The AdMonsters team is back for another week of intense courtroom drama in the Google vs. DOJ trial. We’re now deep into week three, and let me tell you, the plot has thickened faster than a bowl of your grandma’s gumbo.

Week 3 Overview

If you’ve been keeping up with the trial, you know we’ve already had heavy hitters taking the stand, spilling the tea on Google’s iron grip over the ad tech ecosystem. But this week? It’s all about the tangled mess of “ad tech spaghetti.” Google came out swinging in its defense, but rather than clearing things up, they managed to tangle themselves up even more. It’s like watching someone try to detangle a pair of headphones — they’re only making it worse.

Check out the AdMonsters Team breaking down the highlights of week 3 of the DOJ vs Google trial in the video below and you can also catch their weekly updates on YouTube.

Key Testimonies

Andrew Byrd jumped into a few polarizing testimonies, particularly from witnesses like Mark Israel. Israel defended Google, claiming regulators focused too narrowly on open web display advertising. He waved off the allegations like, “Look over there! TikTok! Facebook! Amazon!” — and suggested that competition from social media platforms and e-commerce sites like Facebook, TikTok, and Amazon was being overlooked.  He was saying just anything to divert attention from the real issue.

His argument that Google’s share of the online ad market had dropped from 15% to 10% over a decade due to a shift toward mobile and app-based advertising was… let’s just say, an interesting flex. Critics like Ariel Garcia from Check My Ads quickly noted that this defense overlooked the publishers’ plight, focusing too heavily on advertisers.

Publisher Concerns

Andrew further elaborated on testimonies from Kenneth Bloom from BuzzFeed, who, despite some nervous energy, praised Google’s ad display business. The over-reliance on Google’s tools is real, and it’s leaving publishers in a tight spot. There’s a clear tension—while some publishers benefit from Google’s ad tech, it’s a double-edged sword.

A viral LinkedIn post from Ariel hit the nail on the head: publisher revenue losses weren’t fully addressed in Israel’s defense, leaving his argument feeling like Swiss cheese — full of holes.

Eyewitness Accounts

To make matters worse, Yakira talked about when a Google project manager called a prominent ad tech journalist “stupid.” Talk about drama. These actions only underscore the growing tension and contradictions in the testimonies that have been the hallmark of this trial.

Internal Google Emails

One of the most damning pieces of evidence has been internal Google emails, which disclosed strategic advantages gained through acquisitions like DoubleClick. The DOJ used these documents to argue that Google’s market power resulted from deliberate actions to stifle competition, not just from good business practices. Oh no, say it isn’t so. Say it wasn’t a well-orchestrated game of Monopoly with Google holding all the prime real estate.

Judge’s Stance

Judge Brinkema isn’t letting anyone slide either. She’s been giving some Google employees the side-eye, openly questioning their credibility. You know things are getting shaky when the judge looks at you like Hmm emoji. This added yet another layer of drama to the proceedings, leaving Google’s defense team scrambling to keep their narrative intact.

The Complexity of Ad Tech

To wrap up the week, it’s clear the ad tech ecosystem isn’t just complex—it’s like the ultimate Choose Your Own Adventure novel. And guess what? Google isn’t just a chapter; they’re the whole darn book. Their fingers are in every part of the ad tech supply chain, from publishers to ad buyers, and everything in between.

Transparency Issues

Of course, transparency (or the lack thereof) is an elephant in the room. Key testimonies are happening behind closed doors and some trial documents are sealed. It’s giving major “black box” vibes. The public and the industry are left speculating about what’s really at stake.

Implications for the Future

So, there you have it. Week three’s tangled mess of spaghetti — that none of us would want to eat — unveiled a web of power plays and serious courtroom drama. We’ve got Google’s defense team spinning its wheels while the DOJ tightens the net around Google’s ad empire.

