“The digital advertising industry is evolving faster than ever, and at IAB we’re not reacting to change, we’re driving it,” said Goldstein. “These strategic IAB Center of Excellence hires are a clear investment in the future of digital advertising with a sharp focus on AI, commerce media, the creator economy, streaming video/CTV, and measurement. We are equipping our members to drive innovation, not just respond to it.”

New Leadership to Spearhead Core Initiatives

The organization welcomes three new senior executives with deep expertise across AI, commerce/retail media, and digital media strategy.

Collin Colburn, Vice President, Commerce, leads the IAB Commerce Board and related initiatives within the broader commerce landscape, including retail media. With prior roles at Forrester and Horizon Media’s commerce agency, Night Market, Colburn is focused on supporting the growing commerce media ecosystem, defining incrementality, and navigating the convergence of the store and monetization strategies. By defining industry standards that support transparent, accountable, and adaptable commerce practices, Colburn aims to promote consistent frameworks to improve operational efficiency and help advertisers use media more effectively in today’s digital marketplace. He will also spearhead IAB’s annual Connected Commerce Summit, in NYC on September 9, 2025.

“IAB is at the forefront of advancing the maturity of commerce media and focusing on driving consistent, transparent standards across the commerce landscape. It’s exciting to be part of an organization that’s not only shaping the conversation but also building the infrastructure for a more trustworthy and effective digital ecosystem,” added Colburn.

Jamie Finstein, Vice President, Media Center, brings over 15 years of digital strategy experience from WPP Media. She will drive advancement across CTV, digital video, audio, DOOH, and brand safety. In this role, Finstein will support the growth of video through data-driven standards, help resolve video measurement, and drive consistency across the marketplace and standardize video formats. She will also drive audio innovation by enhancing programmatic standards and VAST integration, support DOOH (DOOH) by addressing the space’s unique complexities, and strengthen brand safety by tackling AI-driven fraud. Additionally, Finstein will lead the IAB Audio and Video Boards, as well as key events including IAB Video Leadership Summit on July 14-15 and IAB Podcast Upfront (September 30) as well as IAB NewFronts.

“I’m excited to join IAB at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly and the demand for advancements in standardization is growing,” said Finstein. “There is a real opportunity to drive meaningful progress – bringing greater consistency, transparency, and innovation to how we create, measure, and improve digital experiences. I look forward to working with our members and partners to drive innovation and build a more unified digital ecosystem.”

The IAB Media Center also includes Jason Adamski and Matt Shapo as Directors. Adamski joins IAB after leading media strategy at Ferrero as North American Media Manager, with prior senior media positions at PepsiCo, Accenture, MediaVest, Mullen, and Boston Beer Company. In his role with the IAB Media Center, Adamski oversees video and digital out of home (DOOH), focusing on standardizing DOOH planning and buying practices, enhancing measurement models, and proving its effectiveness across the full purchase funnel to elevate DOOH as a key part of omnichannel media plans.

A passionate advocate for audio’s powerful role in omnichannel advertising campaigns, Shapo leads education and research initiatives, advocating for audio’s unique strengths and promoting collaboration among publishers, tech providers, content creators, and brands to support sustainable, ad-supported media. He also leads the IAB’s Ecosystem Health Initiative, which elevates the value of news-related content and focuses on advancing contextual targeting across all media genres as well as supporting the growth of publishers and the open web.

Caroline Giegerich, Vice President, AI, previously announced, will lead IAB’s AI roadmap by developing tools, resources, and standards that support the responsible and effective use of AI across all corners of the digital advertising industry. With over twenty years of experience in marketing, innovation, and emerging technology, she has held senior roles at HBO, Warner Music Group, MediaLink, and Smashbox Cosmetics.

“AI is reshaping every aspect of digital advertising, and the industry needs clear guidance to move forward with confidence,” added Giegerich. “IAB is focused on delivering actionable frameworks, best practices, and scalable tools that ensure AI is used responsibly and effectively. As I take on this role, I am eager to help our members understand AI is not just about innovation—it’s about building a foundation the entire ecosystem can trust and build on.”

“This reorganization represents a pivotal step in ensuring IAB continues to deliver best-in-class leadership, resources, and insights to help our members navigate the rapidly evolving media and marketing landscape,” concluded Gabilan. “Collin, Jamie, and Caroline, are on the bleeding edge of their respective fields and will provide our members with the perspective they need to thrive in a changing advertising ecosystem.”

Additionally, Angelina Eng has been promoted to Vice President, Measurement, Addressability & Data (MAD) Center and CoE Operations. She will continue to oversee the MAD Center, while also coordinating operations across all IAB Centers of Excellence to streamline processes and boost collaboration. Eng will also lead the IAB Measurement Leadership Summit on July 15-16.

