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INBOUND 2024: AI, personalisation, and future growth

Inbound Conference 2024
Inbound Conference 2024

INBOUND 2024

HubSpot Breeze AI

AI in Marketing

Business Growth

Personalisation Trends

Written by:

3 min read

Updated on: November 14, 2024

Toni Hukkanen

Head of Design

Creative Direction, Brand Direction

Toni Hukkanen

Head of Design

Creative Direction, Brand Direction

Attending INBOUND 2024 felt less like a standard conference and more like a futuristic festival for business-savvy innovators. Hosted at Boston’s Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18–20 September, it attracted nearly 12,000 marketing, sales, and customer experience experts, all searching for the next big thing. 

A major shift this year was HubSpot’s introduction of paid ticketing, which made the event even more of a magnet for those who were serious about learning and contributing. Rather than wanderers simply browsing stands, attendees were fully engaged in every workshop and breakout session, tossing ideas around like confetti. The result? A crowd of equally driven professionals, all eager to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible in today’s fast-changing business world.

Attending INBOUND 2024 felt less like a standard conference and more like a futuristic festival for business-savvy innovators. Hosted at Boston’s Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18–20 September, it attracted nearly 12,000 marketing, sales, and customer experience experts, all searching for the next big thing. 

A major shift this year was HubSpot’s introduction of paid ticketing, which made the event even more of a magnet for those who were serious about learning and contributing. Rather than wanderers simply browsing stands, attendees were fully engaged in every workshop and breakout session, tossing ideas around like confetti. The result? A crowd of equally driven professionals, all eager to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible in today’s fast-changing business world.

Keynote moments: Big ideas, straight talk

Keynote moments: Big ideas, straight talk

INBOUND 2024 didn’t waste any time. The schedule featured a diverse group of speakers, each committed to sharing firsthand insights rather than generic buzzwords. Tech entrepreneur Kara Swisher took the stage first, spotlighting AI’s fierce development pace. Known for her blunt approach, she emphasised that AI can truly accelerate progress but also presents real pitfalls if rushed or misused. Her bottom line? Embrace the advantages but keep people at the centre of every decision and stay alert for unintended outcomes. Other speakers reinforced this theme, making it clear that while technology opens doors, a solid moral compass matters just as much.

Inspiring insights from INBOUND 2024 keynotes

The Ryan Reynolds touch on storytelling

Another highlight was Ryan Reynolds, whose transition from Hollywood actor to advertising entrepreneur has provided a unique point of view on brand storytelling. He stressed that AI can extend your reach, but it won’t magically solve stale messaging. Connecting emotionally remains key, and he urged brands to find their distinct voice before worrying about flashy tools. That perspective resonated with those feeling overwhelmed by talk of automation. It was a reminder that a thoughtful narrative still has power. While data and algorithms can point you in a promising direction, real engagement often comes down to honest, human storytelling.

INBOUND 2024 didn’t waste any time. The schedule featured a diverse group of speakers, each committed to sharing firsthand insights rather than generic buzzwords. Tech entrepreneur Kara Swisher took the stage first, spotlighting AI’s fierce development pace. Known for her blunt approach, she emphasised that AI can truly accelerate progress but also presents real pitfalls if rushed or misused. Her bottom line? Embrace the advantages but keep people at the centre of every decision and stay alert for unintended outcomes. Other speakers reinforced this theme, making it clear that while technology opens doors, a solid moral compass matters just as much.

Inspiring insights from INBOUND 2024 keynotes

The Ryan Reynolds touch on storytelling

Another highlight was Ryan Reynolds, whose transition from Hollywood actor to advertising entrepreneur has provided a unique point of view on brand storytelling. He stressed that AI can extend your reach, but it won’t magically solve stale messaging. Connecting emotionally remains key, and he urged brands to find their distinct voice before worrying about flashy tools. That perspective resonated with those feeling overwhelmed by talk of automation. It was a reminder that a thoughtful narrative still has power. While data and algorithms can point you in a promising direction, real engagement often comes down to honest, human storytelling.

Introducing HubSpot’s breeze AI suite

One of the biggest surprises at INBOUND 2024 was the public debut of HubSpot’s Breeze AI Suite. For those burdened by repetitive admin tasks, this suite promises a smoother workflow. It combines several AI-driven features, each designed to reduce busywork and keep projects moving. Below are the key components that captured everyone’s attention.

1. Breeze Copilot

Breeze Copilot acts as an always-ready helper for your CRM chores. It uses AI to draft email responses, summarise customer comments, and set up meeting requests in a snap. During live demos, it handled these tasks far more quickly than most teams could manage manually. By relieving staff from nitty-gritty details, it frees them to focus on creative problem-solving and real-time decision-making.

2. Breeze Agents

Breeze Agents is the next piece in the AI puzzle, covering automated lead generation, social monitoring, and customer support interactions. Its customisable approach allows marketing or sales teams to adapt the system according to their preferences, rather than following a rigid blueprint. The result is an environment where automation enhances personal connections, instead of feeling cold or standardised.