At its heart, this trial isn’t just about Google; it’s setting the stage for the entire ad tech industry. You can bet competitors like The Trade Desk are watching this soap opera unfold, taking notes on what not to do. Will this end with a Google split-up, or will they find a way to wriggle out of this like Houdini? Only time will tell.

Got thoughts on the trial? Head over to our Slack community polls and spill the tea. 

The post Google vs DOJ Trial Week 3: Ad Tech Spaghetti and Courtroom Drama appeared first on AdMonsters.

Hey there, Monsters, ready to turbocharge your digital media strategies? We’ve got something special just for you. For the first time, AdMonsters is releasing a detailed summary of our Ops 2024 Conference, held on June 3-4. This is your golden ticket to the industry’s latest and greatest insights.

Why should you download this summary? Because it’s packed with wisdom from top industry leaders across five dynamic tracks: Data & Identity, Future Ops, Revenue & Product, TV/Video/CTV, and Content/Commerce/Media. Whether you’re looking to harness the power of generative AI, navigate privacy regulations, or explore new revenue streams in the CTV landscape, this summary has it all.

Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your digital game. Get your hands on the AdMonsters Ops 2024 Summary now and stay ahead of the curve.

Enter your info to download your copy below!

The post Dive into the Future of Digital Media with the Ops 2024 Event Summary appeared first on AdMonsters.

How do publishers plan to rev up their revenue in the coming years?

Share your insight in our 5-minute survey.

We want to understand where you see the biggest opportunities and challenges in the digital publishing landscape. Your feedback will help us identify key trends, innovative strategies, and potential obstacles in pursuing sustainable growth and profitability.

Let’s uncover where the opportunities are together, as an industry. Your contributions to this survey will help other publishers better understand the industry’s challenges, and learn the strategies to help them sustain, and even thrive. Results will be announced at Publisher Forum Boston, August 4-6.

The post AdMonsters Publisher Pulse Survey: Unlock the Keys to Ramp Up Your Revenue Strategies appeared first on AdMonsters.

Pending publisher licensing deals with OpenAI aside, one part of the news organization finds generative AI extremely useful, and in some instances, transformative: the Ad Ops team. AdMonsters has interviewed numerous Ad Ops people across several organizations to see if and how they’re using it.

Reshaping Ad Ops With Generative AI

Ad Ops professionals aren’t just dabbling in generative AI; they’re diving in deep and successfully putting it to work to improve their daily jobs and elevate the overall Ad Ops team. It isn’t a surprise that they’ve largely sidestepped the challenges others have faced using generative AI. As tech-savvy people, Ad Ops professionals are well aware of the limitations of all AI and take active steps to mitigate the pitfalls and problems.

This Publisher Pulse looks at:

• • Popular generative AI tools used by Ad Ops team members
  • Ad Ops personas — distinct ways that interviewees use generative AI to elevate their performance or the performance of their teams
  • AI use cases
  • How generative AI will transform the Ad Ops Teams
  • Tips for getting the best results out of AI
  • Sample outputs

Enter your info to download your copy below!

The post AdMonsters Publisher Pulse: Ad Ops Reimagined — A Guide to Reshaping Ad Ops With Generative AI appeared first on AdMonsters.

Without a doubt, Possible was the place for digital media and marketing professionals. The 3-day conference was jam-packed with tons of digital advertising content, and just about everyone you know from the industry was there. Even Ad Tech God was there…allegedly.

Attendees indulged in poolside conversations and meetings, which offered a refreshing change from the typical Zoom and office settings. The event content was diverse and engaging, ensuring that there was something of value for everyone in the industry. 

“While Possible’s second year did not have the Elon/Yaccarino jaw-dropping headliner, it matured into an impressive gathering of decision-makers,” said Richy Glassberg, Co-founder and CEO of SafeGuard Privacy. Possible tackled many important conversations, including brand safety, sustainability, the health of the ecosystem, DEI, and more, in a spirited environment with brand marketers everywhere.”

