Delivering the Future of Media
October 2 - 4, 2017, New Orleans, LA
Technology innovations are constantly disrupting our industry. With the rise of AI and programmatic comes a commoditization of media, and in turn a devaluation of media departments. Rather than focusing on strategic execution, the question has become “how to buy media.” We’re buying more impressions, in many more and different venues than ever before, with greater efficiency via DMPs, DSPs (and whatever acronym of the day evolves). And these technologies are making money on infrastructure, and eating into our margins. They also come with a whole host of challenges – viewability, transparency, bots, ad fraud and reporting discrepancies.
Have we somehow lost the brains and humanity, which (while they cost more) provided better quality opportunities for truly getting the message at the right place at the right time – as opposed to just showing it more often? How can we as a community deliver on the challenges and opportunities that today’s environment brings us?
Join leaders at the iMedia Agency Summit to discuss:
The structural challenges agencies face in the ever-evolving marketing landscape
How to partner smartly with media and technology vendors to amplify value for the client
How to keep employees engaged and nimble, always learning and contributing in a world where automation looks to be taking over and agency compensation models are taking a hit
Which are the latest technology innovations influencing both consumers and the way in which we should work with our clients?
With the rise of digital-first businesses, and the tri-opoly of Facebook, Google, and Amazon creating new inventory streams, what IS media anymore?
Best practices for keeping lines of communication open and honest with clients – and the relationship always evolving with the times
Thank you for your interest in participating in the upcoming iMedia event! We've received your inquiry and will be in touch soon to discuss next steps.
Qualified agency executives are invited to be our VIP guests. If eligible, you’ll receive a complimentary pass to this event along with these benefits:
Automatic invitation to the agency-only, closed-door ASPEN Group
2.5 days of peer-to-peer exchange
Informative, insightful sessions and keynotes on the most timely and critical issues
Roundtable discussions
Access to networking functions, including iMedia's exclusive One to One program
Complimentary meals and beverages
Complimentary 2-night stay at the The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
The Aspen Group meetings provided some thought starters that I’ll be talking about within our agency for months to come!”
Abe Snyder, Group Director, Media and Quantitative Strategy, GREY
People are far more engaged than in many of the other conferences I attend. They’re there to learn.”
Jason Hartley VP, Search Marketing Practice Lead 360i
It’s not about networking. It’s about building relationships.”
Dave Knox Managing Director WPP Ventures
By far, the best conference I’ve attended - great topics and networking - looking forward to the next one.”
Ben Flecha, National Director Advanced Analytics, Data Science & Attribution, iProspect
We get to meet tons of our clients and prospects here and share fantastic ideas.”
Manu Mathew CEO & Co-Founder Visual IQ
The Aspen Group is a private, peer-to-peer town hall designed by agency leaders for agency leaders dedicated to industry progression. It's a "no BS" forum that's not only a one-of-a-kind networking experience, but provides unprecedented access to industry leaders.
The Aspen Group is a private, peer-to-peer town hall designed by agency leaders for agency leaders dedicated to industry progression. It's a "no BS" forum that's not only a one-of-a-kind networking experience, but provides unprecedented access to industry leaders.
Data and technology has been great for automation, but a singular focus on efficiency often misses the human element. Join us for a fireside with Darrell Jursa, SVP/ Managing Director, Capabilities, Solutions & Integration at Resolution Media, as we discuss how understanding identity can lead to gre ... (More)
Data and technology has been great for automation, but a singular focus on efficiency often misses the human element. Join us for a fireside with Darrell Jursa, SVP/ Managing Director, Capabilities, Solutions & Integration at Resolution Media, as we discuss how understanding identity can lead to great marketing in a data driven world.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Aspen Group Sessions (Agencies Only)
Moderated By: John Durham, CEO / Managing Partner, Catalyst SF
In today’s technology-driven world, location data is increasingly critical for personalized advertising experiences on mobile devices. But leveraging location data in a smart and effective way and measuring the results can be challenging. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify quality locatio ... (More)
In today’s technology-driven world, location data is increasingly critical for personalized advertising experiences on mobile devices. But leveraging location data in a smart and effective way and measuring the results can be challenging. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify quality location data, why there is a need to decouple data from media for measurement, and how to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns.
The One to One session is a fundamental part of iMedia and gives you a chance to meet with peers and industry leaders to discuss Marketing challenges. The session is a fantastic ice breaker and allows you to meet solution providers in a relaxed and informal environment.
