Next up in Mindful Kreative’s 2026 Trends Draft Class: PR is running new plays. With evolving audience expectations and the rise of immersive experiences, brands need fresh strategies to keep a winning streak going. These six “routes” highlight the ways PR teams can connect with audiences and build lasting loyalty this year.
Route 1: The league is cracking down on privacy this season. The continued growth of stricter regulations and the emphasis on first-party data collection to inform campaigns has increased. This forces brands to collect data directly from their audiences through owned channels, rather than rely on third-party data brokers who gain information through gathering tools referred to as “cookies.”
Route 2: Interactive and immersive experiences are taking the field. From sensory-driven campaigns to city pop-ups that blend virtual and real worlds, brands are creating highlight-reel moments that stick with audiences long after the final whistle.
Route 3: Loyalty programs and surveys allow brands to collect audience insights, personalize communications, and build lifelong fans. These tools also enable more targeted campaigns that resonate with consumers on an individual level.
Route 4: Shoppable videos and social media posts make it easy for audiences to engage and purchase directly from content. This streamlines the path from engagement to conversion and encourages timely action while audience interest is high.
Route 5: On the storytelling front, the offense is going multi-platform. Knowing audiences engage with content across multiple channels, brands must maintain a cohesive narrative throughout. Highlight videos, podcasts, and interactive experiences should all reflect the same brand voice and messaging.
Route 6: In media relations, the field is evolving beyond email contact. PR pros are connecting with journalists and creators on LinkedIn and Substack. Building those genuine partnerships and media alliances across communications channels means more yardage gained for every campaign.