Overview
500+ Leaders. 2 Days. 1 Convergent Marketplace.
Previously CTV Connect, Convergent TV World is where the worlds of linear TV, streaming, CTV, gaming, retail media, and digital out-of-home come together. Audiences no longer live in silos, and neither can marketers. This event brings together brands, agencies, publishers, networks, and tech leaders to tackle the challenges of measurement, attribution, and cross-screen storytelling—while showcasing the innovations driving the future of video advertising across every screen.
KEY THEMES
2026 Speakers
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Tara Walpert Levy
VP, AmericasYouTube
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Carrie Drinkwater
Chief Investment OfficerCarat
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Jessie Schwartzfarb
EVP, Head of Video InvestmentDentsu
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Doug Brodman
Sr Director, Advertising Sales, US & CanadaNetflix -
Sarah Harms
VP, Advertising Marketing & MeasurementRoku
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Laura Martin
Senior AnalystNeedham -
Jon Steinlauf
Board Member, VideoAmp & Former Chief U.S. Advertising Sales OfficerWarner Bros. Discovery
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Alex Stone
SVP, Managing Director of Enterprise PartnershipsHorizon Media
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Amy McDevitt
Head of Sports Brand PartnershipsAmazon Ads
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Martin Blich
US Head of Sports Partnerships & InvestmentWPP Media
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Gary Guarnaccia
Head of Investment, Ad TechBayer
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Danielle Brown
Senior Vice President, Sports Streaming and Brand SolutionsDisney Advertising
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Alyssa Boyle
Senior EditorAdExchanger -
Anna Bager
President and CEOOut of Home Advertising Association of America
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Sean Cunningham
President & CEOVAB
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Craig Chinn
SVP, Global Advertising SalesTiVo
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Katie Conklin
CEOConklin Consulting
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Jacqueline Hernández
CEO, FounderNew Majority Ready
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Katy Ferguson
EVP, General ManagerHorizon Media
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Luke Fowler
VP, Business SolutionsKSM Media
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Katie Driggs
VP, Director of MediaFerebeeLane
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Sal Marchesano
VP, Content Strategy & AcquisitionFubo
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Kurt Melcher
Senior Industry ConsultantVGIQ, Video Game Industry Consultancy
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Jacqueline O'Neill
Global Director of Ad ProductBloomberg Media
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Angie Hughes
President and Executive ProducerOpportunity Knocks
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Albert Thompson
Director, Digital InnovationWalton Isaacson
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James Hercher
Senior EditorAdExchanger -
Doug Rozen
PresidentCadent
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Bob Perry
Director of Business DevelopmentNBCUniversal
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Eric Steigelfest
Co-Founder & CEOPurePlay
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Steve Street
Chief Creative OfficerBig Spaceship
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David Proper
Senior Executive Vice President of Media & International StrategyNational Hockey League -
Jon Watts
Managing DirectorCoalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM)
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Keith Bowen
President, News, Programming & Business ServicesOptimum
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Angela Mertz
VP, Integrated MediaThe EGC Group
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Megan Storm
Head of MediaBailey Lauerman
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Ceo Winner
Partner - Head of RevenueRally Cry
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Molly Ryan
Director, Agency PartnershipsKroger Precision Marketing
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Noah Ziegler
EditorCablefax
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Stephanie Versichelli
SVP, Ad SalesHallmark Media
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Josh Low
Senior Director, Gaming & Creator PartnershipsSPORTFIVE
2026 FULL AGENDA
Thursday - March 5
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Rise & Connect: Morning Networking
8:00am – 9:00am -
The Power of Totality: The Case for Convergence
9:05am – 9:25amThe world of video has been completely redefined, with the rush from broadcast to CTV and now with walled gardens like YouTube coming over the top. Let’s face it; today’s viewers move seamlessly between channels and devices, experiencing video as just that: video. Advertising, however, has failed to address this converged reality. Siloes continue to undermine campaign performance, ultimately limiting advertisers from effectively reaching audiences wherever they are.
The strength of video is now in its totality. Join our session to explore how to unify siloed solutions that hold video advertising back and explore key approaches that deliver actual convergence and value to consumers, advertisers, and publishers alike.
