NEW YORK — With Upfront Week in mid-May still a gathering of importance for some marketers and advertising decision-makers, many broadcast media companies are pulling out all the stops over the next several weeks by not only engaging in that linear media-focused endeavor but also in the IAB NewFronts.
The digitally focused NewFronts start April 29, and conclude May 2. As the Interactive Advertising Bureau wants CMOs and media planners to “get inspired for your next innovative digital video campaigns,” several sessions will see discussions on “the future of TV advertising” and much on “the new era” of Connected TV.
Sessions on the first day of the four-day affair include a 10am 90-minute chat about “the streaming transformation” that includes participation from NBCUniversal Chief Data Officer, Advertising and Partnerships John Lee and Paramount Global VP/Programmatic Media Sales Pete Chelala.
Later, at 2pm, nine VIZIO executives will showcase its connected TV capabilities in what some may consider an infomercial. That said, the topic — the future of television advertising and audience engagement — likely has universal appeal. The same could be said of an April 30 session with Samsung presenting how it is “redefining” the Smart TV experience, and of a May 1 presentation from LG Ad Solutions.
The first day concludes with a news-focused session attended by NBCUniversal News Group Chairman César Conde and NPR President/CEO Katherine Maher.
On May 1, Hispanic digital media brand LATV will present, with President Bruno Ulloa joined by SVP/Sales Gisella Fu-Ripp and CEO Andrés Palencia. Later in the afternoon, Estrella Media — which on April 18 agreed to a $120 million deal to sell its intellectual property to WQHT and WBLS owner MediaCo — will discuss the digital consumer and how Estrella’s calling card has been being “authentically Latino.” Appearing are Chief Revenue and Local Media Officer Steve Mandala, Chief Digital and Streaming Officer René Santaella, and network personality Nour Milla.
