Start the day with coffee, conversations, and connections, sponsored by Criteo. Meet fellow industry leaders and get ready for a deep dive into the economic and financial forces shaping the future of adtech.

Your Hosts and Emcees for the Day: Rob Beeler, Tom Triscari

A brief introduction to set the stage for the day’s discussions, highlighting key themes and what’s at stake for the industry along with a few housekeeping items to keep a jam-packed day moving along.

Rishad Tobaccowala

Rishad Tobaccowala opens the day with sharp insights on where adtech is headed and how leaders should prepare for seismic shifts. He’ll also be signing his latest book, “Rethinking Work: Seismic Changes in the Where, When, and Why.”

Fireside Chat with Brian O’Kelley (angel, CEO/co-founder Scope3), interviewed by Tom Triscari.

Into the mindset of an early-stage angel investor whose been on both sides of the equation and what it takes to build and fund transformative adtech startups. A big question that arose last year was as to whether there will be websites in the future. They’ll debate that topic too and take a few questions from an eager audience.

Lynda Clarizio (The 98) interviewed by Joanna Burton (Advisor/Investor).

Our next two experts have deep adtech and corporate development expertise from the pre-programmatic days through investing in the next generation. They will explore how investing in adtech has evolved, the shifting priorities of limited partners, and the imperative to not just find but actively create more female adtech founders.

Jimmy Ren (LiveRamp), Sanja Partalo (S4S Ventures) and Sim Blaustein (BDMI), interviewed by Eric Franchi (Aperiam Ventures).

How do corporate venture funds and traditional VCs evaluate adtech investments? This session breaks down the similarities, differences, and trends shaping where the smart money is going.

Stephen Master (GTCR) and Yicong Liu (CVC), interviewed by Bill Wise (Mediaocean).

How do private equity investors evaluate adtech as an exit route? Learn how PE firms think, where they invest, and what differentiates great companies from great management teams.

We got off to a great start. You’re on the path to enlightenment. That’s our economic unit of production at the AdTech Economic Forum. Now it’s time to connect, collaborate, and caffeinate. Grab a treat, engage in high-value conversations, and get your signed copy of Rishad’s latest book. “Rethinking Work: Seismic Changes in the Where, When, and Why.”

Laura Martin (Needham & Co), Dan Salmon (New Street Advisors), and Shweta Khajuria (Wolfe Research), interviewed by Brian Wieser.

A fast-paced analysis of who’s thriving, who’s struggling, and why in publicly traded adtech. Expect sharp insights, market forecasts, and candid takes. These pros will tell you about key growth drivers, risks, and the business models best positioned for success.

Rohit Dube (The Trade Desk) and Todd Randak (DoubleVerify), interviewed by Sanja Partalo (S4S Ventures).

What are strategic buyers looking for in adtech acquisitions? Get an inside look at valuation strategies, deal flow, and the state of M&A today and over the coming year.

Cassandra Hudson (StackAdapt) and Sarah Glickman (Criteo), interviewed by Tom Triscari.

How do public vs. private CFOs manage capital, growth, and investor relations? Two top CFOs reveal the similarities, differences, and financial decision-making nuances.

Enjoy a wait-staff lunch designed for seamless networking and meaningful conversations. Afterward, indulge in NYC’s finest espresso and chocolates, courtesy of Index Exchange.

Paulina Klimenko (PubMatic) and Sheila Spence (Spotify), interviewed by John Kunschner (Landmark Ventures).

A behind-the-scenes look at adtech dealmaking, from valuation frameworks to the role of investment banks in shaping major acquisitions.

David Kostman (Outbrain/Teads) and Jason Reid (Stagwell), interviewed by Laura Martin (Needham & Co.).

Equity analysis and earnings call perspective: What is your pet peeve about Wall Street analysts? ”l’ll tell you mine; you tell me yours.”

Andrew Casale (Index Exchange) interviewed by Tom Triscari.

Andrew Casale brings deep institutional knowledge and sharp insights into how the adtech landscape is evolving. Curated deal IDs are reshaping the industry and shifting money from the buy side to the sell side. What does it mean for SSPs, DSPs, and the future of adtech economics?

Bob Lord (Horizon Media) and Scott Ensign (Butler/Till), interviewed by Brian Wieser.

Large holding companies struggle, while independent agencies thrive—why? This session explores how independents win business, leverage adtech, and outmaneuver industry giants.

You’re floating with enlightenment at this point. Now it’s time to process, discuss, and expand your network. Grab a drink and a snack, lock in new connections, and if you missed Rishad’s morning book signing—now’s your chance to get a signed copy of “Rethinking Work: Seismic Changes in the Where, When, and Why.”

Jonathan Roberts (Dotdash Meredith) and Matt Sanchez (Yahoo), interviewed by adtech legend Rob Beeler.

Few people understand the realities of the publisher business better than Rob Beeler, an industry legend who has spent his career at the intersection of media, technology, and monetization. How are publishers navigating adtech shifts while balancing monetization, data strategies, and buyer expectations? A no-nonsense discussion on where open web publishing goes next.

Mathieu Roche (ID5) and Todd Parsons (Criteo), interviewed by Rob Beeler.

“AdTech” is synonymous with “programmatic” and the raison d’etre of programmatic is audience targeting. Every second, billions of bid requests flow from SSPs to DSPs, triggering one simple, quintessential question: Do I know this user ID? If yes, bid. If not, don’t. But, what happens when that question is in flux? Two experts break down what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.

Rishad Tobaccowala

That’s a wrap. After a day full of eye-opening content, smart conversations, new connections, and green shoots of fruitful collaboration, you have gained nirvana-like enlightenment. You’ve heard diverse points of view, debates, and deep dives into adtech economics, finance, and money flow. Rishad Tobaccowala will return to the stage — not to predict the future, but to distill the present. Expect sharp insights, a touch of wit, and a final dose of clarity before we head into the evening’s networking mixer.

Rob Beeler & Tom Triscari

A final thank you to our speakers and attendees, plus the Charging Bull Award for the influencer who made the biggest impact.

Raise a glass and celebrate an incredible day with premium cocktails, wine, craft beer, and gourmet snacks. Deals aren’t just made in the boardroom—they’re sealed at the bar.