IAB Unveils 2026 NewFronts, Marking a Defining Moment for Streaming, CTV, and AI-Powered Video

From March 23–26, Industry Leaders Will Convene in NYC to Reveal the Content, Technology, and Marketplace Shifts Reshaping Digital Video Investment

The Highly Anticipated IAB Main Stage Returns on March 25

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 IAB NewFronts marks the true arrival of the always-on future where the video marketplace operates in real time and is increasingly powered by AI-driven insights, creative expression, measurement, attribution, and agentic execution.

With investments and optimization happening year round, brands and agencies will gather at the 2026 IAB NewFronts happening March 23–26 in New York City to gain an indispensable perspective on the content, commerce integrations, and technologies shaping how video performs against business outcomes. Held earlier in the calendar year, NewFronts gives buyers greater lead time to inform planning decisions and align video investment strategies with rapidly evolving marketplace dynamics.

"I cannot remember a more dynamic time in the industry.  Every facet of the business is being reinvented and the days of impressions as a proxy for results are fading.  Streaming and CTV are now performance-driven channels, directly accountable for business outcomes," said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. "AI is now embedded across the entire value chain, reshaping how content is created, how media is bought and sold, and how performance is measured.  IAB NewFronts is the premiere industry event that provides a clear look at what is ahead."

Across four days, brands, agencies, media buyers, and content creators will gather for live presentations throughout NYC, with select sessions streamed on IAB.com.  The 2026 IAB NewFronts is built for buyers ready to transact, spotlighting the latest innovations in video, streaming, and CTV solutions designed to simplify activation, measurement, and optimization across platforms.

For the third consecutive year, IAB will host its dedicated IAB Main Stage on March 25, featuring curated presentations from select companies and bringing together leaders spanning buy side, sell side, and technology to address how video investment strategies are adapting to AI, commerce, and cross-platform performance demands.  Between action-packed sessions, attendees will exchange ideas in the Recharge Lounge, sponsored by A+E Networks.

"As the video landscape continues to evolve and boundaries are blurred between content, culture, commerce, creator, and more, this year's IAB NewFronts will spotlight the exciting innovations redefining video and how audiences engage across streaming and digital platforms," said Jamie Finstein, Vice President, Media Center, IAB. "It's a pivotal moment where meaningful partnerships are built to meet the demands of an always on marketplace."

About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City.

SOURCE Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)