Rory Sutherland to host The Blend 2026 evening awards dinner

The internationally acclaimed marketing executive, author, and behavioural science expert Rory Sutherland is set to host the evening awards dinner at The Blend 2026.

Taking place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, the conference will once again bring together more than 500 delegates for a full day of peer-led learning, networking, and industry recognition.

Rory, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and author of the best-selling book Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense, brings a globally recognised perspective on behavioural science, marketing, and human decision-making.

Known for his unconventional thinking and widely shared insights, he has recently gained renewed attention as a viral voice on TikTok and through his long-running “Wiki Man” column for The Spectator.

“It is no exaggeration to say that we are all absolutely thrilled to welcome Rory Sutherland to The Blend this year,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend. “Independent garages operate in an incredibly competitive landscape where it’s easy to fall into the trap of competing solely on price. Rory’s philosophy of ‘psycho-logic’ challenges traditional thinking.

“He will show our community that value isn’t just a number on an invoice, it’s about customer perception, communication, and eliminating the anxiety often associated with vehicle repairs.”