The ad-tech industry is changing. In the last few years, programmatic ad buying has dramatically altered the way ad sales are done and therefore the landscape of the entire industry. With the introduction of AI technology, another shift is about to be made. In 2017, AppNexus launched ad-buying AI that they have stated will be ready for 2018 campaigns, and IBM unveiled their own Watson Advertising platform which will offer a number of AI products that promise to revolutionize everything from data analysis and media planning to content creation. 2018 will see a seminal shift in the way the ad industry does business, and it is critical to keep current with the latest trends and technology. This list provides a look at some of the best events this year for education, insight, and networking opportunities.
AdExchanger’s Industry Preview
When: January 17th – 18th, 2018
Where: New York City, New York
AdExchanger’s fifth annual Industry Preview promises to be an engaging look at upcoming trends and challenges in the ad tech market in 2018. This year’s topics of discussion span a range of broad issues facing the industry such as creating opportunity in an increasingly oligopolistic market and adapting and innovating in the new technological landscape. The conference also boasts over 50 speakers and plenty of opportunity to network with top industry professionals. Themes presented at Industry Preview promise to echo throughout the year, making it a valuable conference to attend.
Digiday Publishing Summit Europe
When: February 19th – 21st, 2018
Where: Monaco, France
Digiday’s Publishing Summit Europe is all about long-term sustainability in a market dominated by a few power players. The conference provides a platform for European publishers to share their practical strategies for growing revenue in 2018. 20 speakers from leading international publishing and media companies will offer insightful sessions exploring marketing to a younger demographic (many of whom are armed with ad-blockers), adapting from traditional ad revenue models, and embracing AI as it continues to integrate into the ad-tech experience. Executive attendees representing global brands and ample opportunities for networking are built into the agenda. If you’re in Europe (or are looking to travel), check out this conference for insights and suggestions you can apply to your own operations.
Digiday Media Buying Summit
When: March 5th – 7th, 2018
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Media buying has changed as companies have increasingly folded programmatic into their marketing strategies. But while the software has increased efficiency and cost effectiveness, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Digiday’s Media Buying Summit (formerly the Agency Summit) hopes to shine a little light into a tough situation. Sessions during this event focus heavily on education about the latest technology trends (including AI and blockchain), and providing actionable solutions to concerns over quality control, supply chain transparency, and brand safety in an increasingly murky online ecosystem. Take advantage of ample networking opportunities with both speakers and executive attendees representing global marketing brands and agencies.
Digiday Publishing Summit
When: March 21st – 23rd, 2018
Where: Vail, Colorado
A follow-up to the European Publishing Summit with a distinctly American bent, the Digiday Publishing Summit also tackles the theme of building sustainability and the challenges facing advertisers in the North American market. Open collaboration among industry professionals, building and maintaining brand trust, and forward-thinking solutions are key discussion points at this event. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insights that will prove to be invaluable as the digital market continues to grow.
Programmatic I/O
When: April 10th – 11th, 2018 / October 15th – 16th, 2018
Where: San Francisco, California / New York City, New York
Programmatic advertising has been called “the future of ad-buying”, but even as ubiquitous as programmatic seems, it is still a new technology – and one that is able to accommodate rapid innovation. The industry has been challenged to adapt, and AdExchanger’s Programmatic I/O provides a stage for innovators and industry leaders to discuss what that evolution looks like. As we continue into the future of ad tech, it’s critical to gain a firm understanding of how and why programmatic works. Programmatic I/O is an ideal event for industry professionals looking to maximize their programmatic revenue stream in 2018 and beyond.
Digiday AI Marketing Summit
When: April 11th – 13th, 2018
Where: Santa Barbara, California
The integration of AI into digital advertising has been a recurring topic of discussion in 2018, tying in with broader themes of innovation and evolution that we see reverberating in other events this year. The Digiday AI Marketing Summit offers a focused look at the changes and challenges AI brings to the industry. With the reality of AI becoming widely available and its ability to utilize its own learning capabilities to maximize efficiency and relevance, industry insiders should learn as much as they can in order to use it to their advantage. Attend this summit to establish a solid foundation that will allow you to make the most of this up-and-coming tech.
Ops New York
When: June 4th – 5th, 2018
Where: New York City, New York
Ops, presented by AdMonsters, brings together marketing and digital media strategists for a conference focused on ad operations and technology. As with other events this year, at Ops there will be a focus on the impact of programmatic advertising on the marketing world and how to integrate the current trends in programmatic ad buying into an actionable plan for marketing business models. Attend Ops for numerous practical educational sessions in areas such as branded content and creative, next-wave tech, and B2B along with networking opportunities and exclusive insights.
Digital Publishing Innovation Summit
When: July 11th & 12th, 2018
Where: New York, NY
The Digital Publishing Innovation Summit will investigate different strategies to better engage audiences for optimizing revenue streams. More than 40 speakers will address topics including maximizing the reach of third-party publishers and using data to provide engaging ad experiences to consumers. There will also be discussion of how best to adapt to the broad use of ad-blocking technology, and how to maintain and build sustainable market growth. Stay relevant with professional insights from an awesome line-up of highly creative new media industry leaders.
AdMonsters Publisher Forum Austin
When: November 4th – 7th, 2018
Where: Cedar Creek, Texas (that’s right outside of Austin)
AdMonsters Publisher Forum seeks to define the future of digital media. This year their educational sessions tie-in to the overriding themes of stability, connectivity, and innovative evolution seen in other events throughout 2018. Attend this event and take advantage of four days of networking as well as a unique opportunity to speak with event sponsors about your specific challenges.
