Connected TV (CTV) is a hot topic, and understanding where it’s headed next is essential for success. Join us on 5th November at 12:00 CET for our latest Virtual CTV Day, a fast-paced virtual event packed with expert insights, bold predictions, and practical takeaways for your 2026 strategy.
Here are 4 reasons you don’t want to miss it:
1. A Stellar Speaker Lineup
The biggest names in CTV are coming together to share their vision and expertise. Hear directly from leaders across platforms, agencies, publishers, and ad tech, including:
Paul Gubbins, CTV Lead, Exchange Platforms, EMEA, Google
Sarah Lewis, Global Vice President, CTV, ShowHeroes
Tim Cady, MD PMX, Publicis
Cadi Jones, SVP, EMEA, Index Exchange
Gregor Fellner, Sr. Director Media in Germany, Rakuten TV
Stafaniya Radzivonik, Senior Director, Partnerships- Supply, Verve
2. Clarity on CTV Standards
Get the latest on measurement frameworks, transparency goals, and the road to accountable, scalable CTV advertising in Europe.
3. A Forward Look at 2026
From audience behaviour shifts to new ad formats and monetisation opportunities, see what’s shaping the CTV landscape in the years ahead.
4. Actionable Insights to Apply Immediately
Walk away with practical steps, proven strategies, and insider tips to level up your CTV plans immediately.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this event will give you the insights and confidence to make smarter moves in CTV.
Find out more about the agenda and our speaker lineup here, and register below to secure your free virtual seat.
We’ve got even more virtual events for you to be a part of. Check them out below and sign up to secure your virtual seat today.
We’re thrilled to launch our brand-new Retail Media Roundtable series, sponsored by MediaMarktSaturn, recorded live at our Retail Media Impact Summit in Amsterdam!
On 24th September, over 150 senior European leaders in Retail Media gathered in the heart of Amsterdam for an intensive day of insights, action & collaboration.
The Summit wasn’t about flashy announcements; it was about meaningful conversation and collective momentum. Some of the core topics explored:
Beyond the formal sessions, the Summit also offered networking, breakout workshops, and plenty of space for spontaneous conversations and new partnerships.
Find out more in our wrap-up blog post here, and watch our highlight reel here.
To kick off the new series, our Industry Development & Insights Director, Marie-Clare Puffett, sat down with Torsten Ahlers, Managing Director at MediaMarktSaturn.
Recorded live at the Summit, this first episode explores why Retail Media has become a cornerstone of the modern marketing mix. Discover how brands can:
Our second episode saw Marie-Clare, Max de Jong, Sr. Manager Media Performance & Consumer Insights at Albert Heijn, and Andy Flint, Head of Business Development at ABC, explore why certification is becoming a crucial foundation for building trust, transparency, and consistency in Retail Media.
Uncover:
What’s Next?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll gradually release each episode from our latest roundtable series. Unedited, candid conversations straight from Amsterdam.
Each episode explores a slice of the Summit’s rich agenda, all through the lens of real industry players.
But that’s not all. Alongside the episodes, we’ll publish deep-dive blog posts, exclusive insights, and key takeaways from the Summit.
Don’t Miss Out - Here’s How to Stay in the Loop
For more information on our Retail and Commerce Media work and how you can get involved, please reach out to Marie-Clare at puffett [at] iabeurope.eu
In this blog post, our Retail Media Consultant, Yara Daher, explores why standards are essential to the future of Commerce Media and shares how you can get involved in shaping the next iteration of our Commerce Media Measurement Standards.
In just a few years, Retail and Commerce Media has become one of the fastest-growing channels in digital advertising. With billions in ad spend flowing through retailer networks, marketplaces, and quick commerce platforms, the opportunity for brands and retailers is undeniable. But with rapid growth comes an equally urgent need: clear, consistent, and widely adopted standards.
Without a shared framework, fragmentation can quickly limit progress. Buyers face inconsistent metrics, measurement methodologies vary from one partner to another, and reporting complexity makes it harder to compare performance or prove ROI. For the ecosystem to mature, trust and transparency must be built on standardisation.
That’s why, at IAB Europe, we launched our first Retail Media Measurement Standards in April 2024. Developed through our Retail & Commerce Media Committee with key input from our Retailer Council, these standards provide a framework for consistent metrics to compare Retail Media investment.
