Driving deeper digital supply path transparency with an end-to-end media decarbonization solution

"At Cannes Lions, the digital advertising industry united to advance sustainability. Viant continues this momentum with a new integration with Cedara to measure carbon emissions."

1. Importance of Carbon Measurement:

   • Viant believes in "what gets measured gets done," driving accountability in carbon footprint reduction.
   • Cedara's integration utilizes the GARM framework for accurate emissions reporting, aligning with industry standards.

2. Benefits for Advertisers:

   • Advertisers can easily measure emissions from media investments, supporting corporate sustainability goals.
   • Turnkey corporate emissions reporting simplifies compliance and supports net zero ambitions.

3. Partnership Impact:

   • Cedara's first DSP integration focuses on digital advertising's buy-side, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
   • Both Viant and Cedara are members of Ad Net Zero, promoting industry-wide sustainability efforts.

4. Viant’s Sustainability Commitment:

   • Expanded Adtricity program ensures all ad campaigns on Viant's platform are powered by 100% renewable energy.
   • This strategic integration with Cedara underscores Viant’s leadership in sustainable digital advertising solutions.

"With Viant and Cedara’s integration, advertisers can navigate towards a greener digital future, meeting carbon reduction targets effectively."

Allows enterprises to realize the promise of AI safely by delivering a secure, organization-wide AI communication layer everywhere teams work

"Grammarly, serving 96% of the Fortune 500, announces new security, deployment, and control features to meet enterprise demand for secure AI communication assistance. Trusted by companies like Salesforce, Atlassian, and Zoom, Grammarly continues to enhance workplace productivity while ensuring security."

1. The Need for Secure AI Solutions:

   • Employees spend 88% of their time communicating across multiple channels.
   • Generative AI introduces complexity; businesses seek secure, productive AI solutions.
   • Grammarly provides a secure AI solution to enhance and standardize enterprise communication.

2. Expert Insights on AI in Business:

   • Holger Mueller from Constellation Research highlights the need for secure, business-aware AI.
   • Successful AI providers balance innovation with enterprise infrastructure and compliance needs.

3. Grammarly’s New Security and Control Features:

   • Enhance Security:
     • Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) and session timeout for access control and encryption.
   • Deployment and Management:
     • Custom roles, group-level security controls, and enterprise cost-center visibility for flexible management and scaling.
   • Figma Plugin:
     • New plugin for on-brand communication directly within the popular design tool, expanding support across 500,000 apps and websites.

4. Impact on Enterprise Productivity:

   • Grammarly saves businesses an average of 19 working days per employee annually.
   • Features like style guides, brand tone profiles, and generative AI capabilities ensure consistent communication and compliance.
   • Enterprise-specific AI tools help teams work more efficiently across applications.

5. Customer Testimonials:

   • Debbie Cotton from HackerOne praises Grammarly for enhancing productivity and content quality.
   • Sami Harvey Reed from Eventbrite highlights the time-saving Figma plugin and the importance of security.

"Grammarly's latest features reinforce its position as a leading AI communication partner, offering secure, private, and responsible AI solutions. Enterprises can now confidently scale their AI use while maintaining strict security and oversight."

Study Reveals Many Similarities in Experiences Across Three Regions, including 72 percent of Surveyed Americans Make Unplanned Purchases on Social Media, Matching Australians and Only Marginally Surpassing the British

"UserTesting, a leader in experience research, unveils insights from its global survey on social commerce conducted by Talker Research. The study delves into how social media influences shopping behaviors and satisfaction levels among adults in the US, UK, and Australia."

Key Insights from the Survey:

1. Shopping Habits:

   • Majority of adults in all regions use social media for shopping: 68% in the US and Australia, and 65% in the UK.
   • Average spending per purchase: $262.20 USD in the US, $211.42 USD in Australia, and $192.40 USD in the UK.

2. Shopping Experiences:

   • Positive social commerce experiences reported by 68% in the US and UK, and 61% in Australia.
   • Positive experiences correlate with increased sales, as per UserTesting's Retail Benchmark Report.

3. Spontaneous Purchases:

   • Spontaneous purchases on social media: 72% in the US and Australia, and 70% in the UK.
   • Emotions driving purchases: happiness for 53% in the US, 49% in the UK, and 45% in Australia.

4. Common Issues:

   • Purchase discrepancies: 46% in the US, 48% in Australia, and 44% in the UK.
   • Despite issues, high retention rates: 73% in the US and 72% in the UK, compared to 66% in Australia.

5. Popular Purchases:

   • Clothing tops purchases: 52% in the US, 53% in Australia, and 53% in the UK.
   • US adds gifts and shoes/accessories; UK and Australia prefer gifts and beauty/skincare.

6. Shopping Frequency:

   • Weekly shopping: 23% in the US, 20% in the UK, and 18% in Australia.
   • Monthly shopping: 49% in the US, 47% in the UK, and 45% in Australia.