Sponsored by:
The One to One session is a fundamental part of iMedia and gives you a chance to meet with peers and industry leaders to discuss Marketing challenges. The session is a fantastic ice breaker and allows you to meet solution providers in a relaxed and informal environment.
In a media ecosystem that's becoming more digital by the moment, when - in fact - everything is digital, where do Chief Digital Officers fit? Maybe they don't? Why has the fastest growing executive rank become a sign of the times?
In a media ecosystem that's becoming more digital by the moment, when - in fact - everything is digital, where do Chief Digital Officers fit? Maybe they don't? Why has the fastest growing executive rank become a sign of the times?
Over breakfast, experts will facilitate an exchange of information and ideas between participants in small groups. This is your chance for unconventionally structured discussions with like-minded peers.
Over breakfast, experts will facilitate an exchange of information and ideas between participants in small groups. This is your chance for unconventionally structured discussions with like-minded peers.
Agencies today are getting squeezed from all sides. Brands are increasingly working directly with publishers and tech providers, and bringing more and more functions in house. In the newly released Ad Age rankings we see non-traditional agencies cracking the top 10. In the middle are up and comers w ... (More)
Agencies today are getting squeezed from all sides. Brands are increasingly working directly with publishers and tech providers, and bringing more and more functions in house. In the newly released Ad Age rankings we see non-traditional agencies cracking the top 10. In the middle are up and comers who are a mix of consultancy, agency, and technology. Overlay AI into the equation and we are headed for a perfect storm where technology, data, and creativity will rapidly reshape the industry beyond recognition within the next 5-10 years. How did we get here?
The early days of advertising may have revolved around storytelling, but the industry’s future is unequivocally data-driven. And while most marketers understand the important role data can have in growing their businesses, a substantial gap remains between expectations and reality.
A new Adve ... (More)
The early days of advertising may have revolved around storytelling, but the industry’s future is unequivocally data-driven. And while most marketers understand the important role data can have in growing their businesses, a substantial gap remains between expectations and reality.
A new Advertising Age/Bazaarvoice survey found 95% of marketers are employing first-party and third-party data in their media plans. Yet 64% do not completely understand the sources of their data, and 76% are not confident the data is hitting in-market consumers.
We'll discuss the results of this survey, and explain how data providers can work with agencies to do better.
This presentation will explore how full “digital market intelligence” solutions can enhance ROI by extending beyond traffic data to encompass the three C’s: competitive insight, customer journey, and conversion.
Breakout Session 2
AI-Driven Democratization of Programmatic
An interactive and detailed exploration of how next generation platforms will transcend what is today's MarTech and AdTech ecosystems in order to achieve holistically optimized businesses and customer ... (More)
An interactive and detailed exploration of how next generation platforms will transcend what is today's MarTech and AdTech ecosystems in order to achieve holistically optimized businesses and customer experiences using Artificial Intelligence. Focus will be on how brands can enrich their current CRM data with deep insights into customer interests, affinities, and context, and how the simplicity and intuitiveness of these platforms will lead to a necessary democratization of programmatically transacted media.
Breakout Session 3
Should Agencies Embrace the Review Economy?
Gone are the days when, as marketers, we have to “go with our gut.” We live in a world of rich data, and we need only to look in the right place. Review data can be a marketing blessing and a PR hot p ... (More)
Gone are the days when, as marketers, we have to “go with our gut.” We live in a world of rich data, and we need only to look in the right place. Review data can be a marketing blessing and a PR hot potato, so how best to get value out of the burgeoning review economy for your clients? Tammy Kahn’s session “Are Agencies Embracing The Review Economy?” will explore the role of 3rd party validation in a successful client marketing and PR strategy.
