Melbourne’s annual Ad Tech & Ops Summit is back! Join over 200 industry experts on the afternoon of Tuesday 2nd June, 2026.
This annual event (which has now been running for 12 years!) covers current key topics critical to our industry from both a local and global perspective impacting those working in product, technical, commercial, programmatic and operational roles.
The afternoon will also include a light lunch, a networking break between sessions and post-event networking nibbles & drinks (both at the venue and also afterwards at a local establishment nearby in Southbank). 🤓
Sponsored by
| Time | Session | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Noon – 1pm | Registration & Networking (including a light lunch) | |
| 1pm – 1.40pm | Key Industry Updates & Agentic Advertising Protocols Overview | Jonas Jaanimagi, Technology Lead – IAB Australia |
| 1.40pm – 2.10pm | Pleasurable Friction and the Future of AI | Keaton Garnett, APAC Senior Solutions Architect – Criteo |
| 2.10pm – 2.50pm | The Future of Buy and Sell Connections: More Direct, Agentic, and Performant | Aimen Khan, AU/NZ Exchange Platforms Agency Lead – Google (moderator) Daniella Kenney, Head of Programmatic – Foxtel Media Justin Orchard, Head of Ad Tech and Performance Media – News Australia Tracey Heong, Head of Programmatic and Platform Investment – Havas Media Josie Merrifield, Head of AI Acceleration – Spark Foundry James Betlehem, Head of Supply – WPP Media |
| 3.20pm – 4.00pm | Uncovering Modern Media Challenges & Leading Through Industry Transformation | Mark Coad, Former CEO – IPG Mediabrands Paul Grainger, ANZ Product Lead – Shirofune Gai Le Roy, CEO – IAB Australia (moderator) |
| 4.00pm – 4.45pm | Navigating the Current Talent Shift & Evolving Workforce Strategies in the Age of AI | Rachel Page, Melbourne MD – OMD Australia Alfie Lagos, MD & Founder – Lexlab Shivangi Singal, Head of Engineering – REA Group Poppy Hill, ANZ Senior Vice President – Strike Social Gai Le Roy, CEO – IAB Australia (moderator) |
| 4.45pm – 4.50pm | Closing Remarks | Archanah Lingam, Sellside Monetisation Strategic Partner Manager – Google |
| 4.50pm – 7pm | Networking Drinks & Nibbles | At PwC and also at a local establishment nearby |
Ticket Pricing
• IAB Australia Members: Complimentary (2 free tickets per member organisation)
• Additional Member Tickets: $125
• General Admission: $225
• Agencies & Advertisers: Complimentary
• Community Access: Complimentary (limited free tickets for digital ad professionals between roles or seeking work, depending upon availability)