Last year, Possible emerged as the first conference to headline AI, and this year, it extensively focused on the application of AI. The event united diverse viewpoints across media, communication, ad tech, and MarTech industries. Stepping away from New York and immersing ourselves in a new environment with varied perspectives really inspired out-of-the-box thinking.

Since the Fontainebleau was right alongside the ocean, it was hard to hear at times. But here is what we heard beneath the wind. 

Navigating The Discomforts of DEI

Before getting hot and heavy into the bulk of ad content, the event launched with a lunch focused on diversity. Panelists discussed the power of ensuring inclusivity in your workplaces to provide a safe space for your team to show up as their whole selves. Tish Archie Oliver, Chief DEI&B Officer at Unilever, talked about being completely comfortable wearing her hair naturally curly to work and not hiding her identity. She explained that reaching this point took a long time.

Brianne Boles-Marshall, Global Marketing Services Diversity Media Strategy & Investment specialist at General Motors, fueled the conversation by encouraging the audience to embrace their discomfort in the workplace. “The fact that something is making you uncomfortable should let you know that there is something to be learned. Take it as an opportunity to grasp the situation in a way you never have. We should call it an opportunity to learn and grow with that person or through that situation versus feeling like, I’m going to mess this up,” Boles-Marshall said. “That’s how learning and growth take place.”

Your Business Strategy Comes First, AI After 

Sean Downey, President of Americas & Global Partners at Google, outlined a few steps publishers and advertisers can take to fully leverage AI. 

His sense of humor tickled the audience when he mentioned how his industry friends always asked him for AI advice. “My CEO said I have to have an AI strategy by Monday. Please tell me what to do,” Downey said. “Who here has gotten that question from their board meeting? Probably every single person. The answer is always that you don’t need an AI strategy. You need a business strategy that you want to apply AI to.”

According to Downey, focusing on a business strategy is paramount, and then you apply AI to solve specific business problems. To establish an effective business strategy, companies must do the following:

1. Understand the importance of consumer behavior and the need for real-time insights to reach them effectively. 
2. Embrace AI applications for measurement, media, and targeting to enhance marketing strategies and ensure quality data fuels AI to make accurate predictions and connections. 
3. Breakdown silos within marketing departments and adopt a holistic customer-focused approach.

The Art of Partnering for Impact 

While discussing all things programmatic with Rose McGovern, Head of Programmatic & Digital Ad Sales at DirectTV Advertising, she emphasized the importance of publishers prioritizing collaboration to thrive. 

“Publishers need to be very deliberate and discerning with the partners they choose as those partners will steward their content and inventory in a compliant way,” McGovern explained. “At DirectTV, our viewer experience and consumer data are critical to us because we have such a loyal fanbase, and that loyal subscriber base differentiates us.”

Any publisher must maintain a focus on their loyal audience. You can’t just offer your inventory to every buyer. Publishers need to develop a framework for evaluating potential partners and ensuring alignment regarding distribution, ad tech, and data partnerships. 

The Biggest Programmatic Trend Right Now? DOOH & OOH  

At Possible, we also chatted with 2024 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech awards honoree Laura Manning, SVP of Measurement at Clint/Lucid. When we asked her about the biggest programmatic trend of the year, she promptly identified DOOH. “It’s a lot easier to transact DOOH inventory, and therefore, more people are including it in their plans, even if they are just a traditional agency,” she said. 

What is the biggest challenge for DOOH? According to Manning, its measurement is hardly surprising. The ecosystem is continuously trying to solve this issue. Tracking who saw an ad can be tough, but the right partners can help agencies and buyers tie it together. 

What is her advice for publishers navigating today’s programmatic challenges? Education. She recommends engaging with others, reading industry newsletters, attending industry conferences, and discussing trending topics like AI— even if some are weary of the topic.. There is value in learning more about it. 

