AI MEDIA AWARD 2026

Under the guiding theme “Learn. Create. Celebrate.”, the programme spans everything from hands-on knowledge sharing and the recognition of outstanding AI productions to the major stage of the creator economy.

AI Creator Day: Expertise from International First Movers

The AI Creator Day is designed for professionals who want to move beyond experimenting with artificial intelligence and integrate it effectively into professional creative production processes. International AI content creators, filmmakers and industry experts will share practical methods, insights and proven workflows in a series of focused workshops.

The programme covers AI Storytelling, AI Film Production and Social Media Content, as well as AI Music & Sound Design, strategic approaches and technical production workflows. Rather than exploring theoretical visions of the future, the focus is firmly on how generative technologies can already be used today to create content more efficiently, creatively and at a consistently high level of quality.

The announced experts include Gen-AI Director MetaPuppet, who contributed to Coca-Cola’s first AI-generated advertising campaign, screenwriter and dramaturg Mark Wachholz, animation director Cláudio Sá, AI music and sound expert Thomas Foster, and further international specialists. The AI Creator Day is presented in collaboration with SAE Institute Zurich, AMA – AI Media Agency and swissAI.

AI Media Award: An International Stage for the Next Generation of AI Creators

Immediately afterwards, the AI Media Award 2026, now entering its second edition, will place outstanding international AI content productions in the spotlight. The Award positions itself at the intersection of the creative avant-garde and the advertising, media and content industries, showcasing work in which artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the idea, creative process or production.

Projects will be recognised across six categories: AI Advertising, AI Animation, AI Art, AI Fashion, AI Music Clip and AI Narration. The international programme is complemented by the Swiss AI Content Creator Special Award. Submissions remain open until September 13, 2026.

The finalists’ showcase and award ceremony will take place as part of the programme at the Kongresshaus Zurich, giving the emerging AI creator community direct access to an environment of media professionals, creatives and established content creators.

Smile Swiss Influence Award: Where Creators, Brands and Communities Come Together

The Smile Swiss Influence Award provides the overarching setting for the entire event day. From midday onwards, the accompanying Creator & Brands Convention brings companies, creators and industry experts together through keynotes, brand experiences and personal exchange.

In the evening, the spotlight turns to personalities who shape trends, engage communities and help define the future of digital communication. The programme concludes with networking and an afterparty.

Four Perspectives on the Same Transformation

Bringing these four formats together reflects how rapidly the boundaries between traditional media production, artificial intelligence, social media and the creator economy are evolving. Content is being created faster, in new formats and with entirely new technological possibilities. At the same time, strong ideas, quality, individuality and authentic storytelling are becoming more important than ever.

On October 27, 2026, this transformation becomes tangible in one place: learning and exchanging expertise at the AI Creator Day, discovering creative excellence at the AI Media Award, connecting brands and creators at the Creator & Brands Convention, and celebrating the creator economy at the Smile Swiss Influence Award.