Hey everyone,

We’re fresh off an exhilarating couple of days in Cologne at DMEXCO, the leading event in the industry for digital marketing. Over 40,000 visitors packed into Köln Messe on 20 and 21 September to chart new paths, conclude new partnerships, and learn more about trending topics in the trade.

DMEXCO was populated by a laundry list of heavy-hitters in the world of digital marketing, including such industry leaders as Aleph, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Over 650 exhibiting companies filled out a packed field, which was complemented by over 800 international speakers. AI was a hot topic, with the experts concluding that there is far more to be optimistic about than to fear. The new technology, they contend, will reinvent creativity in advertising and allow marketers to get back to marketing. Themes and issues such as diversity and authenticity, the challenges and opportunities of Web3, and the growth of retail media all had speakers and audiences buzzing as digital advertising continues to grow, change, and break new ground.

It was Opera’s first year as an exhibitor at DMEXCO, with the company’s AdTech division, Opera Ads, offering plenty of scope to make good on this year’s motto of “Empowering Digital Creativity.” With a heavily-trafficked booth right next to Center Stage in hall 7, the business team at Opera Ads rolled up their sleeves and set a relentless pace, meeting with over 100 existing and prospective partners! The team was so booked out by the first afternoon that dozens more meetings had to be scheduled for after the conference’s conclusion due to the sheer lack of hours in a day.

Opera Ads was furthermore celebrating having recently been awarded the TAG Brand Safety Certified and Certified Against Fraud Seals by TAG (The Trustworthy Accountability Group). TAG stands at the global forefront in combating criminal activities and safeguarding brand integrity within the digital advertising industry, and so Opera Ads – and our partners – can take pride in adhering to the highest industry standards. Several B2B-focused media outlets were keen to speak with Per Wetterdal, EVP Commercial, about this achievement – announced via a press release on the first day of DMEXCO – and what it means to Opera Ads’ present and future in the AdTech industry.

Having dipped our toes into the exciting and fast-paced world of digital marketing, we can’t wait to be back! Next year’s DMEXCO is on 18 and 19 September, and the Opera Ads team will be in the thick of it, staying on top of all the industry trends and building long-term partnerships. We’d like to thank the organizers and all of our partners for such a wonderful event – we’ll see you again soon!

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