Regarding OOH, Lucy Markowitz, SVP, GM US Marketplace at Vistar Media, offers her insights on the space”

“The fragmentation in OOH has been part of the reason for the rise of programmatic buying in this space,” Markowitz said. “Being able to leverage multiple publishers as part of a single campaign simply and easily has helped to create opportunities to do better work on behalf of clients as opposed to taking what could be viewed as an “easy route” only leveraging a few publishers to mitigate work.”

According to Markowitz, as advertisers better understand consumer ad fatigue, they try other channels, making DOOH and OOH a great opportunity.  

“Advertisers are recognizing the value of OOH ads, which can adapt to real-time contexts and audience movement,” said Markowitz. DOOH can integrate technologies that boost contextual relevance to audiences, whether driving along the highway or browsing the aisle at the pharmacy. According to the Out of Home Digital Advertising Association, the medium has an impressive 82% ad recall.”

The Evolutionary Journey of the CMO

Over the past two years, CMOs and their strategic importance to the industry have gained prominence. We sat down for a poolside discussion with Natalie Bastian, Global CMO of Teads, to hear her thoughts on the future of the role.

“I’d love to see CMOs turning to CEOs,” she said. “That, to me, is a great indicator of the power and the strength of marketing, and if marketing has a seat at the table at the company as part of the business plan and part of those business decisions, then marketing will be successful. It’s about being simple and correlating the value you can bring to your target audience. Accountability is also a big takeaway; CMOs must be more accountable and responsible with their investments.”

Looking to the future, Bastian advises that CMOs maintain a close-knit relationship with the CFO. Speaking the same language and creating alignment between the two roles is the secret sauce to success; ensuring marketing investment can be effective and scale.

The Future of Advertising in Social Media 

Social media has proven to be an extremely resourceful marketing tool and it is only getting more efficient. As social platforms continue to leverage AI and machine learning, advertisers can employ these tools to create more personalized ad experiences. As well, the shift towards video and interactive content will only continue, with social commerce, like the TikTok shop, gaining more ground.

To gain more insight into the future of advertising in social media, we spoke with Bill Schild, GM of Americas at Channel Factory. As a data platform, Channel Factory uses contextual to maximize ad effectiveness while prioritizing brand safety and suitability on YouTube. The company’s partnership with the YouTube Measurement Program grants them unique access to YouTube’s data, resulting in more accurate and dynamic campaign adjustments. 

“There’s enough commentary to tell us that social media often gets the short end of the stick,” Schild explained. “However, there are two sides to every story, and enough positive content is promoted on the internet that can be a force for good. This should be how the future of social media advertising operates, and it’s something we actively help brands uncover. We envision a future where conscious inclusion and suitability are paramount. Brands, agencies, and advertisers will adopt inclusion-first strategies and utilize advanced AI to grasp context and achieve results that enhance their return on investment (ROI).” 

The Publisher’s Advantage In The Shopper’s Journey

By 2026, commerce media will represent over $150 billion in global ad spend. What does this mean for publishers? According to a recent report by Criteo, publishers across all regions can expect to make money through retail media networks in the next 12-18 months. 

With the end of cookies on the horizon, the ecosystem is diversifying revenue and heavily pursuing commerce media as an alternative.

“Like retailers, publishers have a wealth of first-party data, but their differentiation lies in their ability to connect with shoppers higher up in the shopper journey,” said Sherry Smith, Executive Managing Director for the Americas at Criteo. To effectively operate within the broader commerce media environment and drive new revenue streams, publishers must activate their powerful first-party data while building long-term partnerships with brands, agencies, and retailers. This combined effort will unlock direct access to powerful commerce data that provides continued personalized advertising on their owned and operated channels.”

Smith predicts publishers will look more like retailer websites in the next three to five years. The sites will combine personalized commerce experiences with core content, creating tailored user experiences where customers can shop and consume their favorite publications. 

Planning on Attending Possible Next Year?

If not, I am sure the following testimonials from ad tech industry leaders are enough to convince you. 

