The Programmatic Digest 184. AI, Attribution & Attention: Insights from IAB's Angelina Eng | Programmatic Digest Podcast
In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, host Manuela Cortes sits down with Angelina Eng, Vice President at IAB, to unpack the evolving world of measurement, attribution, and attention in digital advertising.
Angelina shares her deep expertise in helping reduce friction across the ad tech ecosystem and establishing industry best practices through IAB's Measurement, Addressability, and Data Center. She breaks down the misconceptions around last-touch attribution, the importance of assisted attribution, and how weighting ad formats can better reflect their role in the funnel.
We also explore the challenges and opportunities in publisher–buyer collaboration, the adoption of conversion API standards, and why standard taxonomies are critical for interoperability. Angelina offers practical steps for media buyers and publishers looking to elevate transparency, data harmonization, and campaign effectiveness.
The conversation also dives into the future of attention metrics, how they're being defined and measured, and whether they can become a standard KPI. Finally, Angelina shares her thoughts on how AI is reshaping the ad tech stack—from operations to optimization—while emphasizing the need for compliance, minimizing bias, and balancing human oversight.
Plus, we get to know Angelina beyond her work, including her love for the outdoors, salsa dancing, and family life.
If you've ever struggled with attribution models, measurement frameworks, or attention debates, this episode is packed with clarity and forward-looking insights.
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Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro 01:43 – Attribution Misconceptions Explained 05:26 – Assisted Attribution & Weighted Assets 08:26 – Conversion APIs & Publisher Collaboration 11:12 – Attention Metrics: Hype vs Reality 18:26 – Standardization & IAB's Role in Data Alignment 26:05 – How AI is Reshaping Ad Tech 30:53 – Fun Facts with Angelina Eng
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Angelina Eng, IAB
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinaeng
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Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach
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Manuela Cortes - Co-Host
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