SPARK LIVE 2026 - Highlights and Key Takeaways

Optimize Once, Win Everywhere.

SPARK Live 2026 brought together leading brands and industry experts to explore how AI is reshaping search and content discovery.

From SEO to AEO and beyond, the event highlighted how a unified strategy can maximise visibility, performance, and impact across every digital touch.

Event Cities Certifications Edgie Awards

San Francisco

New York

San Francisco

Hyatt Regency, San Francisco

5 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111

San Francisco agenda overview

March 10, 2026 | Full day event (9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)

01 9:30 - 10:00 AM Registration

02 10:00 - 11:00 AM Opening keynote & Product keynote

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Customer panel discussion featuring 3-4 customer speakers (panelists to be announced)

04 12:00 - 01:00 PM Lunch & Networking

01:00 - 04:00 PM

Breakout sessions: Certifications & hands-on demos (includes a break)

06 04:00 - 05:00 PM Live Edgie Awards Ceremony

07 04:45 - 06:00 PM Reception with Networking

New York

Jay Conference Bryant Park - Conference Center NYC 

109 W 39th St 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10018

New York agenda overview

March 12, 2026 | Full day event (9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)

01 9:30 - 10:00 AM Registration

02 10:00 - 11:00 AM Opening keynote & Product keynote

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Customer panel discussion featuring 3-4 customer speakers (panelists to be announced)

04 12:00 - 01:00 PM Lunch & Networking

01:00 - 04:00 PM

Breakout sessions: Certifications & hands-on demos (includes a break)

06 04:00 - 05:00 PM Live Edgie Awards Ceremony

07 04:45 - 06:00 PM Reception with Networking

Featured speakers

Hear from BrightEdge customers, industry experts, and executives who are redefining what is possible with AI search and SEO.

Leslie Edwards Global SEO Manager

Joseph Page SEO Manager

Sari Elzweig Director, SEO & AI Discoverability
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Chris Philp VP SEO Lead

Brad Neelan Global Head of Search & AI-Powered Digital Media

Ander Frischer SEO and AEO Lead
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Kari Beaulieu Group Product Manager (SEO)
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Jim Yu CEO

Lemuel Park CTO

Angela Renahan Senior Manager

Ran Van Riper Chief Customer Officer

Michelle Maret Customer Success Manager

Access your BrightEdge SPARK Live Certifications

Participants of SPARK Live 2026 can download their certifications and showcase their achievements.

How to Download Your Certificate

Log In

Click

Click on "Get Certified"

Achievements

Click on "Achievements" in the top banner of the training system page

Download

To get a PDF version of your certificate, go to the "Certificates" section and click on "Download" to the right of the course name. Share your achievement

Showcase

You can also showcase your certification on LinkedIn by accessing the Badge Showcase section and clicking the share icon below your badge

Key Takeaways

Opening Keynote: The Shift to AI-Driven Search

The day opened with a clear message – AI agents are already reshaping how users discover content. As search evolves, brands that adapt quickly will gain a measurable competitive edge.

Product Keynote: Innovation with Real Impact

We introduced AI Hypercube, Share of Voice V2, and AI Agent Insights – new capabilities designed to give marketers a clearer, more actionable view of performance in AI-driven search environments.

Product Deep Dive: From Insight to Execution

Through real-world workflows and use cases, attendees saw how these innovations translate into action – enabling smarter content decisions, improved visibility, and stronger performance outcomes. .

Certification Program: Building Future-Ready Teams

Hands-on certification sessions equipped attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to scale success in an AI-first search landscape.

Edgie Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Action

The event concluded by recognizing teams and individuals driving innovation and measurable impact across digital and search performance.

Networking: Where Conversation Drives Opportunity

From structured discussions to organic interactions, SPARK created space for meaningful connections, idea exchange, and collaboration.

What our Attendees are Saying

BrightEdge Spark 2026 was an incredibly valuable experience for our team at Gusto. The conference brought together forward-thinking leaders across search and AI, and provided actionable insights on how the landscape is evolving with LLMs and AEO. We especially appreciated the opportunity to share our work and learn from peers across leading brands. Being recognized with an Edgie Award in the Innovator category made the experience even more meaningful. Kudos to the BrightEdge team for hosting a well-organized, high-impact event -- we’re excited to continue partnering and pushing the boundaries of search innovation.  

Gusto CEO, TechCorp

Several of our clients use Brightedge and we were so glad to attend the event to help understand how to leverage the tool to its full capacity and help the clients stay at the top of their respective industries.

A Marketing Agency

Breakouts and Certifications

SPARK Live attendees the opportunity to choose how they invest their time through certification-based learning, breakout sessions, or a combination of both.

BrightEdge Certifications

Certifications at SPARK Live help practitioners build hands-on expertise across SEO, content, and AI-driven search (AEO) using the BrightEdge platform. This year marks the first introduction of an AI-focused certification, designed to prepare customers to use BrightEdge AI-powered platform capabilities.