“In the constellation of industry gatherings, Possible shines as a guiding star, its second year solidifying its status as a premier tent pole event. Under one roof, Gen Z consumers, diligent workers, and esteemed executives converged to delve into the depths of industry trends, challenges, and the transformative potential of AI and other technologies. While Cannes will always retain its allure, Possible democratizes the stage, inviting every voice to contribute their brilliance to progress.” – Heather Macaulay, President MadTech 

“A mini-Cannes, complete with a productive mix of brands, agencies and solution providers. AI was a recurrent theme during the conference. It was exciting to hear how marketers are narrowing in on AI solutions that aren’t just flashy distractions, but instead genuinely help address some of marketing’s most basic challenges – like connecting the right ad with the right viewer.” – Peter Crofut, VP, Business Development – Agencies & Brands at Wurl

“This was my first time attending POSSIBLE and it exceeded my expectations in turns of scale and productivity. As we prep for Cannes and our engagement strategy for the rest of the year, I felt like it provided a nice combination of inspiration, engagement and opportunity to fuel creative ideas to take us through 2024 and beyond.” – Meredith Brace, CMO of XR Extreme Reach 

The post Revealed at Possible: Insights Shaping Marketing’s Future appeared first on AdMonsters.

The key is understanding all the data surrounding ad buys to ensure publishers know exactly what they’re selling and receiving in return, reconcile discrepancies between their books and those of advertisers, and identify areas that need improvement.

But let’s get more specific. Here are five things publishers should be doing to shore up their finances.

5 Financial Best Practices for Publishers

Reconcile Discrepancies

Publishers get billed on third-party ad server numbers, so they should monitor and reconcile discrepancies between their first-party ad server and third parties. Then, they need to send the finalized numbers to their finance team for billing, often via an order management system.

Publishers should be able to automatically reconcile these discrepancies so that they can more quickly identify campaigns not meeting their delivery goals and resolve issues. Automated reconciliation also avoids disconnects between advertisers and publishers, as well as between ad ops and billing, saving everyone time and improving both relationships.

Automate the End-of-month Process

By automating the EOM process, publishers can send invoices to their customers weeks earlier, leading to earlier payments. For example, by automating the usually manual process of consolidating third-party data with first-party data, publishers might be able to push up invoicing from the middle of the month to the first few days. They can also streamline and verify the transmission of financial data from ad operations to the finance team. 

Another manual task that publishers can automate to speed up EOM is making adjustments for over-delivery. For example, if you delivered 50,000 more impressions than you were supposed to, you’d be able to automatically take that out of the invoice. 

Finally, they can automate assembling different metrics (such as impressions, viewable impressions, or co-view impressions) for different campaigns based on OMS information. 

Get Good at Forecasting

Publishers who forecast their direct-sold inventory with high accuracy maximize their yield — which is particularly true if their business is susceptible to seasonality or external events. For example, it’s really difficult to know how to optimally sell inventory based on Black Friday traffic if you don’t have a model capable of anticipating an unusual spike in inventory availability.

Besides driving higher sellthrough rates and revenue, accurate forecasting also provides publishers with higher confidence in their overall financial planning. Use industry benchmarks and seasonality to try and forecast programmatic yield as well.

Predictable revenue is critical to making virtually all other business decisions. 

Automate Tasks Where Possible

Publisher teams, especially ad and revenue operations, are generally mired in a lot of rote work, such as data aggregation, reconciliation, and reporting, that can and should be automated. By automating as many tasks as possible, publishers will keep their teams happy (because they won’t be saddled with busy work), allocate talent optimally, and increase their bandwidth to perform more revenue-driving tasks, like taking care of clients.

Brush up on Revenue Reporting

Periodically, review which aspects of publisher data are included in executive reporting. This allows rev ops teams to align management on the KPIs they should prioritize. For example, it might be pertinent for management to know which sites perform relative to others. Or there may be shifts in display and video revenue. Ad ops people should regularly review which facts they’re putting on the executive team’s radar to facilitate strategic adjustments.

