Google CEO Lunch 2026:
AI Mode, Google Ads and ChatGPT Ads in Practice

On September 24, 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming a select group of marketing and business leaders to Berlin, in partnership with Google.

The event focused on how artificial intelligence is transforming search, user behavior, and digital advertising, and how companies can start preparing for these developments today.

Our colleague Karina Nikolova kicked off the session with her presentation "When AI Sells". Using concrete, real-world examples, she demonstrated how Google Ads is changing through AI, why data quality and automation are becoming increasingly vital, and what role new solutions like AI Max, Performance Max, Demand Gen, along with a smart CRM and data strategy, will play in the future.

Following that, Phil Schallermeir from Google shared exciting insights into the evolution of the Google Ads ecosystem and the strategic importance of AI for the future of digital marketing.

We then opened up the floor to discuss:

• The impact of AI Mode on search behavior and customer journeys

• New opportunities through AI-powered campaigns

• The role of first-party data, tracking, and CRM systems

• Visibility in search engines and AI systems

• Opportunities for new ad formats in AI-generated answers

• The demands placed on marketing organizations in the age of AI

The open discussion with the attendees was particularly valuable. Many companies are currently facing the same questions: How does AI change digital visibility? What impact does this have on Google Ads? And how can marketing and sales teams make the most of these new possibilities?

We would like to extend our warm thanks to all our guests and to Google for hosting this event with us and for the fascinating conversations.