Social Media Trends for 2026: What Matters, What’s Noise, and What’s Next

Social is shifting faster than it has in years. Platforms are evolving, audiences are behaving differently, and the rules we relied on just 12 months ago feel a lot less reliable today. At the same time, brands are navigating new pressures around trust, content quality, community building and the role social should play inside businesses.

In this session, Arik Hanson will break down the forces reshaping social in 2026 — what’s fading, what’s emerging, and where the real opportunities lie for marketers and communicators. You’ll walk away with a clearer view of the landscape, practical ideas you can apply immediately and a better sense of how to navigate this period of massive change.

About Arik:

Arik Hanson is a social media marketing consultant who has advised 80+ of the most recognizable brands in the Twin Cities and beyond — including 3M, Dairy Queen, Cargill, Sleep Number and Mall of America. Over the last 17+ years, he has built a practice focused on social media audits and strategy, social content strategy, executive social, and training/coaching for teams navigating today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.

Arik also publishes a popular Substack focused on social media marketing trends, runs two peer mastermind groups for social media and comms pros, and teaches a social media marketing class at the University of St. Thomas. Known for his practical, approachable style, he’s been a supporter of the Social Media Breakfast community from the very first meeting in Key’s Cafe 17 years ago.

Schedule

8:00 am - Networking/Coffee & Breakfast (bagels, cream cheese, & bacon)

8:25 am - Welcome/Announcements

8:30 am - Presentation