3. Breeze Intelligence

Breeze Intelligence sifts through a wealth of buyer data, revealing timely insights that can improve lead conversions. HubSpot mentioned tapping into information from over 200 million user profiles, turning raw data into strategic nudges for sales or marketing campaigns. It essentially becomes your guiding star when choosing which tactics to deploy. In an age of noise, having concrete numbers to back decisions can be a major relief.

One of the biggest surprises at INBOUND 2024 was the public debut of HubSpot’s Breeze AI Suite. For those burdened by repetitive admin tasks, this suite promises a smoother workflow. It combines several AI-driven features, each designed to reduce busywork and keep projects moving. Below are the key components that captured everyone’s attention.

1. Breeze Copilot

Breeze Copilot acts as an always-ready helper for your CRM chores. It uses AI to draft email responses, summarise customer comments, and set up meeting requests in a snap. During live demos, it handled these tasks far more quickly than most teams could manage manually. By relieving staff from nitty-gritty details, it frees them to focus on creative problem-solving and real-time decision-making.

2. Breeze Agents

Breeze Agents is the next piece in the AI puzzle, covering automated lead generation, social monitoring, and customer support interactions. Its customisable approach allows marketing or sales teams to adapt the system according to their preferences, rather than following a rigid blueprint. The result is an environment where automation enhances personal connections, instead of feeling cold or standardised.

3. Breeze Intelligence

Breeze Intelligence sifts through a wealth of buyer data, revealing timely insights that can improve lead conversions. HubSpot mentioned tapping into information from over 200 million user profiles, turning raw data into strategic nudges for sales or marketing campaigns. It essentially becomes your guiding star when choosing which tactics to deploy. In an age of noise, having concrete numbers to back decisions can be a major relief.

Access to analytics for all businesses

HubSpot also announced a big shift in how they handle data access. In the past, advanced data tools were gated behind Operations Enterprise accounts. This time around, Professional-level subscribers are invited to use them, too. It’s a significant step for smaller or mid-sized companies that crave deeper metrics without the hefty bill.
Teams aiming to refine their decision-making can now tap into more detailed reports and insights. That means fewer blind spots and more effective strategies. It’s not about letting large-scale corporations have all the data-driven fun, this release broadens the playing field so that any growing organisation can act based on robust stats. In the grand scheme, it’s a fresh take on inclusive progress for analytics access.

Access to analytics for all businesses

HubSpot also announced a big shift in how they handle data access. In the past, advanced data tools were gated behind Operations Enterprise accounts. This time around, Professional-level subscribers are invited to use them, too. It’s a significant step for smaller or mid-sized companies that crave deeper metrics without the hefty bill.
Teams aiming to refine their decision-making can now tap into more detailed reports and insights. That means fewer blind spots and more effective strategies. It’s not about letting large-scale corporations have all the data-driven fun, this release broadens the playing field so that any growing organisation can act based on robust stats. In the grand scheme, it’s a fresh take on inclusive progress for analytics access.

Access to analytics for all businesses

AI-First marketing session with Dane Vahey of OpenAI

OpenAI’s Dane Vahey led a session dedicated to an “AI-first” approach to marketing. He wasn’t talking about using chatbots to churn out copy but rather to reimagine entire campaigns around data-driven adaptability. By blending creative flair with real-time insights, brands can respond faster to user behaviour and refine messages on the fly.

The overarching idea is that AI shouldn’t just be a small add-on for scheduling posts or generating product descriptions. Instead, it could be the framework for a strategy that evolves in sync with consumer actions. Attendees were keen on this prospect of flexible campaigns—ones that learn from every click or comment. In essence, Vahey suggested shifting focus from sporadic automation to a comprehensive AI-guided mindset.

AI-First marketing session with Dane Vahey of OpenAI

OpenAI’s Dane Vahey led a session dedicated to an “AI-first” approach to marketing. He wasn’t talking about using chatbots to churn out copy but rather to reimagine entire campaigns around data-driven adaptability. By blending creative flair with real-time insights, brands can respond faster to user behaviour and refine messages on the fly.

The overarching idea is that AI shouldn’t just be a small add-on for scheduling posts or generating product descriptions. Instead, it could be the framework for a strategy that evolves in sync with consumer actions. Attendees were keen on this prospect of flexible campaigns—ones that learn from every click or comment. In essence, Vahey suggested shifting focus from sporadic automation to a comprehensive AI-guided mindset.

AI-First marketing session with Dane Vahey of OpenAI

Customisation for CRM

HubSpot also touched on fresh possibilities for teams looking to personalise their CRM environment. App cards, courtesy of UI extensions, allow developers to incorporate external data right inside HubSpot. No more juggling multiple dashboards or toggling between tabs to fetch numbers from different platforms.

This update offers a more personalised structure for marketing and sales workflows. For instance, if you rely on a specialised project management system, you can pull in the relevant data directly, all while keeping the HubSpot interface intact. According to presenters, the ultimate benefit is a more cohesive user experience, staff can see the complete picture in one place, enabling them to engage leads or track conversions without losing momentum between separate tools.

