We’ve curated a roundup of the most buzzworthy moments from our 2024 PubForum conferences, where curated deals, cookieless targeting, and AI-powered strategies took center stage.
Ready for a round-up of the best and boldest moments from AdMonsters PubForum 2024? We’re talking curated deals, cookieless targeting, and AI-powered strategies. Our publisher speakers packed these sessions with game-changing insights that are rewriting the playbook for digital media.
Take curated deals, for example. Hélène Parker set the record straight, revealing that these deals are neither the magic bullet nor the headache we first thought. Meanwhile, digital media leaders in Scottsdale were plotting their escape from algorithm chaos, with audience trust and transparency at the top of their to-do lists.
And let’s not forget the electrifying keynote from Claire Atkin of Check My Ads, who took no prisoners in her fight for transparency and battle against disinformation.
Whether you’re looking to master data strategies or figure out how to thrive in a cookieless world, this listicle has all the juicy details from the sessions that made waves at PubForum.
Unpacking Misconceptions About Curated Deals
Hélène Parker, CEO of Hélène Parker Consulting, cleared the air on curated deals in her session at AdMonsters PubForum Scottsdale. Spoiler: they’re neither the magical fix nor the hassle industry experts have led us to believe.
Take setup complexity, for example. Amanda Wallingford of The Shipyard assures us that platforms like The Trade Desk make activation easy, while Stefanie Beach of SMB Media Consulting reminds us that miscommunication—not the process itself—is usually the real culprit.
And performance? It’s not automatic. Crystal Foote of Digital Culture Group says curated deals shine when paired with high-quality inventory and innovative strategy. Success isn’t about the label; it’s about the execution.
From debunking “premium” myths to spotlighting niche gems like Blavity or PetScreening, Parker’s message is clear: curated deals are powerful tools when used right. So, align your teams, pick up the phone, and make curation work for you—no drama required. (Read more)
Digital Media Leaders Take Control of Audience Trust and Transparency at AdMonsters PubForum
During our roundtable sessions at AdMonsters PubForum Scottsdale, digital media leaders were crafting strategies to thrive amid shifting algorithms, platform chaos, and AI’s rapid rise. The mission? Reclaim audience trust and create sustainable growth.
One theme rang loud and clear: publishers are done building on borrowed land. From pivoting to owned channels like email newsletters and subscriptions to collaborating with niche publishers for shared traffic, the focus is on stability and long-term connections.
“Emails don’t dodge algorithms, and our audience comes to us intentionally,” one publisher quipped.
AI also took the spotlight, with leaders agreeing it’s a tool—not a magic wand. Publishers are leveraging AI for efficiency while keeping their editorial voice intact. Whether optimizing ad placements or automating metadata, the goal is seamless integration without sacrificing trust.
The takeaway? Publishers can’t wait for the industry to stabilize. They must take control, turn challenges into opportunities, and set the pace for a resilient future. (Read more)
Check My Ads, Check My Transparency, Check My Disinformation: : Notes From AdMonsters Publisher Forum Boston
At Publisher Forum Boston, Claire Atkin, Co-founder and CEO of Check My Ads, didn’t mince words in her keynote. Her rallying cry? Transparency in digital advertising is the key to halting disinformation, supporting quality journalism, and bolstering publisher revenue.
The digital ad supply chain has long been a black box, allowing bad actors to thrive while siphoning funds away from legitimate publishers. “Your ads could be funding chaos,” Atkin warned, highlighting how unchecked placements funnel money into low-quality, disinformation-riddled sites. Her solution? Empower advertisers with greater control and visibility. “If advertisers control their ad placements, we can build a media system that actually works for everyone,” she said.
Atkin also tackled the systemic funding of disinformation, pointing to ad tech’s role in propping up harmful narratives. “Around every disinformation-peddling politician is a donut of grifters profiting off the hate,” she quipped. Check My Ads has made waves by auditing campaigns and defunding notorious figures like Dan Bongino and Steve Bannon. By advocating for log-level data and stricter accountability, Atkin envisions a future where advertisers and publishers reclaim the supply chain and their integrity. (Read more)
Winning the Click Wars: Survival Strategies in the Era of Search Decline
Imagine a world where search traffic is no longer your go-to. Sounds like a nightmare, right? But with zero-click searches and AI-driven snippets taking over, it’s the reality publishers are facing. Mandy Velez Tatti, Teen Vogue’s Audience Development guru, shared the harsh truth at AdMonsters Publisher Forum: search is declining, and adapting is no longer optional.
So, what’s a publisher to do when search traffic is slipping through their fingers? Diversify, diversify, diversify! From tapping into under-the-radar platforms like Reddit and Snapchat to creating niche content that speaks directly to your audience, exploring new avenues for engagement is key.
Mandy’s team found success by leaning into niche topics—like Netflix tie-ins—and collaborating with advocacy groups for greater reach. But don’t put all your eggs in one basket: avoid the trap of relying solely on algorithms or chasing the latest shiny trend. Instead, build direct connections with your audience through email, evergreen content, and multimedia. It’s time to stay nimble, test new ideas, and keep your brand’s unique voice front and center. (Read more)
Dotdash Meredith’s Cookieless Conquest and the Publisher Pulse: Notes from AdMonsters Publisher Forum Boston
At PubForum Boston, Dotdash Meredith proved that cookieless targeting can be a game-changer. Their D/Cipher tool drives impressive results, boosting digital ad revenue by 12% year-over-year.
With campaigns like the one they ran with Pandora, which saw a 76% increase in foot traffic, D/Cipher set a new industry standard for post-cookie success. As Lindsay Van Kirk, Senior VP of D/Cipher, put it, the tool shows that brands can drive real-world results without relying on cookies or identifiers.
Leaders like Patrick McCarthy from Dotdash Meredith and Jesse Waldele from Dow Jones highlighted the power of first-party data and predictive analytics. Publishers are moving beyond survival mode and finding innovative ways to leverage data for better ad solutions. Whether through audience segmentation, deal curation, or AI-driven tools, the key takeaway is clear: publishers must embrace the future of cookieless targeting and continue to innovate to stay relevant and profitable. (Read more)
The Great Data Smackdown: Buy Side vs. Sell Side Strategies Collide
When it comes to data strategies, the buy-and-sell sides are like two heavyweight champs duking it out for supremacy. At AdMonsters PubForum Scottsdale, the gloves came off, and the debate was nothing short of epic.
The crowd watched as the two sides traded jabs on privacy, first-party data, and creative optimization, each trying to land the knockout punch to claim victory in the data battle.
The match kicked off with Britt Begley from TeamSnap throwing down a gauntlet for the sell side, championing the power of first-party data to connect advertisers with users at just the right moment. Meanwhile, Therran Oliphant from Flashtalking by MediaOcean took the buy side’s stance, lamenting the fragmentation of data and the chaos of trying to piece together a tech stack that could make sense of it all.
The punches flew fast and furious, with accusations of protectionism and a lack of collaboration echoing through the ring. But in the end, both sides agreed on one thing: the need for greater coordination to make data work for everyone. (Read more)