Inside the Agenda: What to Expect from Our Virtual Programmatic Day 2026 - Join Us Live in London or Online

On 29th April at 12:00 CET / 11:00 BST, our Virtual Programmatic Day (VPD) 2026 returns, bringing together industry leaders to explore the forces shaping the next chapter of programmatic advertising.

The event will take place in a hybrid format, offering attendees the flexibility to join online or attend in person in London. The full programme will be live-streamed directly from Google’s London office, creating a dynamic setting where in-person energy meets a fully connected virtual audience.

For those joining on-site, it’s a unique opportunity to engage face-to-face with industry peers, speakers, and partners. Virtual attendees can tune in to the same high-quality discussions from anywhere.

In just under two hours, the agenda cuts straight to the issues that matter most right now, offering practical insight, honest discussion, and perspectives from across the ecosystem.

So, what will you take away from this year’s programme?

CTV: From Momentum to Maturity

CTV continues to attract investment, but behind the growth, real challenges are emerging.

At VPD, the conversation will move beyond hype to focus on what’s really happening in the CTV ecosystem:

• How fragmented is the supply landscape, and what does that mean for buyers?
• Are current measurement approaches fit for purpose?
• Where does transparency still fall short?
• How are shifting viewing habits changing the value of CTV inventory?

If you’re investing in (or planning to invest in) CTV, this is a chance to understand how to navigate the complexity and unlock its full potential.

The Growth Algorithm: What Will Power Programmatic in 2026?

Everyone is talking about growth, but what’s genuinely powering it?

This year’s agenda brings together experts to unpack the real drivers behind programmatic’s next phase, including:

• The role of AI in optimisation and decision-making
• How new data frameworks are reshaping targeting and measurement
• The continued rise of CTV, retail media, and emerging channels
• How strategies are shifting in response to signal loss and privacy changes

More importantly, the discussion will go beyond trends, focusing on how these changes translate into actionable strategies for buyers, sellers, and tech providers.

Monetisation in a Changing Market

For publishers, monetisation is becoming more complex and more critical.

As demand evolves, so do the expectations around how inventory is packaged, priced, and traded. At Virtual Programmatic Day, the conversation will explore:

• How buying models are reshaping revenue strategies
• Where publishers are finding new value in their inventory
• How to balance yield with user experience
• What smarter monetisation looks like in today’s market

Whether you’re on the sell-side or buy-side, understanding these shifts is key to staying competitive.

Real-World Insight, Not Just Theory

Alongside the panel discussions, the agenda includes a case study spotlight, offering a closer look at how companies are putting these strategies into practice.This is where the conversation moves from industry-level trends to real execution, giving you tangible examples you can apply to your own approach.

Hear from Industry Leaders

This year’s programme brings together senior voices from across the ecosystem. First confirmed speakers include:

Paul Gubbins, CTV Lead, Exchange Platforms, EMEA, Google

Nikunj Sureka, Senior Director, Product, Verve

Lisa Kalyuzhny, VP of Sales, EMEA, Nexxen

Mara Negri, SVP Global Media Agencies, MFE Advertising

Broadcast live from Google’s London office, these speakers will share perspectives from across platforms, media owners, and technology, ensuring a well-rounded and practical discussion.

Join the Conversation - In-Person or Virtually

Whether you choose to attend in person in London or join virtually, Virtual Programmatic Day 2026 offers a focused, high-impact way to stay on top of the changes shaping programmatic right now.

👉 Register to join us in-person here (for IAB Europe Members)
👉 Secure your spot to join us virtually here