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Doug Rozen
President // Cadent
Spotlight Stage -
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Show Me the Money: How AI Is Rewriting the Economics of Convergent TV
9:25am – 10:00amIn this keynote, Needham & Co.’s Laura Martin explains how AI is rewriting the economics of media and convergent TV from an investor’s point of view. She will focus on capital flows, convergent TV measurement, and evolving creative and buying strategies, drawing on fresh insights from CES and early‑year market signals. This session will feature audience Q&A and interactive polls, so you leave with clear answers on where the money is moving and what it means for your business.
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Alyssa Boyle
ModeratorSenior Editor // AdExchanger -
Laura Martin
Senior Analyst // Needham
Spotlight Stage -
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The Social Reset: Networking Break
10:20am – 10:50amSpotlight Stage -
Ask Us Anything: Media Buyer & Planner Edition
10:50am – 11:20amWant the real story behind media buying? Go inside how buyers decide where budgets go, which pitches win, and what makes a cross-platform plan worth a yes. Bring your toughest questions for an unscripted AMA and get straight answers on how buying decisions actually get made.
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Luke Fowler
ModeratorVP, Business Solutions // KSM Media -
Carrie Drinkwater
Chief Investment Officer // Carat -
Alex Stone
SVP, Managing Director of Enterprise Partnerships // Horizon Media
Spotlight Stage -
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New Research: Understanding the CTV Home Screen’s Role Across the Full Funnel
11:20am – 11:50amBased on new industry research conducted in partnership with TiVo Ads, this session explores how brands and agencies are using the CTV home screen, and where untapped opportunity still exists across the full funnel.Drawing directly from survey results, the discussion will examine the home screen’s evolving role in driving awareness, engagement, and performance, and what the data reveals about how marketers can better activate this powerful surface in 2026 and beyond.
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Lynne d Johnson
ModeratorContent Director, Communities, AdMonsters + AdExchanger // AdMonsters -
Craig Chinn
SVP, Global Advertising Sales // TiVo
Spotlight Stage -
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Connect & Recharge — Networking Lunch
11:50am – 12:50pmEase into the conference with a relaxed networking lunch designed for conversation and connection. This open, unstructured break gives you time to meet fellow attendees, continue discussions from the morning sessions, and get comfortable with the room—whether that means making new connections or simply taking a breather before the afternoon.
Looking for something low-key? This lunch is intentionally casual and flexible, making it just as easy to enjoy a quiet moment as it is to strike up a conversation.
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Survey Says! Who Really Knows Convergent TV?
12:35pm – 12:55pmIn this fast-paced, Family Feud–style trivia game, Convergent TV pros test their knowledge against real industry responses. The questions span AI, measurement, streaming platforms, AVOD pricing, ad tech acronyms, and the trends everyone secretly wants to see disappear.
Earn bragging rights plus prizes for tapping into the industry’s collective brainpower!
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Victoria McNally
ModeratorAssociate Editor // AdExchanger
Spotlight Stage -
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From Mentorship to Momentum: Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Media
1:00pm – 1:25pmIn partnership with the Top Women Network, this town hall brings together senior executives and rising stars for a candid look at what truly accelerates women’s careers in media. Expect unfiltered stories and practical advice on mentorship, sponsorship, and building powerful peer networks—plus concrete moves you can take back to your team to turn support into real momentum.
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Angie Hughes
ModeratorPresident and Executive Producer // Opportunity Knocks -
Stephanie Versichelli
SVP, Ad Sales // Hallmark Media -
Katy Ferguson
EVP, General Manager // Horizon Media -
Katie Driggs
VP, Director of Media // FerebeeLane
The Exchange -
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How AI Is Reworking TV Creative
1:00pm – 1:25pmAI is no longer just optimizing TV creative — it’s helping build it. This session explores how creative agents, dynamic insertion, and real-time optimization are reshaping how TV ads are made, deployed, and measured — and what that means for the future of the creative stack.
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Albert Thompson
ModeratorDirector, Digital Innovation // Walton Isaacson -
Eric Steigelfest
Co-Founder & CEO // PurePlay -
Steve Street
Chief Creative Officer // Big Spaceship
Spotlight Stage -
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Workshops, Panels & Strategy Sessions
1:30pm – 1:55pmThese interactive sessions go beyond high-level conversation to focus on what’s actually working right now. Through hands-on workshops, candid panel discussions, and focused strategy sessions, attendees will dig into real-world use cases, frameworks, and lessons learned—leaving with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and clear takeaways they can apply immediately.