11:05 AM - 11:35 AM
Breakout Session 1
Winning in a Data Driven World
The future belongs to agencies who understand how to collect, analyze, consume & monetize fragmented data sources. Sessions focusses on:
* How large media agencies have used large scale data to their ... (More)
The future belongs to agencies who understand how to collect, analyze, consume & monetize fragmented data sources. Sessions focusses on:
* How large media agencies have used large scale data to their benefit ad build single Consumer View
* What kind of decisions are best driven through data (And which ones aren't)
* How to monetize the data that's already in your hands
* Live Case studies Demonstration, big data from science project to real business application - Media Trading, AI Driven Media Mart , Brand Association
Breakout Session 2
The State of Social with 4C
Social media continues to grab more marketing dollars and play an increasingly central role in overall brand strategy. To access social advertising growth and key trends, each quarter 4C analyses a re ... (More)
Social media continues to grab more marketing dollars and play an increasingly central role in overall brand strategy. To access social advertising growth and key trends, each quarter 4C analyses a representative sample of brands managed through the 4C Social Ads product on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat. Using data from the latest report, Alicia Antoniolli and Lisa Caravelli of 4C will share key trends that marketers need to know.
Breakout Session 3
Pull vs. Push: Demand-Driven Account-Based Marketing (ABM)
Account-Based Marketing or ABM has swept the world of B2B marketing. While many advertisers are still mastering the basics of ABM - customers are racing ahead and expect more. Your clients target cust ... (More)
Account-Based Marketing or ABM has swept the world of B2B marketing. While many advertisers are still mastering the basics of ABM - customers are racing ahead and expect more. Your clients target customers, increasingly will respond only to messaging that fits their immediate need. How can media agencies take the lead by activating business data to reach these target customers? See a real-world example of how a major technology brand did.
Price Glomski, EVP at PMG, gives an honest and transparent talk about the advantages and disadvantages of independent agencies vs. those under holding companies. Formerly the managing director of iProspect's largest U.S. office, Price offers a unique perspective, having gone from starting his career ... (More)
Price Glomski, EVP at PMG, gives an honest and transparent talk about the advantages and disadvantages of independent agencies vs. those under holding companies. Formerly the managing director of iProspect's largest U.S. office, Price offers a unique perspective, having gone from starting his career at an independent, to joining the leadership team within a holding company environment, and back again to an independent agency, albeit one that often partners with holding company agencies on behalf of shared clients.
With U.S. brand advertisers forecasting to increase their mobile video advertising spends by 56% and consumers spending 90% of their mobile time within apps, not the mobile browser, it’s important to understand how to run effective in-app video campaigns. This session is aimed at Brand Marketers and ... (More)
With U.S. brand advertisers forecasting to increase their mobile video advertising spends by 56% and consumers spending 90% of their mobile time within apps, not the mobile browser, it’s important to understand how to run effective in-app video campaigns. This session is aimed at Brand Marketers and showcasing brands and agencies doing mobile video right. Getting the data signals for measurement and having effective media is critical. This includes:
What is the right technology to deliver the consumer an optimal video experience within apps?
How to ensure there are no trade offs between hitting in-app KPIs and in-app measurement?
How to ensure advertisers can create the most innovative and interactive experiences on connected devices, at scale?
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Activity 1
Extreme Go-Karting
Combine your skills, speed, and strategy to see who will be standing on the top. The group will be divided into teams to compete for the most laps in ... (More)
Combine your skills, speed, and strategy to see who will be standing on the top. The group will be divided into teams to compete for the most laps in the allotted time. Drivers throughout the race, giving each participant a chance to be the hero of the team.
Activity 2
The Hottest Party on the Mississippi River
Enjoy sweet river breezes on the promenade deck as you cruise down the mighty Mississippi River as a Historian entertains you with a detailed narratio ... (More)
Sponsored by:
Enjoy sweet river breezes on the promenade deck as you cruise down the mighty Mississippi River as a Historian entertains you with a detailed narration of New Orleans landmarks, history and river lore as the city skyline slips by.
Guests will be competing in the Cook-off Challenge. Their version of 'Chopped'! The chefs will masterfully and delightfully guide the competitors through rounds of competition in which they must prove their culinary skills, intellectual prowess and their ability to pull together as a cohesive teambuilding unit. The competition can get tough, but the atmosphere always remains fun and humorous.
Activity 4
Golfing at Bayou Oaks at City Park
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. The course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Guests will participate in a ... (More)
Sponsored by:
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. The course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Guests will participate in a 9-hole tournament, split into groups of 4 to experience the course.
Developing new ideas to meet business challenges is imperative to success in the digital age. If you want to become a high-powered strategic idea machine then join this fast-paced, preception-shattering, interactive session, and learn how to generate hundreds of ideas, on demand, using tools like:
... (More)
Developing new ideas to meet business challenges is imperative to success in the digital age. If you want to become a high-powered strategic idea machine then join this fast-paced, preception-shattering, interactive session, and learn how to generate hundreds of ideas, on demand, using tools like:
Ask a Better Question (if you start in a boring place, you get a boring answer);
100 MPH Thinking (more ideas, less judgement) and
Intergalactic Thinking (starting in a different place can lead to a really different solution).
