Artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the advertising industry, but the transition is still in progress. The IAB State of Data 2025: The Now, The Near, and The Next Evolution of AI for Media Campaigns report provides the first industry benchmarks on AI adoption, challenges, and future needs. Conducted by IAB in partnership with BWG Global and Transparent Partners, the study surveyed over 500 industry experts across agencies, brands, and publishers.

Findings from the Report:

1. AI Adoption in Media Campaigns is Still Limited

• Only 30% of agencies, brands, and publishers have fully integrated AI into media campaigns.

• AI adoption is focused on efficiency—agencies and publishers are scaling faster than brands.

• 50% of companies without full AI integration plan to do so by 2026.

• However, half of the industry lacks a strategic roadmap for AI implementation.

2. AI’s Transformational Potential in Advertising

• AI is already used for yield management, optimization, and automation in digital media.

• Emerging AI capabilities include:

  • Building media plans and generating audience segments.

  • Selecting media partners and forecasting campaign performance.

  • Using synthetic data for marketing mix modeling and sales attribution.

• Industry experts believe AI will radically alter the digital media ecosystem in the near future.

3. Barriers to AI Adoption in Advertising

• Job security concerns are low (only 37% cite this as a barrier).

• Data quality, security, and fragmentation among tools are the top concerns.

• Transparency issues:

  • 50% of brands worry about how agencies and publishers use AI.

  • 50% of agencies fear brands will bring AI capabilities in-house, reducing reliance on partners.

4. Industry Solutions Exist, But Adoption is Slow

• The study identified 18 potential solutions, including:

  • Clear use cases for AI in media campaigns.

  • Formal training programs for AI implementation.

  • Defined KPIs specific to AI solutions.

  • Governance boards to ensure ethical AI use.

• Yet, only 49% of companies are currently using or planning to use these solutions.

Recommendations for AI Adoption in Advertising

• Adopt a phased approach to AI implementation.

• Ensure high-quality, secure data inputs and outputs.

• Invest in training teams on AI best practices.

• Develop industry-wide standards to address transparency and governance.

• Prioritize key use cases to build a strong foundation for AI-driven campaigns.

The advertising industry is at a turning point. While AI offers unprecedented efficiency and insights, the lack of strategy, data governance, and transparency is slowing adoption. Companies that act now to integrate AI strategically will gain a competitive edge, while those that delay risk falling behind.

Upcoming Webinars & Resources:

• IAB is hosting a series of four webinars on AI in media campaigns, starting March 24.

• A companion guide to the report offers tactical recommendations for integrating AI into daily media operations.

• The full IAB State of Data 2025 report is available.

Webflow has been named a Strong Performer in The Forrester Wave™: Content Management Systems, Q1 2025 report. This recognition underscores a major industry shift—marketing leaders are navigating tighter budgets, AI-driven changes in organic traffic, and inefficient legacy tech stacks while needing to drive more impact than ever before.

Traditional CMS solutions often present challenges:

• Open-source platforms lack flexibility.

• Digital experience platforms (DXPs) are complex and resource-heavy.

• Headless CMS options require substantial developer support.

With businesses replatforming to modern, AI-powered solutions, Webflow is positioning itself as a leader in the space by providing a balance of flexibility, scalability, and ease of use.

Takeaways from Forrester’s Recognition:

1. The Demand for Smarter, More Efficient CMS Solutions

• Companies seek low-maintenance, AI-driven CMS platforms to manage digital experiences without heavy development resources.

• Marketing teams need greater autonomy to update content and iterate on campaigns without bottlenecks.

• Businesses are moving away from rigid, traditional CMS solutions in favor of agile, scalable platforms like Webflow.

2. Why Webflow Stands Out

Webflow’s AI-powered CMS capabilities provide:

• Faster web development through AI-driven automation that enhances design workflows and optimizes site performance.

• More control for marketing teams, allowing them to manage content updates and campaigns independently.

• Greater efficiency for developers, reducing CMS maintenance so they can focus on high-impact work.

• Enterprise-grade scalability and security without unnecessary complexity or vendor lock-in.

3. Enterprise Adoption and Industry Validation

• More than 300,000 teams rely on Webflow for their digital experiences.

• Companies like DocuSign have leveraged Webflow to enhance their brand and website efficiency.

• "With Webflow, we built experiences that not only brought our new brand to life but also redefined how our teams collaborate," said Carla Weis, VP of Brand and Creative at DocuSign.

The Future of CMS: AI-Driven, Flexible, and Scalable

Webflow’s recognition in the Forrester Wave Report reflects a broader industry transformation—businesses are prioritizing AI-powered content management solutions that enhance efficiency and adaptability.

As AI continues to shape the CMS landscape, Webflow is leading the charge with:

• Automated workflows that simplify website management.

• No-code and low-code capabilities for faster execution.

• A developer-friendly ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with existing tech stacks.

Webflow’s recognition as a Strong Performer in Forrester’s CMS Wave Report signals a major shift in how businesses approach content management. With AI-driven automation, scalable infrastructure, and enhanced marketing autonomy, Webflow is setting a new standard for CMS platforms—offering the best of both worlds: power and flexibility without compromise.

The Martec Group, a market research and consulting firm headquartered in Royal Oak, Michigan, has announced the promotion of Ken Donaven to Partner, effective March 15, 2025. Donaven, who has been with the firm for 25 years, has played a pivotal role in qualitative and quantitative research, guiding businesses across B2B and B2C sectors with data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

Ken Donaven’s Career Journey at The Martec Group

Donaven’s career at The Martec Group is marked by steady growth and leadership:

• Joined in 2000 as a research professional.