Now, building on initial industry feedback, we’ve released our Commerce Media Measurement Standards (including Retail) V2 for public comment. This updated version reflects the rapid growth of the space and the increasing sophistication of advertiser expectations.
Why Standards Are Critical to Commerce Media Growth
What’s New in V2
These updates strengthen online retail media measurement (on and off-site) and complement our In-Store Retail Media guidance, recognising the rise of omnichannel strategies.
Help Us Finalise the Latest Standards
Our updated Commerce Media Measurement Standards V2 are now open for public comment, and we want your input. To ensure these standards truly reflect the realities of the market, we’re calling on brands, agencies, retailers, ad tech partners, measurement providers, and publishers to share feedback and shape the final version.
We request specific suggestions to the “Insights” section 3.1 and 3.2. We detail New to Brand and New Category and suggest lookback windows based on categories. We understand those categories are broad and open to interpretation. As such, we would like feedback on whether to keep them as is, change them and how, or move them to a guidance section.
The deadline to provide your input is Friday, 14th November 2025.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and building a trusted, transparent, and scalable foundation that will define the next chapter of Commerce Media with you.
As 2025 draws to a close, now is the perfect time to invest in your team’s skills and strategies to set the stage for a stronger, more sustainable year in 2026.
By joining our Condensed Course on Environmental Sustainability in Digital Advertising this autumn, you’ll equip yourself or your colleagues with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to hit the ground running in the new year. Ready to align your advertising strategies with your organisation’s environmental goals and industry expectations.
Our half-day online training is designed to give you practical, actionable insights to help reduce the environmental footprint of digital advertising, while keeping your business future-focused and competitive.
Digital advertising might not immediately come to mind when thinking about carbon emissions, but the truth is:
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s becoming a strategic imperative.
Organisations that invest in sustainability skills now will be better positioned to:
Attract and retain talent, particularly as younger generations expect environmental action from employers.
Through expert-led, interactive virtual sessions, participants will:
The course is facilitated by our Data Analyst & Sustainability Lead, Dimitris Beis, who brings expertise at the intersection of digital advertising and environmental action.
Dimitris leads industry-wide initiatives to help the digital advertising ecosystem reduce its environmental impact. He plays a key role in developing practical frameworks, guidance, and education that support the transition to a more sustainable and responsible future for our industry.
We’ve designed the course to fit different time zones and team schedules:
Places are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.
Don’t forget, if you’re a member of IAB Europe, you’re entitled to a discount. Reach out to our team at communication [at] iabeurope.eu for more information.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining how our world (and our industry) works. From how we create, target, and optimise campaigns to how we address transparency, trust, and regulation, AI is transforming everything.
On 30th October at 12:00 CET, we’ll bring together leading voices from across the digital advertising ecosystem for our latest Great Debate on AI. A virtual event designed to unpack the rapid rise of AI, explore what’s next for our industry, and discuss how we can harness its power responsibly and effectively.
This Great Debate will offer fresh insights and practical perspectives on how AI is reshaping the advertising landscape, including:
We're thrilled to announce the first industry leaders who will be joining us on the virtual stage:
Jacqui Merrington, Director of AI, Mail Metro Media
Kay Schneider, President, ShowHeroes
Liz Salway, Managing Principal, Marketing Solutions, Empathy Lab by EPAM
Matina Thomaidou, VP, Head of Data Science at Dataseat, part of Verve
Patrick Hann, Ad Tech Manager, IAB UK
Tim Collier, Chief Commercial Officer, Scope3
More speakers will be announced soo, so stay tuned!
Find out more about the event here, and register below to secure your free virtual space.
Our Great Debate on AI is just one of many exciting virtual events coming up. Mark your calendars for:
We look forward to welcoming you to these upcoming events.
In this blog post, our Industry Development & Insights Director, Marie-Clare Puffett, reflects on the incredible work and growth of our Retail & Commerce Media Committee since its inception, three years ago. See what she has to say below.
What started as a small working group within IAB Europe has turned into a dynamic committee that represents a broad range of retailers, Retail Media Networks (RMNs), ad technology companies and brands. It is no surprise, really, given that Retail Media has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in Europe's advertising landscape, boasting an impressive 21.1% revenue growth. It now commands a significant share of digital advertising budgets, with one in every five Euros spent online going toward retail media campaigns. The market's total value has surged to €13.7 billion, underscoring its rising influence and strategic importance for brands and retailers across the continent. You can view all of our latest stats here.