BrightEdge AI Certificate

Build a strong foundation in AI-powered search, visibility, and performance using the BrightEdge Platform. Ideal for marketers evolving SEO and content strategies for AI-driven discovery.

BrightEdge AI Advanced Certificate

Dive deeper into advanced AEO and SEO frameworks, real-world applications, and strategic execution of AI across search and digital channels using BrightEdge. Designed for experienced practitioners leading AI initiatives.

Ask Me Anything & Customer Success Sessions

Join interactive, open-format sessions with BrightEdge experts and the Customer Success team. Bring your questions, explore real-world challenges, and get practical guidance on using BrightEdge more effectively across SEO, content, and AI-driven search.

*More details will be shared closer to the event.

BrightEdge AI Search Summit, Melbourne

Why attend?

Learn how AI is reshaping search and what winning strategies look like in 2026
Hear real customer stories and proven strategies driving measurable growth
Build practical skills through hands-on workshops and training
Connect with 200+ SEO and digital marketing leaders facing the same challenges

Melbourne

BrightEdge AI Search Summit, London

BrightEdge AI Search Summit, Melbourne

London

London

Registration is now closed

Thank you for the strong interest in BrightEdge SPARK Live 2026. Registration for both the San Francisco and New York events is now closed.

If you have already registered, please confirm your attendance and select your breakout session using the links below.

The confirmation form also allows you to share any dietary restrictions so we can plan accordingly.

For any additional queries, please contact event_planning@brightedge.com.

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Confirm your attendance and choose your breakout session

SAN FRANCISCO

Date: March 10, 2026

Location: Hyatt Regency, San Francisco

CONFIRM SAN FRANCISCO ATTENDANCE

NEW YORK

Date: March 12, 2026

Location: Jay Conference, Near Bryant Park, New York

CONFIRM NEW YORK ATTENDANCE

Already registered? Please complete the confirmation form above to select your breakout session and share any dietary restrictions.

If breakout sessions are not selected in advance, seating for certification sessions may not be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

SPARK Live is BrightEdge’s in-person event for SEO and digital marketing leaders. It brings together industry experts, customers, and BrightEdge executives for a full day focused on AI search, strategy, and hands-on learning.

SPARK Live is designed for SEO, digital marketing, and growth leaders who want practical insight into AI-driven search, performance strategy, and the future of organic visibility.

Dates & Locations

SPARK Live 2026 takes place in two cities:

San Francisco – March 10, 2026 at Hyatt Regency
New York City – March 12, 2026 at Jay Conference, Bryant Park

Yes. Attendees may register for one or both locations, subject to availability.

Registration & Attendance

Registration is subject to approval. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is approved.

No. SPARK Live 2026 is free for approved, registered attendees. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.

SPARK Live is open to BrightEdge customers and invited marketing leaders. You can save your spot by visiting the registration link on the BrightEdge SPARK Live event page. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

If your plans change, please update your registration or notify the BrightEdge events team.

Each attendee must register individually. Guest attendance is subject to availability and approval.

Agenda & Sessions

Attendees can expect keynotes on AI search evolution and BrightEdge’s 2026 product vision, hands-on certifications and practical technical workshops, the BrightEdge Edgie Awards celebrating SEO and marketing excellence, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

The agenda is subject to change. Final session details and speakers will be shared with registered attendees.

The core agenda will be consistent across locations, with some variation in panel speakers and sessions.

Check-in opens in the morning. We recommend arriving by 9:30 AM to allow time for registration before the opening keynote.

SPARK Live is designed as an in-person experience to encourage direct connection and discussion. Sessions will not be recorded. That said, select materials may be shared with attendees after the event.

Breakouts & Certifications

Details on breakout sessions and certifications will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event.

No advance preparation is required. Details will be shared ahead of time with registered attendees.

Edgie Awards

The Edgie Awards recognize excellence in SEO and digital marketing, celebrating innovative programs and measurable impact.

Logistics & Onsite Experience

SPARK Live is a full-day event, with programming running from approximately 9:30 AM through early evening. Registered attendees will receive detailed information about the venue, location, event schedule, parking, and other logistics to help you plan your visit.

Yes. Registered attendees will receive event logistics including agenda timing, venue details, parking guidance, and planning information closer to the event.

Parking options vary by location. Parking and public transit recommendations will be shared with registered attendees.

Coat check availability will vary by venue. Details will be shared closer to the event.

Lunch, coffee breaks and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available for attendees.

Power availability will vary by room. Attendees are encouraged to bring charged devices.

Accessibility & Safety

Yes. Both venues are ADA-compliant. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact the events team in advance.

Yes. Attendees will be able to note dietary needs during registration.

Venue security and safety protocols will be in place throughout the event.

Support & Contact

For additional questions, contact event_planning@brightedge.com.