HubSpot also touched on fresh possibilities for teams looking to personalise their CRM environment. App cards, courtesy of UI extensions, allow developers to incorporate external data right inside HubSpot. No more juggling multiple dashboards or toggling between tabs to fetch numbers from different platforms.

This update offers a more personalised structure for marketing and sales workflows. For instance, if you rely on a specialised project management system, you can pull in the relevant data directly, all while keeping the HubSpot interface intact. According to presenters, the ultimate benefit is a more cohesive user experience, staff can see the complete picture in one place, enabling them to engage leads or track conversions without losing momentum between separate tools.

Hands-on labs, debates, and networking

Of course, INBOUND 2024 wasn’t just about passively soaking up talks. HubSpot set up labs so attendees could test-drive the latest features like Breeze AI. There were also lively debates on controversial topics such as privacy and ethical automation. These weren’t your typical sessions; they encouraged a back-and-forth dialogue that forced us to weigh different viewpoints. This was a refreshing change from the usual one-sided presentation format.

As for networking, Boston’s Seaport offered the ideal atmosphere for forging meaningful contacts. Think casual lounges rather than stuffy conference halls, helping participants have open, in-depth chats with each other. It was the sort of environment where you could easily pivot from discussing tech specs to swapping entrepreneurial war stories.

INBOUND 2024: Hands-on labs, debates, and networking

Of course, INBOUND 2024 wasn’t just about passively soaking up talks. HubSpot set up labs so attendees could test-drive the latest features like Breeze AI. There were also lively debates on controversial topics such as privacy and ethical automation. These weren’t your typical sessions; they encouraged a back-and-forth dialogue that forced us to weigh different viewpoints. This was a refreshing change from the usual one-sided presentation format.

As for networking, Boston’s Seaport offered the ideal atmosphere for forging meaningful contacts. Think casual lounges rather than stuffy conference halls, helping participants have open, in-depth chats with each other. It was the sort of environment where you could easily pivot from discussing tech specs to swapping entrepreneurial war stories.

INBOUND 2024: Hands-on labs, debates, and networking

Feedback from attendees

Participants consistently highlighted the blend of tech advances and ethical responsibility as a main talking point. It wasn’t just about chasing the latest feature but there was real effort to ask whether certain AI uses made sense for society. The Breeze AI Suite dominated conversations, with many eager to try it as soon as possible.

Several marketing leads praised the frank discussions on where AI can realistically help now, as opposed to fancy but far-off projections. That down-to-earth view of emerging technology seemed to strike a chord. Ultimately, professionals left with concrete tactics they could employ right away, along with a broader sense of how to remain human in an age leaning heavily on automation. For many, that balance was the true highlight of INBOUND 2024.

Participants consistently highlighted the blend of tech advances and ethical responsibility as a main talking point. It wasn’t just about chasing the latest feature but there was real effort to ask whether certain AI uses made sense for society. The Breeze AI Suite dominated conversations, with many eager to try it as soon as possible.

Several marketing leads praised the frank discussions on where AI can realistically help now, as opposed to fancy but far-off projections. That down-to-earth view of emerging technology seemed to strike a chord. Ultimately, professionals left with concrete tactics they could employ right away, along with a broader sense of how to remain human in an age leaning heavily on automation. For many, that balance was the true highlight of INBOUND 2024.

Final thoughts

HubSpot has struck the perfect balance between next-gen technology and a user-first, moral approach. Their Breeze AI offerings promise to reshape how we handle customer interactions and streamline operational tasks, proving that AI, when handled correctly, can spark immense positivity for businesses.

It’s hard not to feel excited about what might unfold at INBOUND 2025. Based on this year’s performance, HubSpot will likely continue to push boundaries, equipping brands with smarter tools and deeper insights for a more integrated, sustainable way of doing business. And if 2024 is any indication, there’s plenty to look forward to.

HubSpot has struck the perfect balance between next-gen technology and a user-first, moral approach. Their Breeze AI offerings promise to reshape how we handle customer interactions and streamline operational tasks, proving that AI, when handled correctly, can spark immense positivity for businesses.

It’s hard not to feel excited about what might unfold at INBOUND 2025. Based on this year’s performance, HubSpot will likely continue to push boundaries, equipping brands with smarter tools and deeper insights for a more integrated, sustainable way of doing business. And if 2024 is any indication, there’s plenty to look forward to.

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Work with us

Click to copy

work@for.co

  • FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.

We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs

Click to copy

Helsinki, FIN

info@for.fi

Click to copy

New York, NY

ny@for.co

Click to copy

Miami, FL

mia@for.co

Click to copy

Dubai, UAE

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Click to copy

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Copyright © 2024 FOR®

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Work with us

Click to copy

work@for.co

We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs

Click to copy

Helsinki, FIN

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Click to copy

New York, NY

ny@for.co

Click to copy

Miami, FL

mia@for.co

Click to copy

Dubai, UAE

uae@for.co

Click to copy

Kyiv, UA

kyiv@for.co

Click to copy

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Copyright © 2024 FOR®

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