By Audree Hernandez, JMAC Senior Account Executive
Prog IO 2025 was a milestone event for me both professionally and personally. Thanks to The Women in Programmatic Network (TWIPN), I had the opportunity to attend workshops, panels, and networking events designed to foster a stronger and more inclusive programmatic community. As someone who has been supporting TWIPN’s board leaders with their expansion plans for the U.S., it was exciting to see firsthand the energy, ambition, and collaboration driving this movement forward.
The Women in Programmatic Workshop
One of the most engaging sessions I attended was The Women in Programmatic workshop led by Stefanie Beach. What stood out most wasn’t the tactical advice on branding and speaking opportunities, but the dynamic conversation in the room. The group was lively, curious, and generous in sharing their experiences.
For me, it was a reminder that PR is absolutely essential across industries. While the workshop wasn’t labeled as “PR-focused,” the topics overlapped deeply with my expertise, and I had the chance to contribute practical tips that resonated with others. The fact that participants specifically sought my perspective reaffirmed how critical PR is to shaping professional visibility and ongoing opportunities.
Actionable Insights from Gartner
Another highlight was Gartner’s panel, How to Develop an AI Strategy for Marketing, featuring Nicole Green. The data and case studies she presented were both timely and eye-opening. It pushed me to think not only about AI’s role in marketing broadly but also how these insights apply directly to my clients.
Nicole’s insights on in-demand skills and impactful tools made it clear that AI is now a fundamental driver of growth. I left with tangible ideas to bring back to my clients, particularly around how they can integrate generative AI responsibly and strategically.
Editors On the Hot Seat
As a PR professional, I spend a lot of time pitching and emailing editors, so it was pretty cool to watch a group of editors conduct a live recap of the event in real time. The AdExchanger team, Anthony Vargas, James Hercher, and Allison Schiff, offered candid perspectives on the biggest stories at Prog IO, plus the broader news shaping AdTech. Seeing the way they synthesized and discussed industry headlines gave me a deeper appreciation of how they think about narratives, which will help me better align future pitches.
The Power of Connection
Of course, Prog IO was also about people. After three years of working together, I finally met longtime clients Lisa Mollura (CMO of 33Across) and Paul Bell (President of 33Across) in person. I also met Rebecca Aliab Deng and Lauren Williams from TWIPN for the first time. While we had worked together remotely, meeting them in person reinforced how warm, collaborative, and committed they are to building a community for women. They introduced me to so many inspiring women in the industry, and reminded me why networks like TWIPN are so vital.
Looking Ahead
Prog IO 2025 left me with inspiration, new connections, and actionable strategies. If I had to sum it up, the theme of the event was that the future of programmatic will be built on collaboration, innovation, and diverse voices at the table.
As I return to client work, I, too, am energized by the possibilities ahead.
