Over 140K attendees gathered at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year to define the innovations that will reshape brands and boardrooms in the months to come. Whether you attended and need a quick refresher or are staying updated from afar, we’ve got you covered with an easy-to-digest deck summarizing the key trends and insights.
Here are some of the biggest themes shaping 2025:
AI moves from novelty to necessity. In 2023, it was “AI Wow.” In 2024, “AI How.” Now, 2025 is all about “AI Now”—the seamless integration of AI into everyday life and business. It’s no longer about flashy demos; AI is driving real outcomes by automating repetitive tasks, accelerating production timelines, and delivering actionable audience insights.
Frictionless ecosystems will define customer loyalty. By embedding AI across touchpoints—like personalized recommendations, predictive support, and responsive smart devices—brands can create experiences that not only meet but anticipate customer needs. The result? Trust and loyalty built through effortless, connected interactions.
Wellness tech opens new doors for engagement. Health-focused wearables and lifestyle devices are creating opportunities for brands to position themselves as partners in consumers’ daily lives. Whether it’s promoting wellness goals or enhancing convenience, these technologies offer fresh ways to connect meaningfully.
Our CES recap dives deeper into how AI and tech trends are reshaping the way brands engage, innovate, and build trust in 2025.
(Photo above: “AI-Powered Transformation: Reimagine the Creative Enterprise” with Henry Cowling, Chief Innovation Officer, Monks; Jimmie Stone, VP, Global Head of Creative Shop, Meta; and Bianca Pryor, Director of Data Science for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA.)
How Trust and AI Are Reshaping Customer Engagement
Coming out of CES, one theme is clear: successful brands in 2025 will be those that build trust. As consumers grow more skeptical of shallow transactions, they’re demanding genuine connection and transparency. Are you creating spaces where your audience feels valued and understood? Are you blending human empathy with technology to foster deeper relationships?
AI is set to play a key role in this shift. From personalized shopping assistants that automate routine purchases to AI-powered brand ambassadors engaging directly with customers, technology is enabling brands to scale authenticity. But trust goes beyond tools—success will depend on using these innovations to create meaningful, human experiences. Real-Time Brands solve this need by harnessing data and agile processes to create content that’s not only relevant but deeply resonant—turning every interaction into an opportunity for connection.
These are just a few of the 25 key insights shaping the year ahead identified by our team of cross-disciplinary Monks. Regarding trust, Asahi Ruiz, our EVP, Global Head of Strategy & Planning, notes that the most impactful brands in 2025 will move beyond transactions to create spaces where communities thrive on authentic engagement. In an era of growing consumer skepticism, trust will become the ultimate currency.
This evolution calls for a balanced approach—combining human empathy with scalable technology to build loyalty and credibility. By leveraging AI-powered tools to personalize experiences while maintaining transparency, brands can foster deeper, trust-driven connections with their audiences.
The Future of Fan Experiences Takes the Stadium
In an era of fragmented media consumption, sports remains a rare unifier—captivating audiences at scale and driving cultural moments that transcend traditional boundaries. “Fandom today is less about legacy and more about shared values, emotional connection and entertainment,” says Jordan Cuddy, our Global EVP of Experience. And as consumer habits continue to evolve, sports offer brands unparalleled opportunities to engage fans in dynamic and meaningful ways.
The ultimate chance to witness cutting-edge fan experiences—featuring AI, immersive venue activations, and more—takes the stage at the biggest event in American football on February 9. Join Monks Technology Services in the days ahead to discover how industry leaders are harnessing AI and innovative strategies to redefine the future of sports content.
Feb 6: FanDuel’s VP of TV & Content, Avi Kumar, takes you behind the scenes, sharing industry insights and exclusive details on how FanDuel is covering the Big Game. From cutting-edge tech to strategic storytelling, this conversation dives into the innovations shaping the future of sports content.
Feb 8: Twelve Labs CEO, Jae Lee, goes all-in on AI-powered video analysis and monetization of content as it relates to the National Football League. Get an exclusive look at how Twelve Labs' advanced video search technology is revolutionizing production workflows and unlocking new opportunities for storytellers.
The Last Word
From Content to Connection: How to Build Thriving Communities
png.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=Monks-logo-light%20(1)png.png){kind=logo}