As part of IAB’s Centers of Excellence leadership, Zoe Soon, Vice President of the IAB Experience Center, is also expanding her remit to lead the newly established Creator Economy Board and oversee all creator economy and gaming initiatives, including IAB PlayFronts. And Matthew Renne, Vice President of the Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC), plays a key role in equipping digital marketing and media professionals with industry-driven training and resources to foster growth, adaptability, and long-term success in today’s workplace.

About IAB

The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Kate Dougherty / Brittany Tibaldi
551-265-2825 / 516-974-2216
kdougherty@kcsa.com /btibaldi@kcsa.com

The post IAB Updates Centers of Excellence and Expands Leadership Team to Accelerate Industry Innovation appeared first on IAB.

IAB Main Stage Occurring on May 7

NEW YORK – April 4, 2025–As media consumption continues to shift, the 2025 IAB NewFronts is where marketers and media buyers come to see what’s next — especially when it comes to video. From May 5–8 in New York City, the event offers a first look at what top digital media companies and tech platforms are planning: new shows, streaming strategies, and fresh ways to connect with audiences through video. It’s a chance to hear directly from the people shaping the future of streaming, digital advertising, and content.

“The 2025 IAB NewFronts is where you can really get a sense of where the video world is heading,” said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. “The presentations here reflect and shape what’s coming next. From what people will be watching to how brands show up in those spaces, this is where the next year in digital video starts.”

As an IAB NewFronts Principal Partner, Google will continue its long standing partnership by kicking off the 2025 IAB NewFronts on Monday.

The highly sought-after IAB Main Stage is set to return on Wednesday, May 7, spotlighting breakthrough content, technologies and solutions. Additionally, IAB will showcase findings from its annual IAB Digital Video Ad Spend & Strategy Report, which includes full-year 2024 results and an outlook for 2025.

Also slated to return during IAB’s Main Stage day is “Spotlight on: News @ NewFronts” — a session focused on the role of credible, trustworthy journalism and why it matters for advertisers. The conversation will explore the value of investing in quality news and will include voices from leading organizations, including Yahoo!, NBCUniversal, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

“The way people watch is changing fast,” said Cintia Gabilan, SVP, Centers of Excellence and Industry Initiatives, IAB. “Streaming is where audiences are, and CTV continues to grow because it’s easy, personalized, and fits into people’s lives. At the 2025 IAB NewFronts, we’ll see how media companies are leaning into this shift and rethinking what video can be to create more connected, meaningful experiences.”

*All times are in EST; Attendees must reach out to IAB NewFronts presenters (above) to attend their presentations; Speakers and timing are subject to change. For up-to-the-minute agenda, refer to the IAB website: https://iab.com/newfronts

*All times are in EST; Speakers and timing are subject to change. For up-to-the-minute agenda, refer to the IAB website: https://iab.com/newfronts

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com/mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post IAB Unveils 2025 NewFronts Lineup, Spotlighting What’s Next in Streaming appeared first on IAB.

IAB PlayFronts is the premier event where industry leaders from leading gaming studios, streaming platforms, and advertising technology innovators come together to share valuable consumer insights and unveil the latest cutting-edge creative opportunities. This year, attendees will explore how brands can unlock new revenue streams, engage with emerging audiences, and create impactful ad experiences that deliver superior experiences for today’s gamers.

“Gaming has transcended entertainment to become a cultural force, with over 3 billion players worldwide and new platforms emerging daily. At this pivotal moment, IAB remains committed to bringing together the brightest minds in advertising and technology to unlock gaming’s full potential for brands,” said Carryl Pierre-Drews, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, IAB. “IAB PlayFronts is at the forefront of this transformation, providing brands with the tools and insights they need to leverage gaming’s unmatched reach, attention, and engagement, and create advertising experiences that reach new audiences.”

“With the promise of AI finally coming to fruition, we are in the midst of an information revolution and our ability to use data to target audiences is unprecedented. Reach and scale have become table stakes. What will set brands apart is their ability to connect with audiences in authentic ways through storytelling and community, both of which are central to gaming,” said Zoe Soon, VP, Experience, IAB. “Gaming is also a great way for brands to connect with valuable, hard to reach audiences. With over 90% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha identifying as gamers and over 70% of moms, it’s no surprise that more than 90% of advertisers are turning to gaming to engage with these coveted audiences.”

All times are in ET; Speakers and timing are subject to change. For an up-to-the-minute agenda, please refer to the IAB website.

This event is invite-only for qualified brand marketers and agency professionals. For more information on IAB PlayFronts or to request a pass, please visit: https://iab.com/playfronts.

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com/mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post Next Wave of Gaming Advertising Innovation Takes Center Stage at 2025 IAB PlayFronts appeared first on IAB.