Spotlight Stage -
From TikTok to Roblox: The New Frontline of Youth Engagement
2:00pm – 2:25pmHow Social Video, Gaming, and Virtual Worlds Are Redefining Brand Fandom
This session explores how youth attention is migrating from feeds to fandom-driven environments, and what that means for how brands, creators, and platforms engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha—across TikTok, gaming, and immersive worlds like Roblox.-
Ceo Winner
ModeratorPartner - Head of Revenue // Rally Cry -
Jacqueline Hernández
CEO, Founder // New Majority Ready -
Josh Low
Senior Director, Gaming & Creator Partnerships // SPORTFIVE
The Exchange -
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Reinventing Live Sports For the Streaming Era
2:00pm – 2:25pmLive streaming is transforming the sports experience. Technology, data, and changing viewer habits are reshaping how leagues, teams, and media companies monetize and connect with fans. From personalized viewing to real-time analytics, this panel examines what it takes to capture—and keep—the attention of today’s digital-first sports audiences.
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Noah Ziegler
ModeratorEditor // Cablefax -
David Proper
Senior Executive Vice President of Media & International Strategy // National Hockey League -
Martin Blich
US Head of Sports Partnerships & Investment // WPP Media -
Amy McDevitt
Head of Sports Brand Partnerships // Amazon Ads -
Danielle Brown
Senior Vice President, Sports Streaming and Brand Solutions // Disney Advertising
Spotlight Stage -
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After the Rebundle: Inside TV’s New Distribution Power Plays
2:30pm – 2:55pmAs linear and streaming collapse into a single marketplace, the story is shifting from bundles to bargaining power. After the Rebundle brings distributors and programmers to the table to examine how carriage, packaging, pricing, and platform strategy are evolving as MVPDs, vMVPDs, and new hybrids reshape TV distribution.
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Amy Maclean
ModeratorEditorial Director // Cablefax -
Sal Marchesano
VP, Content Strategy & Acquisition // Fubo -
Keith Bowen
President, News, Programming & Business Services // Optimum
Spotlight Stage -
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Why Marketers Are F&^ed If They’re Solely Relying on Pixels to Measure CTV Outcomes
2:30pm – 2:55pmPixels weren’t built for CTV, and that mismatch is quietly sabotaging how performance gets measured.
In this session, learn why pixel-based attribution falls apart in a cross-device world — and how iOS restrictions, weak device graphs, browser privacy, and ecommerce limitations leave marketers flying blind. Using real results from Laundry Sauce, we’ll show how pixels undercount CTV impact and share smarter ways to validate outcomes with IP matching, CAPIs, and MMM.
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David Nyurenberg
SVP of Digital // Intermedia Advertising
The Exchange -
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Hosted Meetings
2:30pm – 3:30pmDescription: These curated, one-to-one and small-group meetings are designed to facilitate meaningful, high-value conversations between senior decision-makers. Thoughtfully matched around shared goals, challenges, and areas of opportunity, Hosted Meetings provide a focused, efficient setting for deeper dialogue, strategic alignment, and relationship-building—away from the noise of the show floor.
Interested in taking part in the meetings? Email sales@ctvconnect.com
Live Exchange Area -
Connect & Recharge: Networking Break
3:00pm – 3:30pm -
Performance TV: Outcomes, Attribution, and Reality
3:30pm – 3:55pmThis deep dive moves beyond impressions and GRPs to uncover the realities of outcome-based TV measurement and CTV attribution. Expect a frank conversation about what’s working (and what isn’t) in tying convergent TV ad spend to incremental lift, attribution, and ROI across screens.
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Jon Watts
ModeratorManaging Director // Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) -
Doug Brodman
Sr Director, Advertising Sales, US & Canada // Netflix -
Sean Cunningham
President & CEO // VAB -
Sarah Harms
VP, Advertising Marketing & Measurement // Roku
Spotlight Stage -
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Game On: How Connected TV and Live Sports Deliver Unmatched Impact for Marketers
4:00pm – 4:25pmLive sports on Connected TV represent one of the most powerful forces in media today—combining massive scale, real-time engagement, and passionate fandom in a way no other content can match. As viewing continues to shift to streaming platforms, CTV has become the epicenter of sports consumption, giving brands a unique opportunity to connect with fans when attention is at its peak.