Reconciling discrepancies, automating EOM, mastering forecasting, automating tasks where possible, and updating executive revenue reporting will help publishers solidify their finances, identify prime growth opportunities, and ultimately instill greater confidence in their decision-making. That’s what financial literacy is all about.

The post 5 Financial Best Practices for Publishers appeared first on AdMonsters.

In a league of their own, the AdMonsters Dream Team seeks to assemble a powerhouse squad comprised of ad ops wizards and revenue rockstars who continually surpass expectations, turning digital ad challenges into golden opportunities. This is not just any team; it’s a dream team of innovators and achievers who redefine the boundaries of possibility in the dynamic world of ad tech.

“Ad operations and digital revenue teams are at the forefront of driving revenue for their publishing organizations. The goal of our AdMonsters Dream Team initiative is to not only recognize these superstars, but also to elevate the role of ad ops professionals in the eyes of senior management and bring greater visibility to the skillsets and talent that make these individuals successful,” said Lynne d Johnson, Content Director at AdMonsters. “We’re excited to build an inspiring and unstoppable lineup of talent and shine a light on the remarkable individuals who are driving positive change and pushing boundaries in our industry.”

The call for nominations is open for ad ops professionals and their peers to nominate a deserving colleague or themselves.

Each Dream Team Member Receives:
• Recognition in the AdMonsters Dream Team feature story
• A free ticket to Publisher Forum Boston
• Participation on a panel at Publisher Forum Boston
• Super unique Dream Team SWAG
• Generous discounts for their team to upcoming AdMonsters events
• Digital badge and creative assets for well-deserved bragging rights!

Nominations are entirely free, offering a prime opportunity to elevate an outstanding colleague or put yourself forward for recognition.

Nomination Deadline: May 10, 2024: Learn more and submit a nomination here.

The post Announcing the AdMonsters Dream Team: Nominations Now Open for the Inaugural Fantasy League of Ad Tech All-Stars appeared first on AdMonsters.

Want’s diverse background spans across e-commerce, social media, entertainment, and gaming. With a foundation in philosophy from Sydney University, followed by a master’s in economics and public policy at Columbia University, her approach to data is both holistic and strategic. Co-authoring “Precisely: Working with Precision Systems in a World of Data” further cements her as a thought leader in this space. The book is a detailed examination of global data applications and reflects her deep understanding of how data shapes industries from agriculture to education.

As a keynote speaker at AdMonsters OPs, Madeleine will delve into “DATA DYNAMICS: HARNESSING FANATICISM IN THE PRIVACY ERA.” This session, scheduled for 9:30 am-10:00 am, promises to be a deep dive into the art of monetizing customer relationships amidst the complexities of the open web. Drawing on her rich experiences at both Fanatics and Index Exchange, Want will unpack how aligning incentives across the ecosystem can fundamentally alter audience engagement strategies.

At Fanatics, she led the creation of a ‘Customer 360’ view, establishing the company as a beacon in sports customer relations. Her session at OPs will reveal how publishers can smartly use their first-party data to nurture customer relationships while offering new opportunities to partners. Expect to hear about innovative strategies like Private Marketplace deals, audience matching, and identity solutions — all geared towards thriving in the current digital, privacy-conscious market.

Now, let’s take a closer look at our LinkedIn Live chat with Madeleine Want, which highlights her insights and contributions positioning her as a pivotal figure in today’s data-driven world.

Charting a Data-Driven Path in Ad Tech and Betting

Madeleine Want’s career path led her through various roles in Australia, Berlin, and New York before becoming VP of Data at Fanatics. Her journey from Sydney’s product management scene to the high-stakes world of betting and gaming in NYC is nothing short of inspiring. With a career that pivoted from Australia’s biggest ecommerce clothing provider to tech in Berlin, and finally to Audible in the U.S., her story is a playbook for seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving ad tech landscape. Her journey illustrates how diverse experiences can forge a path to roles like VP of Data at Fanatics.