New York – March 26, 2024 – Amidst the booming growth of the gaming market, a pioneering study released today during IAB PlayFronts, Changing the Game: How Games Advertising Powers Performance, explores the impact of games advertising. This first-of-its-kind analysis of brands and media agencies quantifies the success, reach, and effectiveness of games advertising, shedding light on why it is a crucial component in the marketing mix.

“This is the first large-scale quantitative analysis of brands and agencies with experience purchasing games advertising,” said Jack Koch, Senior Vice President, Research & Insights, IAB. “The study found that advertisers view games advertising as a measurable, brand safe medium that is effective across the entire consumer journey. Marketers can no longer afford to ignore this medium if they want to reach the more than 200 million U.S. consumers that play video games.”

Current State of Gaming and Games Advertising

For those using games advertising, it has become an integral and continuously growing part of the marketing mix. Notably, 86% of advertisers surveyed agree that it is of growing importance to their companies, and 40% plan to increase spend on games advertising in the coming year.

Increases in ad spend come on the heels of gaming’s growing importance and prevalence in the US. According to Entertainment Software America (ESA), there are 213 million gamers in the US, while eMarketer projects ad spend in games will surge from $8.53 billion in 2024 to $11.49 billion by 2027.

Why Marketers Are Using Games Advertising

As games advertising continues to mature, it has become a reliable platform for delivering premium, high-quality inventory. Of note, 86% of advertisers surveyed agree that it is brand safe, solidifying its position as the second-highest rated channel in terms of brand safety. In addition, 85% of those surveyed are confident in their ability to measure games advertising.

While 79% of advertisers find buying advertising in games relatively easy, it still falls behind other digital media channels concerning ease of buying and planning. Experienced planners and buyers emphasize the need for additional effort to exploit the advantages of games advertising fully. This includes conducting research on gaming audiences to understand their preferences and tailoring ad formats and creatives, which can be more complex compared to other media channels due to the diverse gaming landscape and the need for custom work.

In light of these insights, it’s evident that games advertising serves as a powerful tool for engaging with the right consumers in their preferred environment. An impressive 90% of advertisers attest to its effectiveness in reaching valuable, hard-to-reach audiences with relevant messaging. Further, 85% of advertisers recognize games advertising as a premium, high-quality platform for promoting their brands. With its ability to integrate immersive ad placements into user experiences, it offers a fresh and innovative approach to marketing.

Games Advertising is Effective Across the Entire Consumer Journey

Games advertising meets both brand and performance marketing goals, with 78% of advertisers stating that games advertising is “excellent” or “good” at awareness, 76% at driving research and consideration, and 65% at driving purchase.

Koch added, “Impressively, games advertising consistently performs well across all stages of the consumer journey, showcasing its potency compared to other media channels. We’re excited to reveal where and how to harness its power in the marketing mix.”

For detailed insights and recommendations, access the complete study here.

IAB Launches Creative Guidelines and Best Practices in Advertising in Gaming

IAB has also released guidelines and best practices for games advertising to further enable advertisers to tap into the power of this channel. The initiative introduces essential guidelines around creative in games advertising to ensure effective and respectful advertising across various gaming platforms. Addressing the challenge of intrusive advertising, the guidelines prioritize clear disclosures, appropriate calls-to-action, and adherence to quality assurance protocols to standardize practices and make ads engaging rather than disruptive. The document establishes guidelines for various ad formats, promoting collaboration among gaming and advertising professionals to achieve higher standards and an optimal balance between advertising goals and user satisfaction.

“Our Creative Guidelines and Best Practices in Advertising in Gaming aims to help preserve the Player First ethos and help brands get it right when activating in games,” said Zoe Soon, Vice President, Experience Center, IAB. “From interactive overlays to rich media experiences, we’re providing guidelines and identifying best practices to ensure ads enhance rather than disrupt gaming. By encouraging collaboration within the gaming and advertising communities, we’re building a future where ads not only meet brand goals but also contribute to a gaming journey that everyone can enjoy.”

Access the complete guidelines here.

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com/mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post New IAB Study Reveals Games Advertising Among Top Three Investment Growth Areas Alongside Digital Video appeared first on IAB.

NEW YORK – February 29, 2024 – For the third consecutive year, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) gears up for IAB PlayFronts. On March 26th-27th, industry leaders from gaming companies, streaming platforms, and adtech partners will gather at Convene in New York City (1221 6th Avenue) for an event that defines the gaming advertising landscape and showcases creative opportunities for brands.

As the dedicated marketplace for the gaming industry, IAB PlayFronts is the must-attend event to discuss the current and future state of the gaming advertising ecosystem. Industry experts will feature the latest trends and consumer insights in gaming advertising, demonstrate unique creative opportunities for brands to drive incremental revenue, and discover new audiences. Focus will include navigating measurement and diverse ad formats to maximize engagement and effectiveness in this evolving space.

