Ad Age Insider

Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli go behind the scenes of Ad Age's annual Marketer of the Year list. They share tips on how brands can increase their odds for next year's competition as well as a rundown of takeaways from this year's group of brands that might be useful for your 2026 marketing strategy. Plus, a look inside the Kansas City Chiefs' play to become the top Christmas NFL team, with key strategy takeaways from CMO Lara Krug. And the latest on Warner Bros. Discovery's sale saga. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Garage Beer is Ad Age's 2025 Marketer of the Year ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast ~Vote for 2025's biggest brand fail ~Vote for the best ad campaign of 2025 ~Share your 2026 ad industry predictions with Ad Age

Agency reporters Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin dig into Omnicom's acquisition of IPG, and its impact for the advertising industry beyond just agency holding companies. They break down how independent agencies can win, what the deal means for the hold-co hierarchy and key factors to track as the industry's future structure takes shape. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Watch Brian and Ewan's day-one Omnicom takes on Breaking & Entering ~Everything to know about the Omnicom-IPG deal ~Inside Omnicom's new structure ~Top execs to know at new Omnicom ~Omnicom & IPG's joint Kenvue pitch ~The details on Havas and Horizon's joint venture ~Wpromote acquires Giant Spoon ~Inside Just Born's account review ~Recapping Publicis' acquisitions of Captiv8 and Influential ~Rewind: the failed Omnicom-Publicis merger

Ad Age Chief Technology Reporter Garett Sloane discusses how to separate artificial intelligence noise from real utility, the state of chatbot shopping, AI brand readiness and tools marketers are creating to better their businesses. Plus, put your tech knowledge to the test. In this week's episode, take Ad Age Insider's AI readiness quiz for marketers. Or dig deeper with additional questions here. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~All your AI Qs answered in Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook ~The state of AI commerce ~Inside Lavazza's AI persona that says no ~How Amazon is testing ads in Rufus ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age reporter Gillian Follett breaks down why brands are leaning into the limited-edition strategy, the elements of a successful product drop strategy and more holiday social media trends. Plus, what Unilever's big bet on influencer marketing means for the industry, and the details on Peeps, Mike and Ike's and Hot Tamales' new ad agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Dig deeper into Starbucks' Bearista cup strategy ~Catch up on little treat culture and the trinket craze ~Watch holiday ads from Disney, Amazon and Brach's ~Dive into Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook package ~Listen to this week's Marketer's Brief episode

Ad Age Senior Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse explains how AI is automating work typically done by entry-level talent, and how marketers and educators are responding by training students and junior staff to use the technology themselves. Plus, what early career professionals can do to increase employment prospects in a difficult job market. Plus, Omnicom and IPG's joint pitch for health care giant Kenvue acts as a test for success of the mega-merger, but it may be riddled with complications. And, why Anomaly Co-Founder Jason DeLand decided to depart the agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~ Inside Kimberly-Clark's bid to buy Kenvue for $40 billion ~ How production companies are coming to terms with AI ~ Vote for the 2025 Ad Age Marketer of the Year