From August 20–23, 2025, we had the chance to join peers, partners, and sponsors at MediaPost’s Programmatic & Data Insider Summit in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Over three days, we mixed thought-provoking sessions with some truly memorable experiences — kayaking, golf, dinners, and even a special happy hour right on the lake.
Conversations That Matter
While the activities were fun (and they were!), the peer-to-peer discussions that happened during excursions and dinners stood out as the most valuable part of the week. It’s rare to get this much time with industry peers in such an intimate setting — one where real candor, collaboration, and plenty of laughter are encouraged.
We were especially proud to see our own Kelli Hashimoto featured on a panel about navigating the next wave of programmatic channels. The insights during the panels and other presentations set the tone for conversations that unfolded throughout the summit.
Themes & Takeaways
- Fragmentation is still a reality. Many agreed that making the tech stack we already have work better may be more effective than piling on more platforms.
- AI is shifting the work, not reducing it. Fellow buyers echoed the sentiment: AI doesn’t free up time — it reallocates it. We’re spending less on execution but more on reporting (insights gathering), testing, and holding platforms accountable.
- Human oversight matters more than ever. Even in a room full of automation talk, the group agreed that the human element will only become more critical as AI evolves.
- DMPs, CDPs & Clean Rooms. A clear shift is underway in how we handle data collaboration and privacy and understanding how each one fits is more important than ever.
- Generational shifts. Millennials remain a focus, but marketers need to prepare now for Gen Alpha, who will be key in just a few years. Both Gen Z and Gen Alpha are already taking a privacy-first stance that echoes the 1990s internet days — a reminder that reaching them will require creativity and respect for their boundaries.
Why We’ll Be Back
This was my second MediaPost Insider event, and once again I left re-energized about the work we do as marketers. The combination of learning, collaboration, and genuine connections made it feel like spending three days with people I’ve known for years.
The MediaPost team’s energy and openness is what makes these gatherings so special. Between the laughter, the collaboration, and the honest conversations about shared challenges, it’s clear why the Programmatic & Data Insider Summit stands out in a crowded calendar of industry events.
Until next time, Tahoe — thanks for the inspiration! 🌊⛳🥂