So, what role has our Retail & Commerce Media Committee played in this evolving landscape?
It’s been nearly three years since the group was set up, and here are three core areas I would like to highlight and celebrate:
1. Redefining Measurement: Leadership in Retail Media Accountability
Our measurement standards and associated certification programme are leading the way in driving Retail Media consistency and transparency. Media buyers have been calling for more accountability and clarity from RMNs, and we have worked closely with all stakeholders to deliver the following:
2. The Forum for Industry Collaboration to Shape Retail Media’s Future
Through our multi-stakeholder committee and Retailer Council, we are enabling the conversations that matter in the future of Retail and Commerce Media. Additionally, our inaugural Retail Media Impact Summit ignited a collaborative dialogue poised to reshape the future of Retail Media across Europe. By bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, we laid the groundwork for actionable strategies and partnerships that will drive measurable impact and sustainable growth. From the development of standards through to how core concepts are defined, this collaborative work is imperative to the scalability and success of Retail and Commerce media.
3. Insights that Define the Retail Media Landscap
From our market growth, size and forecasting updates from our Chief Economist to our annual Attitudes to Retail Media report, we are ensuring the industry has the insights that define how the market is performing and what challenges need to be addressed.
Of the work of the committee, Jason Wescott, Chair of IAB Europe’s Retail & Commerce Media Committee and Global Head of Commerce Solutions, WPP Media, said: "From the very beginning, our vision for the Retail & Commerce Media Committee has been bigger than any single initiative - it’s about igniting a movement built on trust, collaboration, and shared insight, empowering retail media to truly flourish across Europe. By setting bold standards, sparking meaningful dialogue, and delivering market-leading intelligence, we’re not just keeping pace with the industry’s growth — we’re helping to lead it with purpose."
Under the guidance of our Chair, Jason Wescott, Vice-Chair, Patricia Grunmann, and Retail Media Consultant, Yara Daher - alongside the active collaboration of all of our members - we’ve begun laying the critical foundations for Retail and Commerce media to flourish across Europe.
For more information about our initiatives and to explore how you can get involved, visit our Retail Media Hub, or contact me directly at puffett [at] iabeurope.eu.
9th October 2025, Brussels, Belgium - IAB Europe, the leading European-level association for the digital marketing and advertising ecosystem, today announced the launch of two key industry documents for Retail and Commerce Media. IAB Europe is seeking public comment on IAB Europe Commerce (including Retail) Media Measurement Standards V2 and the Flexible Ad Size Guidelines for Retail Media Networks (RMNs).
Developed by our Retail & Commerce Media Committee in collaboration with our Retailer Council, both documents are fundamental in our work to drive greater standardisation, transparency, and efficiency across Commerce and Retail Media. We now invite industry stakeholders to review the drafts and share their feedback to help shape the final versions.
Commerce Media Measurement Standards V2
First released in April 2024, our Retail Media Measurement Standards provide an essential framework to help buyers and sellers navigate and measure Retail Media activity. Now, updated in September 2025, our Commerce Media Measurement Standards (including Retail) V2 integrate industry feedback, introduce a refined measurement funnel, specific definitions for gross and net sales, plus key metrics for the quick commerce sector.
Key features of the updated Standards include:
The Standards focus on online (on and off-site) measurement and complement our separate guidance on In-Store Retail Media, acknowledging its growing importance in omnichannel campaigns.
Flexi Ad Sizes Guidelines for Retail Media Networks
As Retail Media grows, traditional ad formats often fail to integrate smoothly within retailer websites, leading to a proliferation of bespoke formats. While these customised solutions can drive engagement, they also increase complexity, strain advertiser resources, and can hinder scalability.
Our new Flexi Ad Formats Proposal, based on a solution developed by Tesco Media and refined through IAB Europe’s standards workshops, introduces a simplified and flexible approach to static display ad sizes.
Key benefits include:
The proposal recommends a core set of four flexible ad sizes, designed to work seamlessly across mobile, tablet, desktop, and mobile app environments, with clear implementation guidelines and code templates provided for retailers and ad tech partners.