“IAB PlayFronts empowers brands and agencies to mobilize the full potential of gaming as a strategic advertising channel,” said Carryl Pierre-Drews, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, IAB. “As the gaming landscape undergoes constant evolution, the burgeoning demand prompted our decision to expand IAB PlayFronts to a second day, reaffirming the ability of gaming to deliver meaningful business results.”

On March 26, IAB will release the first quantitative study of why brands and agencies continue to leverage games advertising, what success they’re seeing across the marketing funnel, and how gaming drives results compared to other channels. Additionally, IAB will release its Creative Guidelines and Best Practices in Advertising in Gaming. These guidelines aim to set industry standards for balancing effective in-game advertising with player experience across mobile, PC, and web-based games, offering crucial guidance for advertisers, agencies, game publishers, and platforms to craft engaging creative content.

“Brands are investing significantly in gaming, with 93% of media buyers intending to activate in gaming by 2025,” said Zoe Soon, Vice President of the Experience Center at IAB. “For brands, gaming presents an enormous opportunity to embed themselves in consumers’ stories and in moments of triumph, community, engagement, and connection with themselves and others. It’s an effective way to access attention, cut through the noise and boost brand recall, and loyalty with audiences.”

All times are in ET; Speakers and timing are subject to change. For an up-to-the-minute agenda, please refer to the IAB website.

This event is invite-only for qualified brand marketers and agency professionals. For more information on IAB PlayFronts or to request a pass, please visit: https://www.iab.com/playfronts/.

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com / mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post IAB PlayFronts Returns for Third Year, Reinforcing Gaming Advertising’s Effectiveness appeared first on IAB.

Public Comment Open Until March 9, 2024

NEW YORK, February 8, 2024 – In collaboration, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and Media Rating Council (MRC) have released their Augmented Reality (AR) Measurement Guidelines to establish clear and consistent definitions and measurement guidelines for ads within Augmented Reality campaigns. The guidelines are open for public comment for a 30-day period until March 9th, 2024.

The IAB AR Measurement Guidelines Task Force, working with MRC, set forth guidelines for advertisers and marketers to quantify how much media is delivered and gauge how well their media achieved their business objectives within AR media campaigns.

“Brands are increasingly utilizing AR in their media campaigns to connect with consumers in more meaningful and immersive ways,” said Zoe Soon, VP, Experience Center, IAB. “The Augmented Reality advertising market is projected to generate $1.2 Billion in revenue in the U.S. this year. Thus, as an industry, we need to establish a greater consistency on how we define and measure AR advertising to foster fairness and transparency for buyers and sellers.”

To effectively capture the impact of AR campaigns, these guidelines set a framework to establish clear and consistent definitions for ad delivery, viewability, audience, engagement, and performance. The guidelines are inclusive of AR’s interactive and immersive formats as AR can accrue non-physical interactions with products as well as the physical interactions related to browsing in the context of attribution.

“The efforts to draft these guidelines involved developing a deep understanding of the AR measurement landscape through collaboration with the IAB AR Measurement Guidelines Task Force, we created a measurement framework for ad delivery, audience, engagement, and outcomes that provides consistency with other digital measurement while reflecting unique aspects of the AR environment,” added Ron Pinelli, SVP Digital Research and Standards, MRC. “This public comment period is an opportunity for all members of the digital advertising community – brands, publishers, agencies, and ad tech companies – to join the conversation and share their feedback regarding AR advertising measurement and work together to address the present and future of AR advertising experiences.”

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen first-hand the value augmented reality (AR) has for our community and for brands looking to engage consumers,” said Ty Ahmad-Taylor, Vice President, Product Growth, Snap Inc. “We’re excited to partner with IAB and MRC, and help the industry navigate effective AR campaign measurement. The AR Measurement Guidelines Task Force is playing a leading role in defining the future of AR advertising, and we look forward to using these guidelines to help partners maximize their AR outcomes.”

The proposed IAB/MRC Augmented Reality (AR) Guidelines can be reviewed here. Questions and comments can be sent to experience-center@iab.com.

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

About MRC
The Media Rating Council is a non-profit industry association established in 1963 comprised of leading television, radio, print and digital media companies, as well as advertisers, advertising agencies and trade associations, whose goal is to ensure measurement services that are valid, reliable and effective.  Measurement services desiring MRC accreditation are required to disclose to their customers all methodological aspects of their service; comply with the MRC Minimum Standards for Media Rating Research as well as other applicable industry measurement guidelines; and submit to MRC-designed audits to authenticate and illuminate their procedures. In addition, the MRC membership actively pursues research issues they consider priorities in an effort to improve the quality of research in the marketplace. Currently approximately 110 research products are audited by the MRC. Additional information about MRC can be found at www.mediaratingcouncil.org.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com / mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post IAB and MRC Release Augmented Reality Measurement Guidelines For Public Comment appeared first on IAB.