We’ll explore how advertisers are harnessing the dominance of live sports on CTV to drive measurable outcomes across the full funnel. From capturing the emotional intensity of fandom to leveraging advanced measurement and attribution tools, learn how brands are turning moments of live sports viewing into tangible business results. Discover how modern sports marketing is evolving to deliver cultural relevance, precision targeting, and performance—at scale.
Spotlight Stage -
The Ingredients of the Convergent TV Recipe
4:25pm – 4:50pmToday’s TV advertising landscape is a merging of worlds across digital video, streaming, linear addressable and more. Buyers need a carefully concocted media strategy to drive demonstrable performance across channels – and media owners must woo buyers with enough advanced technology and data to outshine their competition. Hear four Convergent TV Influence Honorees demystify the ever-changing TV ad landscape.
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Alyssa Boyle
ModeratorSenior Editor // AdExchanger -
Jessie Schwartzfarb
EVP, Head of Video Investment // Dentsu -
Gary Guarnaccia
Head of Investment, Ad Tech // Bayer
Spotlight Stage -
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What’s Next for TV? An Executive View from YouTube
4:50pm – 5:10pmAs streaming matures, TV is being reshaped by viewing behavior, distribution, and advertiser expectations. Tara Walpert Levy shares an executive view of how those forces converge — from creator led viewing on the big screen to the new realities of building, buying, and selling TV at scale — and what they signal about where TV is headed next.
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Victoria McNally
ModeratorAssociate Editor // AdExchanger -
Tara Walpert Levy
VP, Americas // YouTube
Spotlight Stage -
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Convergent TV Awards Reception & Ceremony
5:00pm – 7:30pmThe Convergent TV Awards celebrate excellence across the entire screen ecosystem — where television, streaming, gaming, digital out-of-home (DOOH), retail media, and emerging platforms intersect.
Finalist now live. View the 2026 honoree list here.
*Awards attendance is not included with your ticket to the Convergent TV World Conference. You can purchase your ticket for $299 here.
The Exchange
Friday - March 6
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Rise & Connect: Morning Networking
8:00am – 9:00am -
The Convergence Pulse: Overnight Insights
9:30am – 9:50amA fast-moving “newsroom style” session where moderators share the top takeaways from Day 1, plus overnight headlines in TV, streaming, sports, and gaming. Includes live audience polling.
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Lynne d Johnson
Content Director, Communities, AdMonsters + AdExchanger // AdMonsters -
Alyssa Boyle
Senior Editor // AdExchanger -
Victoria McNally
Associate Editor // AdExchanger
Spotlight Stage -
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Hosted Meetings
10:15am – 11:15amDescription: These curated, one-to-one and small-group meetings are designed to facilitate meaningful, high-value conversations between senior decision-makers. Thoughtfully matched around shared goals, challenges, and areas of opportunity, Hosted Meetings provide a focused, efficient setting for deeper dialogue, strategic alignment, and relationship-building—away from the noise of the show floor.
Interested in taking part in the meetings? Email sales@ctvconnect.com
Live Exchange Area -
The Meet-Up Moment: Networking Break
10:15am – 10:45am -
THE CHALLENGE: The Next Generation of Media Leaders
10:45am – 11:25amThis interactive workshop explores what it takes to lead in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape—and how the next generation of leaders can prepare for what’s ahead. Through guided discussion and real-world scenarios, participants will examine the skills, mindsets, and decisions shaping modern leadership, from navigating change and driving innovation to building high-performing teams. Attendees will leave with practical perspectives, peer insights, and a clearer understanding of how to grow, lead, and make impact at the next stage of their career.
The Exchange -
Creating Content for Every Screen (Without Losing the Plot)
12:00pm – 12:25pmAudiences move seamlessly across TV, streaming, mobile, social, gaming, and out-of-home — and advertising content has to keep up. This conversation explores how to design and adapt formats and messaging for each environment while keeping the story cohesive, the brand recognizable, and the performance measurable across screens.
