Hi there! I’m John Cobb, CEO and Co-Founder of VuePlanner. I wanted to take a moment to share a weekly recap of some content surrounding the AdTech, AI and, advertising ecosystem. In this newsletter, I will share digestible pieces of industry content socialized and shared each week. I hope this resource brings you value and makes it easier for you to stay up to date on our ever-evolving world.
I am in France at the moment attending the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Below are the articles that help summarize what I have learned this week so far.
Convergence of Advertising, Celebrity, Media and Commerce
This Adweek article discusses the convergence of advertising, celebrity, media, and commerce through an interview with Michael Kassan, CEO of MediaLink, and Jeremy Zimmer, CEO of United Talent Agency (UTA). They highlight the shifting landscape where advertisers are increasingly partnering with #celebrities and #influencers to create authentic connections with consumers, leveraging their influence across various platforms. The interview explores the role of data, the importance of storytelling. Learn more.
Cannes Kick Off
The article from Beet.TV TV discusses the start of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, highlighting how brands are embracing creativity and incorporating artificial intelligence (#AI) into their strategies. It mentions examples of AI-powered campaigns, such as IBM’s AI-generated ads and L’Oréal’s AI-powered virtual makeup try-on tool. The article emphasizes that AI is being used to enhance creativity and enable personalized experiences for consumers. Additionally, it mentions the importance of ethical considerations in AI implementation and the need for brands to strike a balance between technology and human touch. Learn more.
Cannes Lions Improves Diversity
This Insider article by Najoh Tita-Reid discusses the efforts made by the #CannesLions Festival to improve #diversity and #inclusion within the industry. It highlights the progress being made and the positive impact it is having on the event. The article also emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and voices in advertising and marketing, and how it leads to more innovative and effective campaigns. Learn more.
Yahoo Reflects on Diversity & Creativity
The article by Robert Andrews features an interview with Beau Ordemann, Head of Creative at Yahoo, discussing the importance of attention and creativity in advertising. Ordemann highlights how attention is a scarce resource in today’s #digitallandscape, and brands need to be strategic in capturing and retaining it. He emphasizes the role of creativity in cutting through the noise and engaging audiences effectively. The interview also touches upon the integration of data and technology in the creative process, enabling more personalized and impactful campaigns. Learn more.
The Many Winners of Cannes Lions
This Storyboard18 article by Priyanka Nair highlights the successful campaigns and achievements of Leo Burnett, Mindshare, and Dentsu CreativeEssence/MediaCom at the #Cannes Lions Festival 2023. It showcases their award-winning work and the innovative approaches they took in creating impactful advertising campaigns. The article celebrates their creative excellence and highlights the importance of creativity and strategic thinking in successful advertising endeavors. Learn more.
The Grand Prix Winners So Far
The article from Amy Houston at The Drum provides a comprehensive list of every #GrandPrix winner at the #cannes2023 Lions Festival across different categories. It showcases the diverse range of campaigns and creative executions that stood out and received the highest recognition. The winners span various industries, including technology, social impact, entertainment, and more, reflecting the breadth and depth of creativity in advertising and marketing. The article offers a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the most celebrated and influential campaigns from the festival. Learn more.
Nielsen recently released a highlight of the rebound of #streaming usage in May 2023 and the growing popularity of fast streaming services. The article mentions that after a slight decline in April, streaming consumption saw a significant increase in May, indicating a continued strong demand for digital content. It is worth noting that YouTube is the leading service of streaming video.
The article also introduces “The Gauge,” a monthly report that tracks streaming and digital media consumption trends. It emphasizes the inclusion of a new category called “fast services,” which refers to #streamingplatforms that offer quick, bite-sized content. The article concludes by noting the importance of understanding these trends for advertisers and content creators to effectively engage with audiences in the evolving streaming landscape. Learn more.
Testing for Red Flags on Google’s Privacy Sandbox
This AdExchanger article written by Anthony Vargas discusses Google’s #PrivacySandbox initiative and its impact on publishers. It states that publishers have one year to test and provide feedback on Google‘s proposed alternatives to third-party cookies. The article highlights the importance of publishers actively participating in the testing phase and raising any concerns or issues they encounter during this period. Learn more.
Privacy Sandbox Available in July
This article, also from AdExchanger, announces that Google’s Privacy Sandbox APIs will be made generally available for all users starting in July. Allison Schiffwrites that the Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to provide privacy-focused alternatives to #thirdpartycookies for targeted advertising and measurement. The article highlights that this move will enable developers and advertisers to test and implement these new APIs in their digital advertising strategies. Learn more.
Author Talks with John Horn
This McKinsey & Company “Author Talks” features a discussion with John Hornthe concept of #cognitiveempathy and its relevance in predicting competitors’ next moves. It discusses how cognitive empathy, which involves understanding the thought processes and perspectives of others, can be a valuable tool in strategic decision-making. The author emphasizes that cognitive empathy allows leaders to anticipate competitors’ actions by considering their motivations, biases, and patterns of behavior. The article highlights the practical applications of cognitive empathy in various industries and provides insights into leveraging this skill to gain a competitive advantage. Learn more.
This MediaPost article by Steve McClellan highlights a study conducted by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) that reveals significant wastage in #programmatic advertising. The study estimates that up to $20 billion is wasted annually due to non-transparent practices and inefficiencies in the programmatic supply chain. It identifies key areas contributing to this waste, including hidden fees, ad fraud, and suboptimal targeting.
The article emphasizes the importance of advertisers taking steps to address these issues, such as implementing #transparency measures, working with trusted partners, and investing in robust ad verification and fraud detection tools. Ultimately, the study serves as a call to action for advertisers to optimize their programmatic strategies and maximize their return on investment. Learn more.
Does AI Have us Worried or Excited?
This The Wall Street Journal article written by Suzanne Vranica discusses the growing use of #artificialintelligence (AI) in the advertising industry and highlights the benefits it offers in terms of targeting and personalization. It acknowledges the potential risks associated with AI, such as privacy concerns and the spread of misinformation.
The article also emphasizes the need for responsible and ethical AI practices, including #transparency and #accountability. It concludes by suggesting that while AI presents opportunities for the advertising industry, careful consideration and regulation are necessary to mitigate potential risks and ensure its responsible use. Learn more.
Omnicom Debut Generative AI Tool
In another #WSJ article, Megan Graham announces that Omnicom Media Groupis set to debut a tool utilizing generative artificial intelligence (AI) for advertising employees. The tool aims to assist creative professionals in generating ad copy and ideas by leveraging AI technology. By incorporating generative AI, Omnicom Group aims to enhance the creative process and provide a valuable resource for their advertising teams. Learn more.
This week I have 2 #podcastrecommendations for you. The first one focuses on #businessdevelopment. In this first episode of Mistakes of Failure, you’ll discover the driving force behind Leslie and Christine’s unwavering dedication to the transformative power of learning from #failures. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking discussion on the immense opportunities that arise when companies choose to embrace their missteps, rather than shying away from them.
And the second podcast recommendation focuses on #personaldevelopment. This episode of Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris features Dr. Peter Attia. He has trained at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, and the National Institutes of Health. He’s the host of a popular health and fitness podcast called #TheDriveand the author of a new book called Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Throughout this series, Dan is bringing on top experts from science and Buddhism who will talk about how to eat better, exercise smarter, and extend your lifespan. I encourage you to give both episodes a listen.