New York – March 8, 2023 – Two out of every three Americans play video games through various platforms (ESA, 2022), and gaming is third only to TV and social media in terms of where audiences spend their time–yet gaming captures less than 5% of advertiser budgets.

A new IAB study of over forty brands, agencies, ad tech companies, game developers, and publishers conducted in partnership with MediaScience revealed that investments in gaming are not nearly at the levels they should be due to five lingering misperceptions. The reality is that the industry has built an ecosystem that makes it easier to buy at scale and measure than ever before. The study is being released at the IAB PlayFronts today, March 8th.

“The success stories we heard from buyers about gaming were striking — and all the more so because they don’t align at all with the misperceptions of the industry at large,” said Zoe Soon, Vice President, Experience Center, IAB. “Advertisers are missing a prime opportunity to reach and persuade consumers in these dynamic environments.”

Misperception 1: It’s too expensive for brands to get started. 

When advertisers think of gaming, they tend to think of high-end, one-off custom integrations. Yet there are many more affordable and undervalued opportunities. While the first generation of in-game advertising media was fragmented and hard to buy, today’s programmatic channels make it easy to buy, are comparable in cost to other digital media, enable marketers to test and learn, and are cost-effective, efficient, and scalable.

Misperception 2: In-game advertising is too hard to activate with quality inventory. 

Some advertisers feel that ease of activation and quality is only possible in well-known, premium game titles. “Quality inventory and serious reach are possible,” Soon continued. “With new ad networks and technology, it’s easy for advertisers to get both the scale and brand-safe reach they need.”

Misperception 3: Gaming cannot deliver on key objectives throughout the funnel.

“Buyers want to make good quality buys that align with their brands and drive all the way through to purchase,” said Jack Koch, SVP, Research & Insights, IAB. “And while that is absolutely possible in gaming today, perception lags reality.”

While in-game advertising often mimics real-world awareness media — for example, billboards in a driving game or stadium signage in a sports game — gaming offers much more. You can drive mid-funnel objectives by letting gamers feel and interact with your product. Gamers can drive a branded vehicle in a war game, or get a “power-up” from a healthy drink in a running game and become associated with energy. There’s also ample inventory that is lower funnel and clickable, so advertisers can track through to conversions.

Misperception 4: In-game advertising is too difficult to measure.

AdTech and publishers have brought measurement standards and capabilities up to a level that will meet the needs of most advertisers. However, there is still progress that needs to be made. In some cases, the data is not fully consistent and comparable to other media, and in-game advertising doesn’t yet offer the same level of granularity buyers expect in digital marketing. In a joint collaboration between IAB, IAB Tech Lab, and the Media Rating Council (MRC), in July 2022, IAB released its Intrinsic In-Game (IIG) Measurement Guidelines to establish updated measurement guidelines for ads that appear within gameplay.

Misperception 5: In-game advertising is not brand safe and not welcomed by players.

There’s still a lingering misperception that buyers can’t get brand-safe reach at scale and that in-game advertising is unwelcome.

In reality, with proper planning and through third-party monitoring services and/or AI-based keyword blocking, brand safety issues can be easily mitigated. Programmatic makes it possible to reach brand-safe audiences at scale.

Also — just as in any medium — attitudes about advertising depend on an acceptable value exchange. On a free mobile game, players fully expect to see ads in exchange for getting the game for free. The interviewees for IAB’s research shared that ad formats that provide tangible in-game value such as in-game playables, rewards, currency boosts, and skins are well-received by gamers. Where there are billboards in a driving game, gamers enjoy it more if it adds realism to the game. AdTech and publishers are keenly aware of the need for a strong value exchange and develop ad formats that deliver on that promise.

What the Industry Needs To Do Next

• Educate and collaborate
  Sellers need to make clear that in-game advertising has evolved, and can be as easy and cost-efficient to activate as other digital media. Education is needed about the range of buying opportunities and ad formats across custom integrations and dynamic network media buys, and measurement/brand safety capabilities available. The buy-and-sell side should collaborate to reduce friction and boost investment, while publishers and ad tech providers partner to open new player-centric inventory.

• Demonstrate unique value
  Ad tech companies and publishers need to show the quality of their reach and inventory through audience insights and channel profiles, and provide case studies about driving full-funnel success leveraging measurement that’s similar to other digital media.

• Build for interoperability
  Ad tech companies and publishers should help advertisers understand how to efficiently leverage first and third-party data, and how data can be interoperable so brands can make smart cross-platform decisions. Standards, like IAB’s Intrinsic In-Game Measurement Guidelines, are vital to helping align in-game metrics to other digital media for consistency and comparability.