7. Trust in Recommendations:

   • Most trusted sources: family, friends, and significant others (75% average).
   • Influencers and celebrities have lower trust levels (9% and 3% average, respectively).

"The survey underscores social media's pivotal role in shaping modern shopping behaviors across the globe. As brands navigate this landscape, understanding consumer preferences and ensuring positive shopping experiences remain critical."

Sidetrade, a global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, has announced the appointment of Allison Barlaz as Chief Marketing Officer. This strategic move is part of Sidetrade's ambitious plan to enhance its market presence and accelerate growth, particularly in North America.

1. Experience and Role

   • Allison Barlaz brings over twenty-five years of experience in product and marketing roles within software companies, including SaaS vendors.
   • As CMO, Barlaz will provide visionary leadership and strategic marketing direction.
   • She will contribute significantly to Sidetrade’s expansion goals.
   • Barlaz will be part of Sidetrade’s executive committee, expanding its membership to 10.

2. Strategic Impact

   • Barlaz’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Sidetrade navigates significant Gen AI transformations.
   • Her expertise in building B2B brands and martech will enhance Sidetrade's market reach and growth initiatives.

3. Proven Track Record

   • Barlaz has a proven track record in demand generation and leveraging new marketing technologies to support business objectives and drive revenue growth.
   • She has specific experience in the Order-to-Cash market, notably leading BlackLine's demand generation and digital marketing strategy for over two years.

4. Vision for the Future

   • Barlaz is excited about the opportunities in the Order-to-Cash market, especially with the growing impact of AI technology.
   • Sidetrade’s leadership in the market is highlighted by its three-time positioning as a Leader in the Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for Invoice-to-Cash Applications.
   • Barlaz looks forward to contributing to Sidetrade’s global growth and market leadership.

5. Background and Education

   • Barlaz is based in the US and holds degrees from INSEAD Business School, UC Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania.
   • Her strong educational background underscores her readiness to lead Sidetrade’s marketing endeavors.

Allison Barlaz’s appointment as Chief Marketing Officer marks a significant step in Sidetrade’s strategic growth plans. With her extensive experience and expertise in martech and B2B brand building, Barlaz is well-positioned to drive Sidetrade’s market presence and growth initiatives, particularly in the rapidly evolving Order-to-Cash market.

Transform imported designs into a powerful, responsive website using Wix Studio's no-code animations, robust CMS, native business solutions, AI tools, and more

Wix.com Ltd., the leading global SaaS website builder platform, has announced the launch of the Figma to Wix Studio plugin. This innovative tool allows professionals to seamlessly export their Figma designs into the Wix Studio platform, creating dynamic web experiences effortlessly.

1. Plugin Features and Benefits

   • The Figma to Wix Studio plugin enables designers, agencies, and professionals to save valuable time and resources.
   • It leverages Wix Studio's built-in, robust native business solutions, AI, and agency tools.
   • This seamless integration enhances the design and development process, streamlining the path from design to production.

2. Wix Studio Platform

   • Launched in 2023, the Wix Studio platform includes a newly-designed development and creation editor with code capabilities.
   • It offers multi-site management workspaces and access to new monetization opportunities.
   • Professionals can enhance their designs using Wix Studio's robust business solutions such as eCommerce, Bookings, and Events.

3. Efficiency and Innovation

   • Gali Erez, Head of Product at Wix Studio Editor, emphasized the plugin's innovative features and intuitive interface.
   • The plugin empowers users to craft captivating designs and streamline the transition from design to production swiftly.
   • This efficiency enhances the overall design and development experience, ultimately driving conversions.

The launch of the Figma to Wix Studio plugin marks a significant advancement for web designers and developers. By enabling seamless export of Figma designs into the Wix Studio platform, Wix is empowering professionals to create dynamic web experiences more efficiently. This innovation not only saves time and resources but also enhances the design and development process, driving better results and higher conversions.

PostcardMania, a $104.6 million marketing technology firm with 380 staff, has announced a partnership with Konica Minolta, a leader in industrial and commercial printing. This collaboration aims to expand the printing capabilities of PostcardMania’s fastest-growing division, PCM Integrations, which focuses on direct mail automation.

1. Partnership Details

   • The partnership with Konica Minolta will enhance the printing capabilities of PCM Integrations.
   • The division saw a 76.7% top-line revenue growth in Q1 2024 and 44% annual revenue growth in 2023.
   • PCM Integrations offers direct mail API integration to any software or CRM, enabling personalized mailers based on various triggers like birthdays, welcome cards, reminders, and abandoned cart offers.

2. New Technology Integration

   • Konica Minolta's generation 4 AccurioJet KM-1e LED UV Inkjet Press was installed at PostcardMania in April 2024.
   • This press specializes in printing individualized mailers, enhancing PostcardMania’s ability to provide personalized direct mail solutions.
   • This is the fourth Konica Minolta digital press installed at PostcardMania, expanding their fleet.

