AdTechGod Pod

Dave Simon, Vice President of Sales at Viant, shares his journey from media buyer to a key player in programmatic advertising. He discusses the challenges the industry faced during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for adaptability. The conversation dives into how AI and connected TV (CTV) are revolutionizing advertising, highlighting the importance of identity and privacy in a cookie-less world. Dave also stresses the significance of human connections in ad tech and the continuous learning required to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.

David Cohen, CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), joins AdTechGod to wrap up the 2025 IAB ALM event in Palm Desert. We discuss the highlights of the conference, including the potential for a national data privacy law, the creative revival driven by generative AI, and the rise of multiple identity solutions. You’ll also find out why sustainability and DEI are more critical than ever and learn how the IAB is helping marketers tackle today’s toughest privacy challenges. Finally, David shares where the next IAB ALM gatherings will be held, so you can start planning.TakeawaysAI is fundamentally changing media buying and measurement.The advertising industry must diversify its strategies post-cookie.Regulatory challenges are increasing with state-specific privacy laws.A national data privacy law could simplify compliance for advertisers.Creativity in advertising is being revitalized by generative AI.The future of advertising will involve multiple identity solutions.Sustainability and DEI are critical issues that need attention.The IAB is actively working on tools to help the industry navigate privacy laws.San Antonio will be the new host city for IAB ALM in 2027 and 2028.The advertising industry must adapt quickly to changing consumer behaviors.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Advertising Landscape01:29 AI's Impact on Media Buying and Creativity07:01 Navigating Cookie Deprecation and Identity Solutions10:08 Regulatory Challenges in Advertising16:02 Future of the IAB ALM and Industry Trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host AdTech God speaks with Mark McEachran, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Yieldmo. They discuss Mark's journey in the ad tech industry, the importance of building and innovation, and the challenges faced in product management. Mark shares various insights , the impact of privacy regulations, and the future of cross-media advertising. The conversation highlights the transformative experiences Mark has had at various companies, particularly at Rubicon Project, and reflects on the legacy of cookies in digital advertising.TakeawaysMark's journey in ad tech began in the early 2000s.Building products in ad tech is both challenging and rewarding.Transformative experiences at Rubicon Project shaped Mark's career.The ad tech landscape is evolving with blurred lines between buy and sell sides.Innovation is crucial in a competitive market.Privacy regulations are a significant challenge for product managers.Cross-media advertising presents new growth opportunities.The legacy of cookies is still felt in the industry.Mark emphasizes the importance of household targeting in the future.Collaboration and transparency within teams lead to better outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech and Mark McEachran01:18 Mark's Journey in Ad Tech04:45 The Joy of Building in Ad Tech08:09 Transformative Experiences at Rubicon Project10:41 Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Ad Tech15:57 Challenges in Product Management and Innovation19:13 Future Growth Opportunities in Cross-Media Advertising26:23 Reflections on Industry Changes and the Cookie's Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In my conversation with Jennifer Q. Chen, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Connatix, we explore her path in the ad tech industry, examine what Connatix’s recent merger with JWP (JW Player) means for the video and technology space, and discuss key topics such as adtech fundamentals, AI-powered content discovery, and the importance of community.Jenn shares insights on finding happiness in a fast-paced work environment and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the advertising space.Takeaways The merger of Connatix and JW Player is a significant development in the ad tech industry. Jenn Chen's journey from banking to ad tech highlights the diverse paths into the industry. Understanding the fundamentals of ad tech is crucial for success as a revenue leader. The community in the ad tech space is supportive and collaborative. AI is transforming content discovery but also presents challenges for traditional publishing. The future of advertising lies in contextual and creative data strategies. Mergers and acquisitions are a constant in the ad tech landscape. Finding joy in work is essential, even in a fast-paced environment. The evolution of video technology is reshaping advertising strategies. Change is the only constant in the ad tech industry. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Ad Tech Landscape02:14 Jenn Chen's Journey in Ad Tech06:51 The Merger of Connatix and JW Player10:28 Understanding the Ad Tech Ecosystem12:46 The Evolution of Video Technology15:51 Future Opportunities in Advertising19:29 The Role of AI in Content Discovery23:27 Community and Longevity in Ad Tech27:17 Finding Happiness in a Fast-Paced Industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Bager, President and CEO of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of America, shares insights from her international journey in the OOH industry. She discusses the digital transformation and programmatic advertising shaping the future of OOH. Anna highlights the industry's resilience during the pandemic, emphasizing the effectiveness and brand safety of OOH ads. She underscores the importance of cultural adaptation in the U.S. market and addresses misconceptions that hinder understanding of this vital advertising avenue.

Sam Bloom, Head of Partnerships at PMG, is a third-generation advertiser passionate about innovation in the ad tech space. He delves into the crucial role of transparency in building trust with clients while discussing his family's legacy in the industry. Sam emphasizes the transformative potential of Connected TV and the evolving dynamics of brand-consumer relationships. He also highlights the impact of stringent privacy regulations and the necessity for creative solutions to navigate the ad landscape's future.

Inderpreet Sandhu, Head of CTV Platforms and Ecosystems at Google, has over 13 years of experience in ad tech. He shares his unconventional journey into the industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding the publisher's perspective. Inderpreet highlights YouTube's growing dominance and innovative ad formats that enhance user engagement. He discusses the positive trends in ad tech and the significance of community and continuous learning for career growth. Collaboration is key in navigating the evolving landscape of advertising technology.

Shachar Orren, co-founder and CMO of EX.CO, transitioned from journalism to the ad tech space, aiming to boost video engagement for publishers. She delves into the rapid evolution of video consumption and highlights the necessity of customer feedback in product development. Orren discusses AI’s transformative impact on video strategies and the blurring lines between supply and demand in the ad tech realm. She also shares her personal passion for content and entertaining aspirations beyond tech, like karaoke.

We discuss the merger between Omnicom and IPG, exploring its implications for the advertising industry, clients, and smaller agencies.The conversation highlights the potential consolidation of power, financial implications, and the shift towards an AI and data-driven era in advertising. Experts share insights on how this merger may affect client relationships, agency dynamics, and the future landscape of advertising, including the opportunities for smaller agencies to thrive amidst the changes.Thank you to my guests: Arielle Garcia from Check My Ads Mike Evans from Magnite Bernard Urban from BCSI/Silverblade Partners Takeaways The Omnicom and IPG merger represents a significant consolidation of power in the advertising industry. There are concerns about the impact of this merger on competition and smaller agencies. The merger is expected to create $750 million in cost synergies, primarily from back-office functions. Access to first-party data is a key focus, but much of it remains third-party data. The merger may lead to increased friction with clients due to potential conflicts of interest. Cash management is critical for the success of the merged entity. The advertising industry is transitioning into an AI and data-driven era. The merger could lead to more pressure on the publisher landscape and media owners. Smaller and mid-sized agencies may find new opportunities as larger agencies consolidate. The future of advertising will require agencies to adapt to changing market dynamics and client needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Rogers, SVP at Nexxen, shares his rich journey in ad tech, touching on his beginnings at Advertising.com in 2002. He discusses the explosive growth of Connected TV and its significance in the advertising landscape. Transparency emerges as a vital theme for building client trust. John reveals his leadership philosophy, emphasizing accountability and team dynamics, and hints at his aspirations in education and the evolving relationship between supply and demand in the ad tech world, prioritizing data-driven solutions.