Data: The Asset and the Art

Want speaks about data with a passion that’s infectious. Her intrigue with the ‘physicality of data’ — moving beyond just figures on a screen to the real-world impact — is a fresh take. It’s fascinating how she views data as an asset, to be leveraged for growth and innovation. The way she articulates it, data is not just a tool; it’s a canvas for creativity.

The AI Revolution in Behavioral Data

The conversation took an interesting turn when discussing AI’s role in identifying behavioral patterns in gambling. Want’s work in developing predictive models to flag potential gambling problems showcases how AI can be used responsibly and ethically. It’s a delicate balance of tech and morality, emphasizing the impact of tech beyond just business outcomes.

Audible Memories and the AI Integration Challenge

Her stint at Audible was a period of significant change, focusing on integrating AI with data science teams. This wasn’t just a technical challenge but a transformative shift in how the company approached data. It’s a compelling example of how AI is not just about algorithms and coding but about culture and strategy.

Fanatics: A Data Powerhouse

In the realm of betting and gaming, Fanatics stands out with its unique approach to contextual data. Want’s insights into how the company uses customer data to personalize experiences are a peek into the future of customer engagement. Fanatics’ ability to interact with the same customers across multiple properties gives them unique contextual data advantages. It’s a testament to how data can create a competitive edge, especially when you have the ‘Amazon of betting and gaming’ at your helm.

Writing ‘Precisely’: A Journey Through Data’s Impact

Want’s book, co-authored during her master’s degree, is a reflection of her depth of understanding and curiosity about data. From weed identification on farms to music genre classification, her exploration of data’s role across sectors is a reminder of its pervasive impact. Understanding business goals and existing data assets is important before determining analytical systems. Trial and error can be effective for businesses to learn what systems work best for their needs.

Navigating the Regulatory Maze

The regulatory landscape in ad tech and gambling was another focal point of the discussion. Want’s comparison of the two – especially the nuanced, state-by-state approach in gambling – highlights the complexity and importance of compliance. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges businesses face in aligning with legal frameworks.

The Future of Data: Complexity, Access, and Consolidation

Her vision of the future in customer data resonates with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by the current complexity. The future may bring consolidation of customer data tools and strategies as the industry matures. Her hope for more accessible data practices for smaller businesses is not just insightful but also speaks to an inclusive future.

The post Harnessing Data with a Touch of Fanaticism: Madeleine Want’s Journey to AdMonsters Ops Keynote appeared first on AdMonsters.

In our quest for the perfect keynote speakers for AdMonsters Ops, we wanted industry leaders who were not afraid to expose what’s going on behind the curtains, and James Rosewell does just that. So, who is James Rosewell? He’s not your average entrepreneur. He’s the guy who caught the attention of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in January 2020 with his razor-sharp insights on digital markets.

With one bold move, through his B2B data business, 51 Degrees, Rosewell’s submission to the CMA sparked a series of events leading to the formation of Movement for an Open Web (MOW). This not-for-profit aims to educate regulators, industry players, and standards bodies about the need for stable interoperability in the digital realm.

Our discussion with Rosewell was a whirlwind of wisdom and revelations. In a short amount of time, we covered a range of privacy concerns. Now, let’s unpack the key highlights.

Collaboration Among Regulators is Key: James discussed engaging with various regulatory bodies like the UK’s CMA, the European Commission, and the Department of Justice to address digital monopolies and the need for market regulation to ensure fair competition and innovation. 

Recent actions by the US Department of Justice and the EU signal a coordinated effort to address antitrust issues in the tech industry. With investigations into major players like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta, the focus is shifting toward ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. The road ahead may be complex, but the goal remains clear: to promote innovation while safeguarding user privacy.

The Future of Cookies: Our conversation dove into the regulatory whirlpool of challenges facing Google before it fully phases out third-party cookies. Rosewell suggested that based on the CMA’s findings and ongoing reports, the complete removal of third-party cookies by 2024 seems uncertain. 

