The 2025 IAB NewFronts: What to Expect
As media consumption habits evolve rapidly, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is preparing for its annual event, the NewFronts, scheduled from May 5 to May 8, 2025, in New York City and online. This showcase serves as a critical platform where marketers and media buyers can explore what’s on the horizon, especially in the realm of streaming and video content.
The IAB NewFronts has long been known as a vital opportunity for content creators and distribution platforms to unveil their upcoming projects. With the increasing prevalence of video consumption—particularly through streaming services—this year’s event promises to highlight innovative show formats, new streaming strategies, and unique avenues for audience engagement.
David Cohen, the CEO of IAB, emphasized the significance of the event: "The 2025 IAB NewFronts is where you can really get a sense of where the video world is heading. The presentations here reflect and shape what's coming next. From what people will be watching to how brands show up in those spaces, this is where the next year in digital video starts."
One of the event's major highlights will be the Main Stage, taking place on May 7, 2025. This segment is expected to feature leading companies in the digital media landscape showcasing notable content and technological advancements. As an IAB NewFronts Principal Partner, Google will kick off the event, hitting the ground running with their first presentation on the opening day.
Among the exciting presentations, attendees can look forward to findings from the IAB’s annual Digital Video Ad Spend Strategy Report. This crucial document reveals insights into ad spending patterns and provides forecasts for 2025, making it essential reading for anyone involved in digital marketing.
Additionally, a session titled "Spotlight on News @ NewFronts" will delve into the importance of credible journalism in today’s media landscape. Featuring representatives from esteemed organizations such as Yahoo, NBCUniversal, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, this discussion will assess the value of investing in quality news and its impact on advertising strategies.
Cintia Gabilan, SVP of Centers of Excellence and Industry Initiatives at IAB, remarked on the rapid changes in viewing habits: "The way people watch is changing fast. Streaming is where audiences are, and CTV continues to grow because it's easy, personalized, and fits into people's lives. At the 2025 IAB NewFronts, we'll see how media companies are leaning into this shift and rethinking what video can be to create more connected, meaningful experiences."
Event Schedule Overview
The agenda for the 2025 IAB NewFronts is packed with opportunities for networking and insight-sharing, spanning across four days:
- - Monday, May 5: Google will introduce the NewFronts, followed by various workshops and presentations.
- - Tuesday, May 6: Companies including T-Mobile Advertising Solutions and The New York Times take the stage to present their strategies.
- - Wednesday, May 7: This day will feature the highly anticipated Main Stage events, including keynotes and multiple presentations from top-tier brands.
- - Thursday, May 8: The final sessions will conclude with networking opportunities and additional presentations.
It is crucial for interested participants to connect with the presenters as some sessions may not be streamed.
In summary, the 2025 IAB NewFronts promises to be a groundbreaking event that not only showcases the latest in streaming and digital advertising but also paves the way for future engagement strategies between brands and their audiences. For marketers and media professionals alike, this year’s NewFronts is an unmissable opportunity to gain insights and make valuable connections in the evolving media landscape.