Marketecture: Get Smart. Fast.

Ari and Eric recap key themes from Cannes 2025, including the ongoing conversation around AI in advertising and media, the presence of creator and sports partnerships, and recent developments in commerce media. They share observations on industry announcements, AI's progress (and limitations), and structural changes in the ad tech space. The discussion also covers how Cannes operates behind the scenes, from sponsorship deals to the growing presence of technology companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ari Paparo chats with Milly Botes, VP of Product Management at Acast, about how the company’s podcast monetization platform and ad network. Milly breaks down the evolution of dynamic ad insertion, what makes host-read ads so effective, and how Acast is using AI to help with podcast discovery for advertisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oleg Korenfeld, CTO of CMI Media Group and expert in healthcare media, shares his insights on implementing AI in media planning. He elaborates on the challenges of automating processes and the limitations of generative AI for precise data queries. Oleg discusses the nuances of using predictive AI to enhance decision-making and the complexities of client relationships, particularly in navigating legal considerations. Their conversation emphasizes the need for human insight in balancing AI's role in optimizing media strategies.

Sean Muller, CEO and founder of iSpot, dives into the complexities of measuring video across various platforms, from linear TV to social media. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing marketing insights and creative processes, enabling faster, more effective strategies. The conversation explores the vital relationship between targeted creativity and audience engagement, emphasizing the need for marketers to understand audience dynamics deeply. Additionally, Muller highlights the balance between paid and earned media in today’s evolving advertising landscape.

Tony Marlow, CMO of LG Ad Solutions, shares insights on the cutting-edge of advertising, particularly for smart TVs. He discusses innovative formats like shoppable and 3D ads, which enhance viewer engagement. The conversation dives into the unique challenges faced by OEMs in the advertising landscape and the critical role of AI in transforming media strategies. Marlow emphasizes how AI is reshaping targeting and creative processes, driving more effective ad campaigns, and highlighting the emergence of pause ads for impactful brand storytelling.

Join Philip Inghelbrecht, CEO and co-founder of Tatari, a pioneering tech company in TV advertising. He dives into how TV advertising is evolving with an emphasis on outcome-based measurement and the role of AI in enhancing creative processes. Philip discusses the democratization of TV advertising, allowing smaller brands to compete effectively. He critiques traditional programmatic models and advocates for direct publisher integrations to boost transparency. Excitingly, he previews an AI-generated commercial set to air during the NBA finals!

Mark Grether, GM of PayPal Ads, shares insights on the unique advertising strategies evolving at PayPal. He discusses how PayPal harnesses data from its platforms like Venmo and Honey to enhance targeted advertising. Grether elaborates on the powerful concept of commerce media, integrating transaction data for innovative marketing campaigns. He also hints at upcoming innovations aimed at transforming shopping experiences. The conversation reveals the strategic advantages PayPal holds in the competitive market, highlighting its significant, yet often underestimated, influence.

Louqman Parampath, VP of Product for Ads and Commerce at Roblox, shares insights into the gaming giant's innovative ad platform. He discusses the platform's massive user base and how brands are creatively engaging with Gen Z through immersive ads. Topics include the integration of rewarded videos and sponsored content, and the commitment to brand safety in a youth-centric space. Louqman also dives into the future of digital advertising in gaming and the unique challenges Roblox faces in this competitive landscape.

Todd Braverman, CRO of Ampersand, discusses the transition from linear TV to streaming and how data-driven advertising is reshaping the landscape. He delves into Ampersand’s strategy of merging TV and streaming ad inventory, emphasizing the importance of targeted approaches. The conversation also explores Meta's ambitious plans for AI-generated ads by 2026, the evolving role of Amazon in digital advertising, and the innovative AI strategies from WPP and MIQ. This episode uncovers the intricate challenges and opportunities that AI presents in advertising.

Ari Paparo talks with Matthew Doherty, CEO of EXTE North America, about the company's bold rebranding and strategic leap into the U.S. market. They dive into the world of contextual targeting, showcasing how advanced tech and AI enhance media optimization across various platforms. The conversation highlights the challenges of blending new innovations within existing ad tech workflows while emphasizing the power of creativity in driving performance. Matthew even likens their agile approach to that of a honey badger, embodying tenacity in a competitive landscape.