Just back from my first ANA Masters of Marketing — and one clear theme emerged: In an AI-driven world, real-world media is becoming more valuable than ever. Here are seven takeaways from the week that point to where marketing is headed — and why IRL Media is a massive growth opportunity: 1. AI is rewriting the media playbook. Agentic browsers and chatbots are disintermediating publishers and even search. Discovery is fragmenting. Attention is scarcer — and harder to earn. 2. In that world, brands are the differentiator. They create the emotional connection and loyalty that algorithms can’t replicate. The stronger the brand, the more resilient the business. 3. Experience beats exposure. The best marketers are moving from delivering messages to designing ecosystems — digital, social, linear, and experiential — that drive advocacy, not just awareness. 4. Consistency still wins. Breakthrough brands deliver powerful, coherent messages across every touchpoint. Frequency and quality, not just reach, drive growth. 5. The line between ads and content is gone. The best creative work doesn’t interrupt — it inspires. And when creators authentically endorse a brand, the impact can be exponential. 6. Gen Z is tuning out — literally. More than three-quarters of young consumers want opportunities to disconnect. They’re seeking experiences that feel human and real. 7. Cross-platform measurement is finally catching up. Aquila — an ANA sponsored new initiative from major advertisers, agencies, and platforms — promises unduplicated reach and frequency, enabling true integrated planning. Progress seems real - which underscores the urgency both the buy side and the sell side see in getting measurement right. The takeaway: As AI floods digital channels, human experiences stand out. OOH and experiential aren’t just part of the mix — they’re fast becoming the foundation of modern brand-building. To my friends in the Out-of-Home industry: our future is bright — if we can align on standards, measurement, and the scale this moment deserves.
This was spot on! Ultimately, OOH will always be relevant. It's where brands meet people in their world, creating the kind of emotional, authentic experiences that no algorithm can replicate.
In a future that's going to be driven by AI marketing efforts, authentic original creative voices will shimmer like an oasis in a desert.
Great update here...Heavy emphasis on experience > exposure. !!!
Great summary, thanks. And great to meet you in person!
✌️🙏🚀
Great summary! Thanks for sharing.
It was #6 for me! Sorry I missed you.
Excellent recap! Thanks Chris.
Chief Revenue Officer at Outfront Media | GTM leader in SaaS, Digital Media & Marketing Technology | ex-Google, AOL, Condé Nast, Flowcode, Brightcove
1wThis is a great summary, Chris Grosso. It was loud and clear at ANA that the marketing pendulum is swinging back toward the art of Branding. OOH, IRL, and Experiential media are the catalysts to deliver lasting branding impressions.