• Quantify why gaming, and why now
  Empirical effectiveness research is needed to illuminate how the engagement and context of in-game ads can drive significant impact, and how to ensure that in-game advertising is brand-safe. Gaming offers sizable audiences and can be a future-forward leader with strong engagement, creative, contextual alignment, and performance.

Koch concluded, “High quality audiences at serious scale, brand safety, easy buying, and defensible measurement are all finally in place. As the misperceptions dissipate, we expect spending on in-game advertising will begin to catch up to the opportunity.”

The report was released at IAB PlayFronts 2023 and can be downloaded here.

About IAB

The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com / mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post New IAB Study Reveals Five Misperceptions About Video Game Advertising appeared first on IAB.

NEW YORK – February 16, 2023 – Digital gaming is growing exponentially, and it does not plan to slow down anytime soon. Advertising revenue in gaming across mobile, digital video, and esports totaled $8.6B in 2022 (nearly double that of 2019) and is projected to climb to $9.5B in 2023, per eMarketer. In addition, the branded digital goods market is projected to surpass $147B by next year with brands leaning into immersive and metaverse environments as an additional revenue channel for digital clothing and products. Back by popular demand, IAB welcomes the IAB PlayFronts – the annual marketplace dedicated to showcasing the near limitless possibilities of advertising in the gaming industry – for two days of thought leadership content and presentations.

On March 8th-9th, at Convene in New York City (1221 6th Avenue), thought leaders from game companies, streaming platforms, and ad tech partners will gather to present new consumer insights, demonstrate creative ad innovation, and define the future of the gaming landscape for brands.

“Gaming is at the epicenter of the next cultural zeitgeist. From music and fashion to film and sport, gaming is informing how we interact with each other and the world around us,” said Zoe Soon, Vice President, Experience Center, IAB. “Marketers can no longer consider gaming as an add-on media strategy. The IAB PlayFronts is a must-attend for anyone looking to keep up with where consumer attention is going and stay ahead of the opportunities this channel offers.”

In its second year, IAB PlayFronts continues to lead as the venue for industry experts to take a front-row seat in this rapidly growing arena. More than 20 presentations will emphasize the effectiveness of gaming, showcase new audiences turning to the medium, and highlight best practices for driving campaign ROI.

“Despite tremendous scale, attention and engagement, gaming remains a highly underutilized asset for marketers.” said David Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, IAB. “In a world of exponentially growing engagement opportunities, gaming is simply too big to ignore. IAB PlayFronts will illuminate how to leverage this channel to win with gamers and drive business results, today and in the future.”

All times are in ET; Speakers and timing are subject to change. For up-to-the-minute agenda, please refer to the IAB website.

This event is invite-only for qualified brand marketers and agency professionals. For more information on IAB PlayFronts or to request a pass, please visit: https://www.iab.com/playfronts/

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com / mvaughan@kcsa.com

The post Back by Popular Demand: IAB Brings the Advertising and Gaming Ecosystems Together with “IAB PlayFronts 2023” appeared first on IAB.

NEW YORK, December 14, 2022 – The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), the digital media and marketing trade association, today announced two new additions to its senior team – Pam Zucker joined IAB as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Jack Koch joined as Senior Vice President, Research & Insights. In addition, IAB announced the evolution of Chris Bruderle’s role as Vice President, Industry Insights and Content Strategy.

Pam will oversee the evolution of the IAB point of view through the creation of industry guidelines, standards, and marketplace education by protecting and enabling growth for an open, ad-supported digital ecosystem. Pam will be responsible for connecting and building relationships with members across the advertising landscape to elevate IAB as the center of discussion, information, and advice to address the greatest challenges of our industry. Pam will be reporting to Sheryl Goldstein, EVP, Chief Industry Growth Officer, IAB.

Leading into the New Year, IAB is enhancing the Centers of Excellence, Research & Insights programs as well as re-launching the Measurement, Addressability & Data (MAD) Center, previously known as the Programmatic+Data Center. This Center provides essential industry guidance and education on changes in underlying technology and privacy regulations in a constantly evolving ecosystem. Under its new name, the center will provide guidance and education on new addressability and measurement solutions to enable revenue growth, efficiency, and scale, with a focus on retail media networks and Advanced TV.

Additionally, Pam will be responsible for directing the other IAB Centers of Excellence (COE):

• Experience Center which focuses on evolving consumer behavior and emerging technologies (AR, VR, Voice and Games/Esports) to help define the advertising experiences of tomorrow.
• Media Center which creates the thought leadership, advocacy, and forums that make and shape the video and audio marketplace; help improve efficiency, consistency, and relevance in how media companies and marketers engage with audiences across all forms of digital video and audio (including CTV and podcasting).

“As the industry evolves, so must our Centers of Excellence to meet member needs,” said Pam Zucker, SVP, Chief Strategy Officer, IAB. “Once a former IAB member, I have benefited greatly from the research, networking, and reports that these centers provide. Now, as their leader, I am looking forward to ensuring that center participants and IAB members at large receive the tools and guidance they need to navigate changes in technology and responsible data use amid a shifting privacy landscape.”

