IAB NewFronts in New York City: What to Expect, Who It’s For, and How Access Works
IAB NewFronts brings brand marketers and media buyers together in New York City, March 23-26, 2026, for a week of digital video and streaming presentations from the world’s leading media companies, plus a dedicated IAB Main Stage program.
Designed as the industry’s largest digital content marketplace, NewFronts is where platforms preview upcoming programming, product innovation, and advertising opportunities for the year ahead.
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A Quick Look at IAB NewFronts
What it is:
The world’s largest digital content marketplace for digital video, streaming, and CTV partnerships.
Where:
New York City | Venue: Convene Brookfield Place, New York, NY
When:
March 23-26, 2026
Who it’s for:
Brand marketers, media buyers, and agency professionals evaluating video and streaming investments.
How to attend:
Attendance is typically invite-only or requires qualification. Access details vary by year.
[Register]
What Happens at NewFronts
IAB NewFronts unfolds across a full week in New York City, combining distributed partner presentations with a centralized industry program.
Throughout the week, you can expect:
| Partner presentations across NYC Media companies and platforms host individual sessions to preview content, ad products, measurement approaches, and innovation. | IAB Main Stage (anchor program day) A dedicated day of IAB-led programming featuring industry leaders, research, and strategic conversations shaping the video ecosystem. | In-person and virtual components Format and access vary by year, with select sessions sometimes available via live stream or on demand. |
Together, these elements make NewFronts both a marketplace and a planning moment, designed to help buyers understand what’s coming and how to engage.
Who Should Attend
IAB NewFronts is designed for professionals responsible for evaluating, planning, and buying digital video and streaming media.
Attendance is managed by IAB and is subject to eligibility requirements that may vary by year.
Typical attendees include:
| Brand marketers Leaders responsible for video strategy, media investment, and partnerships. | Media buyers and planners Professionals assessing inventory, platforms, and performance opportunities for clients or internal teams. | Agency professionals Strategy, planning, and investment leaders guiding clients through the evolving video landscape. |
Key Themes and What You’ll Learn
While specific programming evolves year to year, NewFronts consistently focuses on the topics buyers care about most.
Common themes include:
- What’s next in streaming, digital video, and CTV
- How platforms are packaging inventory, data, and measurement
- Innovation in ad formats, audience targeting, and creative experiences
- The evolving role of creators, retail media, and emerging technology
NewFronts is designed to help attendees understand not just what’s launching, but how to plan against it.
The IAB Main Stage: What Makes It Different
The IAB Main Stage serves as the week’s anchor program, bringing the industry together in one place.
Main Stage programming typically includes:
| [icon] High-level keynotes and panel discussions | [icon] Research highlights and market outlooks | [icon] Strategic conversations around video, streaming, and advertising innovation |
This is where broader industry context meets the week’s individual platform announcements.
Schedule at a Glance
While each year’s agenda varies, NewFronts generally follows a familiar rhythm:
- Day 1: Opening day and first wave of partner presentations
- Mid-week: IAB Main Stage programming (anchor day)
- Remaining days: Additional platform presentations, meetings, and networking across NYC
Exact dates, presenters, and formats are released closer to the event.
[View Schedule]
How Access Works
Access to IAB NewFronts is managed by IAB and may change year to year.
What to know:
- Registration may be limited to qualified attendees
- Some sessions may be invite-only
- On-demand video (VOD) access, when offered, is typically limited to registered attendees
- Attendees can request access or sign up for updates through the official IAB registration process
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Planning Tips for Attendees
To get the most out of NewFronts:
- Identify 4-6 key presenters you care about most and plan around those sessions
- Block time for the IAB Main Stage
- Leave room for meetings and informal networking
- Come prepared with priorities: streaming goals, audience needs, measurement requirements, and creative formats
NewFronts moves quickly—having a plan helps you stay focused.
H2: Advertising Around IAB NewFronts in NYC
Leading up to and during IAB NewFronts, agency teams across New York City are actively evaluating streaming, digital video, and CTV partnerships. This creates a concentrated window where media decision makers are shaping budgets and priorities.
For publishers and platforms looking to influence those conversations, proximity matters.
Captivate’s office network includes premium agency buildings across Manhattan, offering direct access to planners, buyers, and investment leaders as they prepare for and attend NewFronts.
Activating ahead of and during the event allows brands to:
- Build awareness before presentations
- Reinforce messaging during the week
- Stay top of mind while decisions are being made
If you’re planning activity around NewFronts, aligning with high-impact agency environments can help drive measurable influence.
[Explore Advertising Options]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IAB NewFronts?
A week-long digital content marketplace where media companies and platforms preview upcoming video and streaming offerings.
When is IAB NewFronts held?
Typically in early May. Exact dates are announced by IAB each year.
Who can attend?
Brand marketers, media buyers, and agency professionals. Attendance is usually invite-only or qualification-based.
What is the IAB Main Stage?
A centralized day of IAB-led programming featuring industry leaders, research, and strategic discussion.
Is there virtual access or VOD?
Availability varies by year and is usually limited to registered attendees.
How do I request access?
You can request a pass or sign up for updates through the official registration process.
Request Access to IAB NewFronts
IAB NewFronts is where the video and streaming marketplace comes together to preview what’s next and plan for what’s ahead.
Whether you’re evaluating partners, shaping media strategy, or planning investments for the year, NewFronts offers a clear view of the digital video landscape.
Would you like to extend the conversation?
Book a demo to learn more about impactful, engaging digital signage solutions from Captivate.
