We look back at the launch of the AdTech Connect initiative and everything it has achieved so far. What’s next?  

AdTech Connect launched in early August last year, with the goal of fostering growth and innovation by creating opportunities for the next generation of ad tech professionals through well-curated networking events and workshops. 

Meet the founders

The initiative’s events so far 

At the kick-off event, the panel discussion centered around networking, mentoring, and upskilling. With a turnout of over eighty attendees, the panellists shared their secrets to building out a network and keeping pace with the industry. They touched on the importance of being a good mentee – not just a good mentor – emphasising that mentorship is a two-way relationship. 

Following the success of the first event, the AdTech Connect team turned to their community to find out what they were interested in learning more about. An overwhelming majority were keen to get informed about AI’s role in the industry. In response to this interest, the second event delved into how generative AI has been shaping operations, the competitive pressures and commodisation of the technology, and how we can prepare for an AI-driven future, focusing on how AI tools can be used effectively. 

The third AdTech Connect was the biggest yet, drawing over 100 attendees for an evening focused on career growth and connection. Christina Minshull, CEO of The Brand Audit, shared her seven step framework for building a personal brand, highlighting that “visibility turns potential into reality.” A dynamic panel featuring Naomi Jones, Emily Roberts, Lauren Ogúndèkó, and Nick Hugh followed, offering sharp career insights such as: “Get over the cringe factor of putting yourself out there,” “your network is your brand,” and “simplicity wins.”

Building a community 

Building a community for the next generation of AdTech professionals: that’s the overarching goal. As well as hosting in-person events – which play the biggest role in building this – the initiative also created a WhatsApp community. The channel is used to share news about industry topics, and has been useful for keeping individuals connected through weekly conversation. 

To further shine the spotlight on emerging talent in the sector and expand their community-building efforts, AdTech Connect recently launched its own podcast alongside their ambassadors and industry leaders, Cadi Jones and Matt Bennathan. The episodes feature candid conversations with AdTech rising stars, bringing to light conversations about career highs, lows, and everything in between. The team shares how the podcast has been a chance for them to dig deeper, celebrate fresh perspectives, and inspire others across the community. You can find the podcast here.  

What’s next? 

AdTech Connect’s next event will be taking place on 5th June and you can register for the event here. The event will be a summer social, marking the one-year anniversary of AdTech Connect. 

Elsewhere, the team plans to begin a mentorship programme. Those new to the industry often have reservations about mentorship, or are unsure how to navigate finding a mentor. Yet – as the panel expanded on in AdTech Connect’s first event – it can be a hugely beneficial experience, helping shape your professional development and even encouraging personal growth. 

Advice for others hoping to start similar initiatives 

Firstly, the AdTech Connect team highlights the importance of embarking on this sort of journey with the right people. You’re likely to encounter challenges, and these will multiply if your team struggles to work together harmoniously. The right team should bring together a range of different perspectives. Plus, don’t underestimate the value of collaborating with people you enjoy working alongside. 

You should leverage each person’s personal network to your advantage, where possible. Speaking to the right stakeholders is also key. 

Once operations are up and running already, the AdTech Connect group advises touching base with your team regularly to ensure staying on track. 

Voice of the community

Matisse Ruppert: Last September, AdTech Connect supported me in an invaluable opportunity to attend ATS London. I not only had the chance to hear insightful talks from industry leaders but also to network and connect with some fantastic people. This is an experience I wouldn’t have been able to access without their support – AdTech Connect is an incredible initiative that empowers and connects young people in the AdTech industry.

Zoe Bruton: ATC is such a welcoming and inclusive network that creates a safe space to ask questions, share ideas and grow together. It fosters genuine connections and collaborative learning. It’s an invaluable resource for staying ahead in the industry and levelling up your career.

Luke Taplin-McCallum: Relationships and people are the glue of our industry. So organic opportunities that bring us together, especially those that bridge the gap between ad tech’s heavyweights and emerging talent, aren’t just welcomed warmly, they’re crucial.

I appreciate the representation of agencies, advertisers and tech. It feels like an accessible and equitable space for a simply brilliant bunch of people. It's also an opportunity for all to learn, grow and give back.

Cameron Armstrong: Most industry events can feel pretty daunting when you’re new, but AdTech Connect has built something genuinely different. It’s a community that’s open, welcoming, and full of energy.

I’ve been to plenty of events where it feels like you need a certain job title to belong. But every time I’ve gone to one of theirs, I’ve walked away having met fascinating people, learnt something new from the talks, and just felt at home. It’s rare to find spaces like that in our industry especially for people starting out, and they’ve absolutely nailed it.