Open For Industry Feedback
Commenting on the launch of the documents, IAB Europe’s Industry Development & Insights Director, Marie-Clare Puffett, said, “Standardisation is crucial to unlocking efficiency, consistency, and trust in Retail and Commerce Media. These two documents represent important steps forward, but we want to ensure they reflect the needs and realities of all stakeholders. That’s why we’re inviting open industry input before finalising them.”
Both documents are open for public comment until Friday, 14th November.
Industry stakeholders can review the Commerce Media Standards document here and the Flexible Ad Format Guidelines document here, and provide feedback to the IAB Europe team at retailmediastandards@iabeurope.eu.
Standardisation is crucial to unlocking efficiency, consistency, and trust in Retail and Commerce Media. Developed by our Retail & Commerce Media Committee with key input from our Retailer Council and first released in April 2024, our Retail Media Measurement Standards provide an essential framework to help buyers and sellers navigate and measure Retail Media activity.
Now, updated in September 2025, our Commerce Media Measurement Standards (including Retail) V2 integrate industry feedback, introduce a refined measurement funnel, provide specific definitions for gross and net sales, and add key metrics for the quick commerce sector.
We’re inviting feedback from brands, agencies, retailers, ad tech, measurement partners, and publishers to ensure these standards reflect real-world needs before finalisation.
Key features of the updated Standards include:
The Standards focus on online (on and off-site) measurement and complement our separate guidance on In-Store Retail Media, acknowledging its growing importance in omnichannel campaigns.
Our latest Commerce Media Measurement Standards are now open for public comment. Your input is essential in shaping standards that work for everyone across the digital advertising ecosystem.
The deadline to provide your input is Friday, 14th November 2025.
As Retail Media continues to grow, traditional ad formats often fail to integrate smoothly within retailer websites. This has led to a proliferation of bespoke formats which, while sometimes effective, can drive unnecessary complexity, strain advertiser resources, and hinder scalability across networks.
To solve this, IAB Europe’s Flexi Ad Formats Proposal, based on a solution developed by Tesco Media and refined through IAB Europe’s standards workshops, introduces a simplified and flexible approach to static display ad sizes.
Our Flexible Ad Size Guidelines for Retail Media Networks is now open for public comment. Your input will help ensure the guidelines meet the needs of retailers, brands, and partners across the industry.pos
The deadline to provide your input is Friday, 14th November 2025.
On 24th September, Amsterdam set the stage for our inaugural Retail Media Impact Summit 2025, where more than 150 senior European leaders came together for a day dedicated to shaping and driving the future of Retail Media.
The Summit was not about big reveals. It was about big conversations and building what’s next. An open forum for stakeholders to really exchange their perspectives and contribute towards actionable outputs across key topics. From incrementality measurement and clean room solutions to in-store activation and the convergence of Retail Media with CTV, every angle was explored. Through keynotes and interactive breakout sessions, participants went beyond discussions to dive deep into the challenges and solutions that will shape the future of this dynamic industry.
Beyond the content, the Summit also created space for meaningful connections. Networking breaks, collaborative workshops, and informal conversations all played a key role in strengthening the community and fostering partnerships that will drive Retail Media forward.
A huge thank you to our Summit Sponsors, Koddi, STRATACACHE, TikTok, Zitcha, Appsflyer, Liveramp, Moloco, Advertima, Media Markt Saturn, and everyone who attended and participated. Your insights, collaboration, and contributions made the Summit a great success, and we can’t wait to see you again next year.
Keep your eyes peeled for more content from the Summit coming very soon.
In the meantime, watch our highlight reel here to relive all of the key moments from the day.
This Summit was inspired by the work of our Retail & Commerce Media Committee. To learn more about our initiatives and explore how you can get involved, visit our Retail Media Hub or contact our Industry Development & Insights Director, Marie-Clare Puffett at puffett [at] iabeurope.eu.
24th September 2025, Brussels, Belgium - IAB Europe, the leading European-level industry association for the digital advertising ecosystem, is delighted to announce that Albert Heijn has become the first Retail Media Network (RMN) to be certified under the IAB Europe Retail Media Certification Programme. The certification follows the successful completion of a pilot audit conducted by ABC, one of the independent auditors participating in the programme.
