DEPT® Unveils Exclusive Private Network for Senior Digital Decision-Makers

2026-02-05 digital

Amsterdam, Thursday 5 February 2026
DEPT® and The Marketing Society launch the Future Club, an invitation-only community where senior executives confidentially pressure-test strategies on AI and growth before wider industry adoption.

Moving Beyond Performative Thought Leadership

In a strategic pivot away from the public spectacle of standard industry panels, DEPT® announced the launch of the Future Club on 4 February 2026 [4]. Developed in partnership with The Marketing Society, this invitation-only network is engineered to provide a confidential environment where senior marketing and technology leaders can ‘pressure-test’ decisions regarding growth and operating models [2][4]. The initiative explicitly rejects the ‘noise of performative thought leadership’ in favour of closed-door discussions, allowing executives to validate strategies with peers months before these shifts become visible across the broader digital economy [6]. This approach addresses a critical gap in the market: while public forums often focus on hype, decision-makers require a secure space to discuss the trade-offs involved in digitalising legacy industries and scaling software infrastructure [2][4].

Navigating the AI and SaaS Landscape

The club’s agenda is rigorously focused on the practicalities of the current technological revolution rather than theoretical forecasting. Key topics for the initial cohort include Large Language Model (LLM) driven discoverability, the implementation of AI-native workflows, and the evolution of new service models [2][3]. For leaders in sectors such as SaaS, Fintech, and Cybersecurity, these discussions are vital for distinguishing between fleeting trends and genuine transformation [4]. Jack Williams, SVP of Growth for EMEA at DEPT®, notes that while Artificial Intelligence is shifting the landscape, there remains a significant gap between experimentation and actual operational transformation [4]. The Future Club aims to close this gap by connecting leaders who are actively reshaping their organisations’ technological foundations [2].

Strategic Innovation Amidst Volatility

The formation of this community comes at a time when economic volatility is accelerating the need for precise innovation. Williams argues that standing still during uncertain times is ‘risky’ rather than conservative, suggesting that organisations that rethink their models and test new approaches are the ones that find pathways to growth when budgets tighten [4]. This insight is particularly pertinent for the digital economy, where fragmented data and tools often hinder the ability to prove impact quickly [4]. By facilitating off-the-record candour, the Future Club enables executives to navigate the complexities of software scalability and digital integration without the scrutiny of the public eye [4][6].

Global Infrastructure for Local Dialogue

While the network is global in scope, its operational structure is designed to foster intimate, high-level exchange. Members are granted exclusive access to DEPT® hubs in major financial and creative capitals, including Amsterdam, New York, London, and Berlin [2][7]. Furthermore, the community’s schedule is synchronised with key industry moments—such as CES, Cannes Lions, OMR, and Shoptalk—to maximise the value of peer-to-peer interactions [3][7]. Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society, emphasises that this collaboration is built for ‘marketers who mean business’, aiming to facilitate the deep connections and insights necessary to determine the future direction of the industry [2][3]. Membership remains strictly selective to ensure the calibre of dialogue remains high [5].

Sources & Ecosystem Partners

Executive Networking Digital Strategy