INBOUND Blog

At INBOUND this year, one theme was impossible to miss: AI is everywhere. It’s dominated every headline, boardroom, and conference stage. Expectations are sky-high. But when you look closer, the reality is complicated. At the event, I spoke with business leaders who were stuck between two extremes. Some are waiting to “see how it all pans out,” and others are exhausted from juggling dozens of disconnected AI tools. Different approaches, same result: not enough real progress. That’s the gap we need to close. AI isn’t just about POCs or slick demos. It’s about how humans and AI work together to help businesses grow.

If you spend any time on YouTube watching tech reviews, chances are you’ve stumbled across a video by Marques Brownlee—better known as MKBHD. With nearly 2,000 videos, millions of subscribers, and a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in tech, Marques has built an empire by doing one simple thing: telling the truth. At INBOUND 2025, HubSpot’s CMO Kipp Bodnar sat down with Marques to unpack exactly how he’s built that trust, what it takes to stand out in a crowded digital world, and why audience-first thinking always wins.

If you’ve ever heard Dharmesh Shah (co-founder and CTO, HubSpot) speak, you know t o expect three things: sharp insights, dad jokes, and a whole lot of heart. His INBOUND 2025 session delivered all of that and more. From explaining large language models in plain English to offering a simple framework for bringing AI into our teams, Shah made one thing clear: working with AI is about unlocking the best version of ourselves.

In an industry where everyone is chasing certainty, Amy Poehler reminded us that some of the best decisions are made in the unknown. At INBOUND 2025, the actress and founder of Paper Kite Productions joined Dr. Maya Shankar (cognitive scientist and podcast creator) to explore how improv, collaboration, and creative risk-taking can lead to more resilient teams and more meaningful work.

This year, for the first time ever, INBOUND went West. We brought our full community of builders, marketers, founders, and creators to San Francisco where new zones, stages, and fresh energy created an event experience unlike any other INBOUND. If you were there, you know it was something special. If you weren’t? Don’t worry. We’ll see you back in Boston next September 16–18, 2026. Tickets go back on sale December 1; sign up below to be first in line:

In case your algorithm didn't serve up these gems (we see you, mysterious feed gods), here's your monthly roundup of INBOUND content that got our community double-tapping, sharing, and sparking conversations. Check out what made waves this month!

INBOUND 2025 is coming in hot and this year’s sponsor activations are all about unforgettable experiences and the perfect blend of fun with strategy. From courtside demos to breezy beach lounges, these custom activations are sure to add some delight and discovery to your week at INBOUND. Ready to dive in?

This year, INBOUND comes to San Francisco—the global epicenter of startups, AI, and venture capital. For founders and startup teams, that means more direct access to investors, operators, and partners who understand the startup journey and can help accelerate yours. As a founder, your time is your most valuable resource. To make the most of your three days in San Francisco, here’s your playbook for where to spend your time.

There’s a lot to love about San Francisco—its layered history, iconic neighborhoods, creative energy, and distinctively walkable streets. As INBOUND makes its mark on the city this year, we’re excited for you to experience it all up close. Whether you're walking from your hotel to the Moscone Center, grabbing dinner with fellow attendees, or carving out time to explore after sessions, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you feel confident and comfortable as you move through the city. Here’s what to know, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time here.

What do rooftop views, tarot readings, curated dinners, and ping pong battles have in common? You’ll find them at some of the after-hours and ancillary events happening across San Francisco once each day’s INBOUND programming ends. From curated happy hours to all-out afterparties, our partners and sponsors are hosting unique events designed to help you connect in more relaxed, memorable settings. And this year, your INBOUND badge unlocks even more—with the “Show Your Badge” promotion, you’ll score exclusive discounts at select San Francisco restaurants, attractions, and shops throughout the week. Check out some of the can’t-miss events happening September 2–4, and start planning your after-hours INBOUND experience.

Every year, INBOUND delivers big on ideas, innovation, and conversations that shape what’s next in the business, tech, and AI. At the center of it all is HubSpot Spotlight: our biggest product moment of the year (and the only INBOUND 2025 session that will be livestreamed). No matter where you're tuning in from across the globe, this is your front-row seat to the future of HubSpot. Subscribe to HubSpot’s YouTube channel now and sign up for livestream notifications.

So, you’re heading to INBOUND solo? Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re tenth, going it alone can be a game-changer for your professional journey. Traveling to San Francisco by yourself is an opportunity to experience INBOUND in a way that’s completely tailored to you—but we get it, flying solo can be a little daunting, so we’re offering some tips and resources to help you connect, learn, and thrive on your own.