Launched in October 2024, the Retail Media Certification Programme is designed to bring greater transparency, consistency, and trust to the measurement of both on-site and off-site Retail Media campaigns. By meeting the certification standards, retailers demonstrate their commitment to delivering accountable, transparent, and high-quality Retail Media offerings. This, in turn, fosters a trusted environment for brands and agencies to invest with confidence, driving growth and maturity across the European market.
As part of this programme, Albert Heijn has now been certified for Display (static) and Sponsored Products across its on-site properties, including the Albert Heijn website and mobile app. Retail Media Networks participating in the programme can choose which specific ad products to put forward for certification, ensuring flexibility while maintaining rigorous standards.
Commenting on the achievement, IAB Europe’s Industry Development & Insights Director, Marie-Clare Puffett, said, “The completion of this first pilot audit by Albert Heijn and ABC marks a major milestone in the rollout of the programme. The process has provided valuable insights that will further enhance IAB Europe’s Retail Media Measurement Standards and certification framework, ensuring they remain practical, robust, and aligned with the needs of the Retail Media ecosystem. ABC’s role as the first auditor to deliver a certification also demonstrates the importance of trusted, independent verification in building confidence in this fast-growing sector. We look forward to engaging more retailers in this programme.”
As the first RMN to be certified, Albert Heijn’s certification recognises the retailer’s strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact in its Retail Media solutions, establishing a benchmark for the wider market and paving the way for more companies to follow.
Rolf Oosterhoff, Head of Retail Media Services at Albert Heijn, commented, “We’re proud that Albert Heijn is the first retail media network to be certified to IAB Europe’s Retail Media Standards. This recognition underscores our commitment to transparency and effectiveness. Albert Heijn has long been a frontrunner in retail media. It’s a milestone for us and for the industry, and we look forward to working with our partners to further professionalise and grow retail media.”
As one of the auditors for the Certification Programme, ABC plays a critical role in conducting impartial and transparent assessments of participating companies, verifying that they meet the certification requirements set out by IAB Europe.
Jan Pitt, Commercial Director, ABC, said, “We’re delighted to have partnered with the Albert Heijn team to deliver the programme’s first certification and a clear reference point for the market. Our audit verified how onsite metrics are defined, captured, and reported by testing the methodology, data flows, and evidence behind the numbers - giving advertisers and Retail Media Networks the confidence to trade on independently verified metrics.”
Building on this success, IAB Europe has expanded the programme to ad technology providers. Auditing and certifying both retailers and technology providers will ensure a consistent, end-to-end framework for Retail Media, further enhancing trust, transparency, and investment confidence across the ecosystem.
For more information on IAB Europe’s Retail Media Certification programme and how you can get involved, please visit the website here or reach out to the team at retailmediastandards@iabeurope.eu.
22nd September 2025, Brussels, Belgium - Last week, during DMEXCO in Cologne, IAB Europe, the European-level association for the digital marketing and advertising ecosystem, convened its Board of Directors to appoint a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Officers.
Reyes Justribó, CEO at IAB Spain, was elected Chair. Rhys Nölke, Chief Data Officer at Bertelsmann, was elected as Vice-Chair. Marino Gualano, Founder & International Business Development Director, Tangoo S.R.L was elected Treasurer.
They will be joined on the Executive Committee by:
The Executive Committee supports the IAB Europe Board of Directors and CEO in key decision-making, providing advice and strategic guidance.
Reflecting on her newly appointed role, Reyes Justribó commented, “It’s an honour and great responsibility to have been elected by my colleagues in the IAB Europe Board to serve as its Chair. I’m very conscious of the big challenges we have ahead as an industry and the important role our association has to play in supporting our associates to navigate them. The digital advertising industry is critical for creating employment and value all around Europe, and we all have to support its positive development. We, as a European association, will keep on working with the different stakeholders involved to create a safe and respectful environment in which the industry will keep on innovating and thriving to better serve European consumers.”
Townsend Feehan, CEO of IAB Europe, welcomed the new Executive Committee, saying, “This is an exciting and interesting time for IAB Europe as we proceed through the first year of the new European Commission’s mandate, with more innovation and policy developments on the horizon. I am delighted to welcome such a strong and diverse Executive Committee, whose leadership will be invaluable in guiding our organisation and supporting the digital advertising industry through this next chapter.”
Visit IAB Europe’s website for more information on the full Board of Directors and to explore the focus and work of the Association.