The CMA’s most recent report highlighted concerns about Google’s practices, with at least 39 regulatory issues to address before third-party cookies can bid adieu. The timeline for the cookie’s demise is not set in stone, but regulatory bodies are closely monitoring Google’s proposed changes and their implications for privacy and market competition.

One key takeaway from our conversation was the importance of industry feedback in shaping regulatory decisions. The CMA encourages all businesses to voice their concerns and provide input on the impact of regulatory changes. Anonymity plays a significant role in this process, allowing businesses to share insights without fear of repercussions. 

Privacy Sandbox and Market Concerns: Diving into the heart of the concerns over Google’s Privacy Sandbox are as real as they get. It’s a scenario brimming with self-preferencing issues and the risk of technologies tipping the scale in Google’s favor, leaving other players in the digital dust. Rosewell advocates testing these technologies, especially in environments like YouTube, to ensure they are beneficial and fair to the market before broader implementation.

As we look towards the future, Rosewell emphasizes the need for competition to drive innovation for the best privacy solutions. Rather than relying solely on Google or Apple’s approaches, we need diverse solutions tailored to the entire ecosystem’s needs, making it a more equitable and dynamic open marketplace. As we navigate these complexities, collaboration, industry feedback, and a focus on competition is essential. The future of digital innovation hinges on our ability to adapt, evolve, and embrace new solutions that prioritize user privacy and drive technological progress.

The post AdMonsters Ops Reveal: Keynote James Rosewell on Disrupting Digital Monopolies and the Future of Online Privacy appeared first on AdMonsters.

The importance of Ad Ops and Rev Ops within media organizations has never been more mission-critical than this year.

AdMonsters is bringing you the events, webinars, playbooks, awards, and networking opportunities to help you and your org own 2024. Want a little 2024 preview? Read on.

Mark your calendar with the official 2024 AdMonsters Events

My challenge to you: Plan to join your peers for at least two events this year. Bolster your skills and grow your professional network in 2024!

• March 3-5: Publisher Forum Austin
• March 13-14: CTV Connect | NYC (New!)
• June 3-4: AdMonsters Ops | NYC
• June 3: Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Awards | NYC
• August 4-6: Publisher Forum Boston
• November 10-12: Publisher Forum Scottsdale

Our flexible season passes get your team more education and actionable insights without breaking your budget. Ask me about the AdMonsters season pass program.

Our live events will be better than ever.
I’m excited to announce how we’re giving AdMonsters a glow-up at our live events:

1. More of the publisher’s POV. We’re going to lean into our core value proposition in 2024: more of the tactics and tips you need, directly from your peers. We are the Publisher Forum, after all.
2. More on buy-side partnerships. You want to have more sessions led by buy-side visionaries to help you understand how to best serve your advertisers. We got you!
3. Less time out of the office. 2024 Publisher Forums will be 2.5 days, beginning Sunday evening with our Welcome events and ending Tuesday evening with our Pubs Night Out (after our famous off-site activities, of course). Fly home Wednesday morning.
4. More opportunity for peer-to-peer workshopping. We get rave reviews on PubForum’s Wednesday Workshops, but sadly many folks end up missing out due to travel & time constraints. We’re moving them up to Monday so everyone can take part!
5. Hotel booking upgrade. Attendees can now book their AdMonsters hotel rooms (at our guaranteed lowest group rate) just like any other hotel booking site. Book online and manage your reservation with full transparency. You also no longer have to pay the full room rate upfront, and you earn all the points! After you register for a 2024 event, you’ll be sent your hotel booking link.

There’s more! Our editorial coverage is going to slay. At AdMonsters, we’re a people-first organization, and that’s our focus for 2024: Our community. We’re here to champion you, the people who make digital advertising work.

Here’s to the work. Here’s to growth. And here’s to our community!  We hope to get stronger and smarter together in this new year and beyond.

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