This workshop will make you laugh as well as make you think! The perfect way to kick off your morning, and get our head back into the game after a night out on the town.
In a programmatic world, media buying is increasingly being approached as a scientific formula – an equation with a defined answer to be calculated. Without a doubt, marketing is becoming an industry where the left-brained analysts of the world thrive. But at what cost? As technology enables consume ... (More)
In a programmatic world, media buying is increasingly being approached as a scientific formula – an equation with a defined answer to be calculated. Without a doubt, marketing is becoming an industry where the left-brained analysts of the world thrive. But at what cost? As technology enables consumers to throw out, screen out, and tune out unwanted messaging, are we training young media professionals to create content that consumers seek out and talk about? Is our industry at risk of losing the art and creativity involved in media at a time when it’s more important than ever?
In the midst of media reports about an impending “Retail Apocalypse,” and many traditional retailers announcing closures, Mohannad El-Barachi, General Manager of SweetIQ, offers marketers a fresh perspective on how to “future-proof” their Omni-Channel and Local strategies with sustainable practices ... (More)
In the midst of media reports about an impending “Retail Apocalypse,” and many traditional retailers announcing closures, Mohannad El-Barachi, General Manager of SweetIQ, offers marketers a fresh perspective on how to “future-proof” their Omni-Channel and Local strategies with sustainable practices geared towards generating valuable data, increasing in-store traffic and overall revenue. We will look at the key elements necessary for you to support your brands in their evolution in order to achieve success in today’s competitive Retail industry.
Millions of people post their wants, needs, and desires on social every day. Advertisers need a way to respond and give people what they want at a 1:1 level. That’s where Reply-Based Advertising comes in. Join this session to learn a revolutionary new way to advertise on comment-driven social platfo ... (More)
Millions of people post their wants, needs, and desires on social every day. Advertisers need a way to respond and give people what they want at a 1:1 level. That’s where Reply-Based Advertising comes in. Join this session to learn a revolutionary new way to advertise on comment-driven social platforms.
The iMedia ASPY Awards is an annual event where the agency community recognizes the industry’s best marketing technology, media companies and publishers. Nominations are open to the full marketing community, but the final voting comes 100% from agency marketers. This year’s awards will be presented ... (More)
The iMedia ASPY Awards is an annual event where the agency community recognizes the industry’s best marketing technology, media companies and publishers. Nominations are open to the full marketing community, but the final voting comes 100% from agency marketers. This year’s awards will be presented at the iMedia Agency Summit. Join us as we reveal the 2017 winners!
AI gives brands the power to make better media decisions, create hyper-personalized content, generate insights to optimize the end-to-end customer experience, and uncover opportunities for product innovation. That means companies can deliver more value faster to more people, starting a virtuous cycl ... (More)
AI gives brands the power to make better media decisions, create hyper-personalized content, generate insights to optimize the end-to-end customer experience, and uncover opportunities for product innovation. That means companies can deliver more value faster to more people, starting a virtuous cycle of value exchange that can radically boost brand value. This talk will explore the new kinds of tools, talent, and working methods needed to start on this journey of marketing transformation.
iMedia Summit attendees represent over $3 billion in digital marketing spend and hail from some of the biggest companies in the Fortune-500 and the agency world. High-value, customizable sponsorship opportunities are available, but won't last.
For more information, please contact: Brian Urquhart, Director of Strategic Partnerships [email protected]
Set within the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans retains the grace and charm of an antebellum mansion. Guests of this French Quarter hotel have the advantage of staying near popular area attractions, including Bourbon Street, but can also experience local traditions in the Courtyard, which hosts special events with its Crawfish Concierge, Snowball Sommelier and Oyster Butler. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers a peaceful retreat with features including:
Luxury guest rooms and suites blending elegant décor with modern amenities
Live music at the Davenport Lounge
M bistro, offering a farm-to-table dining experience
Destination spa, the largest in the city, offering more than 100 treatments
Enchanting venues and state-of-the-art meeting spaces
Courtyard, offering a space for guests to relax or host private events