Joining IAB’s leadership team, Jack is responsible for all research related initiatives and overseeing strategic direction and output of products such as the annual IAB PWC Advertising Spend and Revenue Research. He will continuously identify new research areas for IAB, helping future-proof the digital ecosystem and supporting the COE’s strategic priorities.

In 2023, the IAB Research & Insights team will focus on initiatives including ad spending related to gaming, podcasting, and video, as well as IAB’s coveted “State of Data” report. State of Data will be released during IAB’s Annual Leadership Meeting in January 2023. This report is designed to help the industry prepare and navigate changes in privacy legislation, the deprecation of third-party identifiers, and platform policies affecting data collection, addressability, measurement, and optimization.

After nearly four years at IAB, Chris Bruderle takes on an expanded role as Vice President, Industry Insights and Content Strategy. In his new role, Chris will work closely with the Centers of Excellence and IAB Tech Lab to create industry education for brands, agencies, publishers, and ad tech participants. Chris will help educate the marketplace by leading member education meetings on various research-based discussions.

“At IAB, we’re focused on addressing industry issues most important for driving growth, educating all stakeholders, and mitigating risks by offering high quality solutions and relevant research to the entire advertising ecosystem,” said Sheryl Goldstein, EVP, Chief Industry Growth Officer, IAB. “Pam, Jack, and Chris each bring unique perspectives to the IAB team. With their years of experience and insights, we are excited to feel their impact – bringing our industry together and continuing to create solutions and educate the marketplace in this highly dynamic time.”

About Pam Zucker
With more than 30 years of experience, Pam comes to IAB as a highly regarded industry veteran across digital, programmatic, and traditional platforms. She’s known for her innovative approaches to media and marketing challenges that turn the complex media ecosystem into understandable ideas for both the C-Suite and day-to-day tacticians. Pam spent her first 25 years on the agency side at Publicis Media leading clients such as Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, Activision, Yahoo, and others. During her time at Publicis Media, Pam built new practices for the agency, including Advanced TV and Experience Design. Pam also spent part of her career leading Media for Starcom Mediavest Group in Russia when that market first opened to media in the mid-1990s. Following her work on the agency side, Pam spent five years consulting for media and technology companies (NBCU, Fox, Viacom, Double Verify) helping them design custom programs and market their digital assets for growth. Most recently, Pam has been at Amobee leading their marketing and sales strategy efforts to bring new identity, performance, and new targeting techniques to the DSP and cross channel planning marketplace. Pam received her BA at Carleton College and resides in Hastings on Hudson, NY.

About Jack Koch
Jack joins IAB with more than 20 years of experience at platforms, brands, and agencies leading global research and insights initiatives that foster smarter business decisions. As an enthusiastic data-driven storyteller, Jack’s passion for pushing the boundaries of research and inspiring action through insights is paramount to elevate industry intelligence. Prior to joining IAB, Jack led and scaled global research, insights, and measurement teams at rapidly emerging digital media platforms including Microsoft, EA, LinkedIn, and Spotify. Most recently, Jack was at Reddit, where he established the Marketing Sciences organization responsible for advancing ad measurement capabilities and partnerships, producing research amplifying industry awareness, and understanding of online communities, uncovering contextual insights, and identifying audience trends that tell the world about their world. Jack earned his BSBA and BFA degrees from the Olin School of Business and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis.

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com / mvaughan@kcsa.com 

The post IAB Hires Industry Veteran Pam Zucker as SVP, Chief Strategy Officer, to Lead IAB’s Thought Leadership Engine Including Centers of Excellence and Research Team appeared first on IAB.

NEW YORK, December 14, 2022 – The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), the digital media and marketing trade association, today announced two new additions to its senior team – Pam Zucker joined IAB as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Jack Koch joined as Senior Vice President, Research & Insights. In addition, IAB announced the evolution of Chris Bruderle’s role as Vice President, Industry Insights and Content Strategy.

Pam will oversee the evolution of the IAB point of view through the creation of industry guidelines, standards, and marketplace education by protecting and enabling growth for an open, ad-supported digital ecosystem. Pam will be responsible for connecting and building relationships with members across the advertising landscape to elevate IAB as the center of discussion, information, and advice to address the greatest challenges of our industry. Pam will be reporting to Sheryl Goldstein, EVP, Chief Industry Growth Officer, IAB.

Leading into the New Year, IAB is enhancing the Centers of Excellence, Research & Insights programs as well as re-launching the Measurement, Addressability & Data (MAD) Center, previously known as the Programmatic+Data Center. This Center provides essential industry guidance and education on changes in underlying technology and privacy regulations in a constantly evolving ecosystem. Under its new name, the center will provide guidance and education on new addressability and measurement solutions to enable revenue growth, efficiency, and scale, with a focus on retail media networks and Advanced TV.