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Katie Conklin
ModeratorCEO // Conklin Consulting -
Jacqueline O’Neill
Global Director of Ad Product // Bloomberg Media -
Anna Bager
President and CEO // Out of Home Advertising Association of America
The Exchange -
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Retail Media Meets TV: The Next $100B Frontier
12:00pm – 12:25pmRetail media and TV are starting to operate like one ecosystem. Retailers bring the purchase signals. Networks bring the premium content and scale. Brands want both—without losing transparency, control, or proof it actually moves the needle. This session uncovers how shared audiences are becoming shared revenue at serious scale, and what it takes to make these partnerships work in the real world.
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James Hercher
ModeratorSenior Editor // AdExchanger -
Molly Ryan
Director, Agency Partnerships // Kroger Precision Marketing -
Bob Perry
Director of Business Development // NBCUniversal
Spotlight Stage -
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Workshops, Panels & Strategy Sessions
12:30pm – 12:55pmThese interactive sessions go beyond high-level conversation to focus on what’s actually working right now. Through hands-on workshops, candid panel discussions, and focused strategy sessions, attendees will dig into real-world use cases, frameworks, and lessons learned—leaving with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and clear takeaways they can apply immediately.
Spotlight Stage -
What’s Top of Mind: A Roundtable Lunch
1:00pm – 1:45pmThis interactive lunch brings attendees together for curated, small-group roundtable discussions focused on the issues and opportunities shaping the industry right now. Each table is organized around a specific topic, creating space for candid conversation, peer-to-peer insight, and shared problem-solving—while enjoying a relaxed, seated lunch designed to spark meaningful connections and practical takeaways.
Prefer a quieter lunch? Simply choose a table without a designated theme and enjoy the time to recharge, reflect, or connect more casually.
Topics Include:
- Designing the Future Deal
- Attribution Across Screens
- Streaming Bundles & Consumer Value
- Gaming as a Media Channel
- Budgeting for Results in 2026
- Integrating AI Into Your Planning
Spotlight Stage -
Workshops, Panels & Strategy Sessions
1:45pm – 2:10pmThese interactive sessions go beyond high-level conversation to focus on what’s actually working right now. Through hands-on workshops, candid panel discussions, and focused strategy sessions, attendees will dig into real-world use cases, frameworks, and lessons learned—leaving with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and clear takeaways they can apply immediately.
Spotlight Stage -
Reverse Pitches: What Media Buyers Actually Want
2:15pm – 2:40pmForget traditional panels. In this fast-paced Reverse Pitches session, senior media buyers take the stage to flip the script—sharing exactly what they’re buying, what’s not working, and what earns their attention right now.
3-4 buyers from leading brands and agencies deliver candid, no-nonsense insights on budgets, platforms, measurement challenges, and decision criteria.
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Jon Steinlauf
ModeratorBoard Member, VideoAmp & Former Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer // Warner Bros. Discovery -
Megan Storm
Head of Media // Bailey Lauerman -
Angela Mertz
VP, Integrated Media // The EGC Group
Spotlight Stage -
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CMO Forecast: The 2026 Spend & Strategy Outlook + Audience Futures Exchange
2:40pm – 3:10pmPart 1: CMO Forecast 2026
As converged media transforms how audiences are reached, the CMO’s playbook is evolving just as quickly. In this forward-looking discussion, senior marketing leaders share their forecasts for 2026 — how budgets are shifting across TV, streaming, retail media, gaming, and DOOH; what ROI metrics actually matter; and where innovation budgets are being allocated next.
Spotlight Stage
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WHO YOU’LL MEET
Convergent TV World (formerly CTV Connect) brought together 475+ senior leaders from agencies, brands, publishers, networks, streaming companies, tech platforms, DSPs, SSPs, and measurement providers – all the key players on both the buy and sell sides, including:

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Contact
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PROGRAMMING
Lynne Johnson
Senior Director, Event Programming & Community
Convergent Media & Ad Tech
lynne@admonsters.comStephanie Cronk
Brand Director
Convergent Media & Ad Tech
scronk@accessintel.com -
Sponsorship
For sponsorship inquiries,
please contact
sales@ctvconnect.com -
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Lauren Toolen
Event Marketing Manager
ltoolen@accessintel.com



