what they just scroll past. With so much AI-generated content flooding every channel, audiences are craving real voices, real stories, real people. The brands that win next year will be the ones willing to pair automation with genuine personality and admit they’re human. Whether it's in design, messaging, or customer experience, authenticity is what will cut through the noise, and it’s quickly becoming a non-negotiable.

John Martello, Senior Developer: I'm doubling down on my prediction from last year. I think hardware prices are going to continue going up and we’re probably going to have another chip shortage. Mostly due to the continued rise of AI and renewed interest in Bitcoin.

Deandra Henahan, Marketing Manager: This is might be a little introspective opinion, but I think people are going to want to be told what to do and in an instant rather than searching or checking facts. AI chatbots are changing the way we think (or not think) and people aren't going to be looking for options but rather than what they want answered and in that moment. I think it will swing the other way in a few years where people won't want to be told what to do but for now in the "height of AI" I think it will be this way for a little bit.

Nick Landsberger, Lead Designer: I predict that mesh gradients are making a comeback, that "grotesque" style fonts will replace a lot of sans serif typefaces, and that we will see a dark website revival, where more websites are going for a darker initial background color to allow for more modern animations, glass-effects, and depth in layouts to shine.

At Gate 39, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these changes, helping businesses thrive in an ever-shifting environment. Let’s discuss how we can help your business prepare for the year ahead.

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