Additionally, Pam will be responsible for directing the other IAB Centers of Excellence (COE):

• Experience Center which focuses on evolving consumer behavior and emerging technologies (AR, VR, Voice and Games/Esports) to help define the advertising experiences of tomorrow.
• Media Center which creates the thought leadership, advocacy, and forums that make and shape the video and audio marketplace; help improve efficiency, consistency, and relevance in how media companies and marketers engage with audiences across all forms of digital video and audio (including CTV and podcasting).

“As the industry evolves, so must our Centers of Excellence to meet member needs,” said Pam Zucker, SVP, Chief Strategy Officer, IAB. “Once a former IAB member, I have benefited greatly from the research, networking, and reports that these centers provide. Now, as their leader, I am looking forward to ensuring that center participants and IAB members at large receive the tools and guidance they need to navigate changes in technology and responsible data use amid a shifting privacy landscape.”

Joining IAB’s leadership team, Jack is responsible for all research related initiatives and overseeing strategic direction and output of products such as the annual IAB PWC Advertising Spend and Revenue Research. He will continuously identify new research areas for IAB, helping future-proof the digital ecosystem and supporting the COE’s strategic priorities.

In 2023, the IAB Research & Insights team will focus on initiatives including ad spending related to gaming, podcasting, and video, as well as IAB’s coveted “State of Data” report. State of Data will be released during IAB’s Annual Leadership Meeting in January 2023. This report is designed to help the industry prepare and navigate changes in privacy legislation, the deprecation of third-party identifiers, and platform policies affecting data collection, addressability, measurement, and optimization.

After nearly four years at IAB, Chris Bruderle takes on an expanded role as Vice President, Industry Insights and Content Strategy. In his new role, Chris will work closely with the Centers of Excellence and IAB Tech Lab to create industry education for brands, agencies, publishers, and ad tech participants. Chris will help educate the marketplace by leading member education meetings on various research-based discussions.

“At IAB, we’re focused on addressing industry issues most important for driving growth, educating all stakeholders, and mitigating risks by offering high quality solutions and relevant research to the entire advertising ecosystem,” said Sheryl Goldstein, EVP, Chief Industry Growth Officer, IAB. “Pam, Jack, and Chris each bring unique perspectives to the IAB team. With their years of experience and insights, we are excited to feel their impact – bringing our industry together and continuing to create solutions and educate the marketplace in this highly dynamic time.”

About Pam Zucker
With more than 30 years of experience, Pam comes to IAB as a highly regarded industry veteran across digital, programmatic, and traditional platforms. She’s known for her innovative approaches to media and marketing challenges that turn the complex media ecosystem into understandable ideas for both the C-Suite and day-to-day tacticians. Pam spent her first 25 years on the agency side at Publicis Media leading clients such as Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, Activision, Yahoo, and others. During her time at Publicis Media, Pam built new practices for the agency, including Advanced TV and Experience Design. Pam also spent part of her career leading Media for Starcom Mediavest Group in Russia when that market first opened to media in the mid-1990s. Following her work on the agency side, Pam spent five years consulting for media and technology companies (NBCU, Fox, Viacom, Double Verify) helping them design custom programs and market their digital assets for growth. Most recently, Pam has been at Amobee leading their marketing and sales strategy efforts to bring new identity, performance, and new targeting techniques to the DSP and cross channel planning marketplace. Pam received her BA at Carleton College and resides in Hastings on Hudson, NY.

About Jack Koch
Jack joins IAB with more than 20 years of experience at platforms, brands, and agencies leading global research and insights initiatives that foster smarter business decisions. As an enthusiastic data-driven storyteller, Jack’s passion for pushing the boundaries of research and inspiring action through insights is paramount to elevate industry intelligence. Prior to joining IAB, Jack led and scaled global research, insights, and measurement teams at rapidly emerging digital media platforms including Microsoft, EA, LinkedIn, and Spotify. Most recently, Jack was at Reddit, where he established the Marketing Sciences organization responsible for advancing ad measurement capabilities and partnerships, producing research amplifying industry awareness, and understanding of online communities, uncovering contextual insights, and identifying audience trends that tell the world about their world. Jack earned his BSBA and BFA degrees from the Olin School of Business and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis.

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

IAB Media Contacts
Brittany Tibaldi / Michael Vaughan
347-487-6794 / 813-210-1706
btibaldi@kcsa.com / mvaughan@kcsa.com 

The post IAB Hires Industry Veteran Pam Zucker as SVP, Chief Strategy Officer, to Lead IAB’s Thought Leadership Engine Including Centers of Excellence and Research Team appeared first on IAB.