Right in the heart of Manhattan, we brought together over 180 ad tech pros, innovators, and leaders for a full day of fresh insights and big ideas at DanAds Summit 24. Our one-day event, all about “Accelerating Advertising”, focused on the latest in AI, automation, and self-service tech. And to top it off, we had an eco initiative with dots.eco, bringing a fresh approach to sustainability in advertising.
Real talk and bold ideas
DanAds I Summit 24 was packed with lively discussions and new perspectives. Ad Tech God Ari Paparo, CEO of Marketecture.tv, delivered an opening keynote on the “State of Advertising”, urging all of us to look ahead and invest in solutions that will help our industry evolve. His insights into the ever-changing media landscape were a great kickoff for the day’s sessions.
AI, unsurprisingly, became a central theme, as panelists highlighted how it’s reshaping ad tech and helping teams work smarter. Emilie Gauthier-Messier from CBC shared how AI allows her team to access real-time inventory, freeing up time to focus on high-value client relationships. Similarly, Rajat Sharma from Salesforce noted that today’s familiarity with AI is becoming as essential as coding was decades ago.
DanAds + dots.eco: how an idea became a green movement
It all started with our partnership with Tripadvisor. We integrated dots.eco’s eco-rewards into Tripadvisor’s Ad Express platform, giving advertisers the option to channel part of their budgets toward environmental projects. The impact was huge:
- 207,000+ trees planted
- 44,780 pounds of ocean plastic cleaned
- Nearly 160,000 sq ft of wildlife habitat protected
Tripadvisor’s eco-rewards success story didn’t just make waves – it inspired us. We recognized the significant potential of integrating sustainability into ad tech. This approach resonated deeply with clients and showed how small changes could make a real-world difference.
Drawing upon the success of Tripadvisor Ad Express, we wanted to extend this impact even further. So, for DanAds I Summit 24, we launched our own eco-rewards program in collaboration with dots.eco. Every attendee received a personalized eco-impact certificate, symbolizing their contribution to real-world conservation efforts:
- 14,060 sq ft of wildlife habitats protected in places like Argentina, Brazil, and Peru.
- 1.55 million sq meters of marine ecosystems safeguarded in Honduras and Mozambique.
This program wasn’t just about rewarding attendees – it was about showing that ad tech and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. With dots.eco, we’re taking steady steps to keep spreading the green message, leading by example and hoping to inspire others in the industry to join us in this journey. Learn more about TripAdvisor Ad Express’ eco-impact here
Automation and the human touch in AI
One of the biggest takeaways from DanAds I Summit 24 was that technology, especially AI, should support people, not replace them. Panelists like Megan Strelzik from The Washington Post emphasized the importance of using AI to empower employees by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and strategic work. As Megan pointed out, training teams to leverage AI as a helpful tool can improve their work experience and boost engagement.
Getting team buy-in for AI comes down to listening and transparency. When employees understand that AI can simplify their day-to-day tasks, they’re more likely to embrace it. This approach to AI is something we’re passionate about at DanAds: fostering an environment where technology and human creativity come together to drive growth. More insights from Admonsters’ article here.
DanAds advancements and recognizing excellence
To close out the day’s talks, Jeffrey Mayer, our MD US & Head of Product, showcased DanAds’ latest product advancements and gave a peek at the roadmap ahead. Our goal is to continue pushing boundaries, and Jeffrey’s presentation highlighted some exciting developments on the horizon for our Core platform.
We wrapped up DanAds I Summit 24 with an award ceremony, recognizing standout achievements among our clients. Congratulations to our award winners:
- Nine Ad Manager
- Paramount Advertising
- theScore
These clients have shown dedication to innovation and excellence, and we’re proud to celebrate their contributions to the industry.
What’s Next: moving forward with purpose
DanAds I Summit 24 reminded us of the powerful possibilities when innovation and purpose intersect. As we look to the future, we’re dedicated to building tools that not only push the boundaries of advertising but also allow us – and our clients – to make a positive impact. Whether through AI-powered solutions or initiatives that give back to the environment, we’re committed to leading with purpose, responsibility, and integrity.
As the day wrapped up, we were left inspired by the ideas shared and the connections made. The future of advertising is bright, and we’re excited to be on this journey with all of you. Here are a few more pictures to end it – See you next year!
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