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.

Jeromy Sonne, CEO of daypart.ai and serial entrepreneur, dives into his unexpected journey in ad tech. He highlights AI's game-changing role while stressing creativity's irreplaceable value in advertising. Jeromy discusses the widening access for small and medium businesses to tools traditionally reserved for larger firms. He envisions a future where AI simplifies ad buying and fosters a more equitable marketplace. Loyalty to quality over hype is a strong theme, drawing contrasts between personal brand experiences.

In this episode, we dive into the $500 million acquisition of Innovid by Mediaocean. What does this deal mean for advertisers, connected TV, and the fight against walled gardens? Joining us are Aaron Goldman, CMO of Mediaocean, and Dani Cushion, CMO of Innovid, who share insider insights on how this merger will redefine data control, measurement, and ad performance. From strategic goals to branding challenges (Flashavid, anyone?), we cover it all. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on the future of advertising! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join industry heavyweights Tony Marlow, CMO of LG Ads, Scott Ensign, Chief Strategy Officer at Butler Till, and Shiv Gupta, Founder of U Of Digital, as they dissect The Trade Desk's upcoming Ventura OS. They explore how Ventura could revolutionize CTV advertising by solving conflicts of interest, enhancing user experience, and creating stronger partnerships. The discussion also highlights challenges in interoperability, the impact on monetization strategies, and the transformative role of AI in content discoverability. Dive into the chaos of the CTV landscape and the exciting future ahead!