ANA Masters of Marketing: AI, IRL Media, and the Future of Marketing

View profile for Chris Grosso

CEO at Intersection

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.

Jim Norton

Chief Revenue Officer at Outfront Media | GTM leader in SaaS, Digital Media & Marketing Technology | ex-Google, AOL, Condé Nast, Flowcode, Brightcove

1w

This 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.

Anna Bager

President & CEO, OAAA | Driving Innovation in OOH Advertising | Out of Home Tech Advocate & Integration Expert | Board Member & Industry Leader

1d

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.

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Lori H. Schwartz

CEO, StoryTech | Creating Must-See Moments at the Intersection of Tech, Media & Marketing | Experiential Event Strategist, Curator and Host  | Turning Trends into Consumer Connections

3d

Great update here...Heavy emphasis on experience > exposure. !!!

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Mat Zucker

CMO | B2B & Professional Services Marketing | Strategy, Storytelling, Reputation Building

2w

Great summary, thanks. And great to meet you in person!

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David Shing

Digital Prophet at Shingy

2w

✌️🙏🚀

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Deakin Bell

“Media Boss” - Advertising Media & Technology Leader.

2w

Great summary! Thanks for sharing.

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Sarah Icely Hill

SVP at BrandActive | We don't do what you think

1w

It was #6 for me! Sorry I missed you.

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Scott Graham

Sales & Marketing Executive | Driving Growth in Digital Media/AdTech, Sponsorships & Business Management | Founder & Entrepreneur | ex-Time Inc., AOL, Start-Ups

1w

Excellent recap! Thanks Chris.

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