3. Benefits of Digital Presses

   • Digital presses allow for customization of each mailer with dynamic data, such as recipients' names and purchase behaviors.
   • Personalized mailers are proven to boost response rates and ROI, with 84% of people more likely to respond to personalized direct mail.

4. Enhanced Capabilities

   • With the new KM-1e press, PostcardMania can print and mail in real time, leading to better results.
   • Up to 50% of B2B sales go to the business that responds first, highlighting the importance of timely, personalized communication.

5. Leadership Comments

   • Joy Gendusa, Founder and CEO of PostcardMania, expressed excitement about the new press and its potential to sustain growth and support business owners.
   • Frank Mallozzi, President, Industrial and Production Print at Konica Minolta, emphasized their pride in providing superior technology to support PostcardMania’s success.

The partnership between PostcardMania and Konica Minolta marks a significant step in enhancing direct mail automation and personalized marketing solutions. By integrating the advanced capabilities of the AccurioJet KM-1e LED UV Inkjet Press, PostcardMania is well-positioned to continue its mission of helping businesses grow through effective, personalized direct mail campaigns. This collaboration not only supports PostcardMania's growth but also ensures that their clients receive the most advanced and efficient marketing solutions available.

All-new Interactive Game Types Deliver Even More Sellable Media Inventory to Live Sports and Entertainment Organizations

At the 2024 SEAT Conference, Tradable Bits, a leading provider of fan engagement solutions, introduced four new games for its ARCADE interactive engagement platform. These games expand the platform's offerings to include puzzle and engagement-based gameplay, allowing teams to personalize each game to their brand sponsors quickly.

1. New Games Overview

   • Word Jumble: Fans unjumble letters to uncover hidden words using hints.
   • Word Slasher: Players clear specific words by slashing letters on their screen.
   • Pathblitz: Fans swipe left or right to navigate obstacles in this engagement-based game.
   • Target Takedown: Players challenge themselves to "takedown" increasingly difficult targets.

2. Platform Benefits

   • ARCADE provides easy-to-activate gamification and experiential marketing inventory at live events.
   • The platform's games appeal to a wider audience beyond sports fandoms, enhancing emotional connections and brand loyalty.
   • ARCADE games boast 4X more dwell time than traditional digital campaigns, offering strong engagement opportunities globally.

3. Monetization and Data Capture

   • Games on ARCADE create additional monetization opportunities for sports and entertainment organizations.
   • They effectively capture first-party data, enhancing audience insights and engagement strategies.

4. SEAT Conference Highlights

   • Lenny Goh and Darshan Kaler from Tradable Bits are presenting ARCADE at the SEAT Conference, showcasing its impact on fan experiences and real-time revenue generation.
   • Panels like "We’re Cooking Live" and "Doors Open, Now What?" discuss gamifying fan experiences and next-gen engagement strategies.

The launch of new games on the ARCADE platform by Tradable Bits marks a significant advancement in interactive fan engagement. By introducing puzzle and engagement-based gameplay, Tradable Bits continues to innovate in enhancing fan experiences at live events. These games not only strengthen emotional connections between fans and brands but also provide valuable data insights, paving the way for enhanced audience engagement and monetization opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry.

Yottaa, a leader in website optimization and performance solutions, has expanded its partnership with Fastly, a global leader in edge cloud platforms. This transition marks Yottaa's move out of the content delivery network (CDN) business to focus on leveraging Fastly's advanced technologies for enhanced website performance and security.

1. Expanded Partnership Details

   • Yottaa is now an official Fastly managed services provider, shifting focus to utilize Fastly's Edge Cloud Platform.
   • This partnership builds on over seven years of using Fastly's CDN and includes Next-Gen WAF, Image Optimization, and Compute offerings.

2. CEO Statement

   • Mike Dickerson, CEO of Yottaa, emphasizes the commitment to delivering superior website performance and security.
   • By leveraging Fastly's Edge Cloud Platform, Yottaa aims to innovate within browser and edge technologies.

3. Benefits for Customers

   • Yottaa's transition enhances managed services by integrating Fastly's robust security features and edge computing solutions.
   • Focus remains on digital performance monitoring, site speed optimization, and improving conversion rates through client-side and edge computing technologies.

4. Customer Testimonial

   • Mike Hoefer from King Arthur Baking Company praises Yottaa and Fastly for improving security and site speed metrics significantly.
   • Transitioning to Fastly resulted in faster load times and enhanced user experiences.

5. Future Outlook

   • Todd Nightingale, CEO of Fastly, expresses alignment in missions with Yottaa, focusing on delivering fast, secure, and engaging digital experiences globally.
   • The partnership aims to continue enhancing website performance and security standards across industries.

Yottaa's strategic partnership with Fastly signifies a pivotal shift towards advanced website performance and security solutions. By integrating Fastly's Edge Cloud Platform, Yottaa is positioned to deliver unparalleled digital experiences, emphasizing speed, security, and innovation. This collaboration not only strengthens Yottaa's service offerings but also reinforces its commitment to meeting evolving customer needs in an increasingly digital landscape.