• Promoted to Project Manager in 2003, leading research initiatives.

• Elevated to Director in 2013, overseeing larger client engagements.

• Became Senior Director in 2023, expanding his influence in market intelligence.

• Now appointed as Partner in 2025, cementing his role in shaping the firm's strategic direction.

A Recognized Leader in Market Research

Throughout his tenure, Donaven has led a wide range of qualitative and quantitative market research studies, including:

• Focus group moderation and in-depth interviews for customer insights.

• Survey design and implementation to uncover market trends.

• Market sizing and competitive analysis to support business strategy.

• Concept testing to refine product development and positioning.

• Pricing research, including the development of Martec’s proprietary Benefit Value Analysis methodology.

His expertise spans multiple B2B verticals, including:

• Industrial markets

• Automotive aftermarket

• Building and construction

• Food and beverage

Leadership Endorsements

Chuck Bean, Partner and CMO of The Martec Group, praised Donaven’s impact:
"Ken exemplifies the best that Martec has to offer. He balances both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, has extensive experience across B2B and B2C markets, and consistently delivers actionable insights for our clients."

In response, Ken Donaven expressed his enthusiasm for the future:
"I am very humbled, proud, and grateful to be part of Martec's senior leadership team. Martec has been like a second family to me for the past 25 years, and I look forward to shaping the firm’s future."

Ken Donaven’s promotion to Partner at The Martec Group reflects his dedication, expertise, and leadership in market research. His ability to blend data-driven insights with strategic vision will further strengthen the firm’s position as a trusted advisor to businesses worldwide.

Nosto, the leading Commerce Experience Platform (CXP), has reported a 323% increase in search queries on websites using its AI-powered Personalized Search solution. This surge contributed to an impressive 1024% growth in revenue for brands leveraging Nosto’s search capabilities between 2023 and 2024. Additionally, the number of brands adopting Nosto’s CXP for on-site search grew by 85% within the same period.

How Nosto’s AI-Powered Search Transforms Ecommerce

Nosto’s Personalized Search solution enhances the online shopping experience by delivering:

• Hyper-relevant search results tailored to individual shoppers.

• Business-aligned search optimization, ensuring results drive conversions.

• Automated personalization, reducing manual adjustments for brands.

According to Jim Lofgren, CEO of Nosto:
"We're thrilled to see the traction our search product has gained, particularly among large Shopify enterprise brands. More importantly, the revenue growth it has driven for our clients is remarkable. Our inclusion in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant last year highlights how quickly we’ve become a leader in AI-powered personalized search for ecommerce."

Features and Advancements

Nosto’s AI-powered search has evolved with cutting-edge innovations, including:

• Score Insights: A feature that provides merchants with detailed insights into the logic behind search result rankings, eliminating the need for technical intervention.

• Seamless integration and rapid deployment, reducing the burden on development teams.

Retailers Benefiting from Nosto’s Personalized Search

Luxury and premium fashion brands have embraced Nosto’s search technology to elevate customer experiences. Notable adopters include:

• A.L.C: “Being able to leverage AI is best, especially because we don’t have to manually change anything. The client management is off the charts, and it took less than a month to get Search up without any undue burden on our development resources.” – Hilary Peterson, SVP Marketing & Digital.

• Diane Von Furstenberg, Tuckernuck, and Perry Ellis are also utilizing Nosto’s search to enhance their ecommerce strategies.

Nosto’s AI-powered Personalized Search is redefining ecommerce search experiences, delivering unprecedented revenue growth, automation, and efficiency. With increasing adoption from premium fashion retailers and enterprise brands, Nosto continues to lead the way in AI-driven commerce personalization.

The marketing landscape has undergone a radical transformation since 2020, with both B2B and B2C businesses shifting toward digital-first strategies. Liazo Marketing Agency, based in Eastern India, has been at the forefront of this shift, offering integrated 360° marketing solutions across digital, electronic, and traditional print media.

Now celebrating 20 years in business (2024-25), Liazo continues to redefine brand positioning and expand businesses globally.

Liazo’s Journey: A Vision Turned Marketing Powerhouse

Founded on May 17, 2004, by Mrs. Chaitali Chakraborty, Liazo has grown into a leading digital and marketing agency with a global footprint. With over 24 years of industry experience, Chaitali reflects on the company's journey:

"From a vision to a thriving marketing powerhouse, our 20-year journey has been driven by creativity, commitment, and client success. At Liazo, we don’t just market brands—we shape their legacy."

Liazo actively supports India’s 'Make in India' initiative, strengthening domestic and international business ecosystems.

Global Presence & Industry Expertise

Liazo has built an impressive international client base across the Netherlands, UK, France, Nepal, and Bangladesh, while also working with India’s top brands.

Industries Served:

• FMCG

• Education

• Healthcare

• Fashion & Beauty

• Infrastructure & Steel

Notable Clients:

• BREL Home

• Rahee

• Kamdhenu Steel

• Samriddhi Life Sciences

• Medimix Ayurvedic

• IFFCO

Celebrating 20 Years: Industry Leaders Applaud Liazo

Liazo’s 20-year milestone has received widespread recognition from industry leaders and long-time partners:

• Rajiv Ghosh (Dainik Bhaskar): "Chaitali is a veteran in the industry, and her expertise has significantly impacted revenue growth."

• Raja Sengupta (Amar Ujala): "It's commendable that Liazo has been operating at full capacity for 20 years. Wishing you continued success!"

• Joyshree Mukherjee (Times Group): "Liazo’s work speaks for itself. Their creative solutions and deliverables are outstanding."

• Subir Dey (Annapurna Group): "Proud to be associated with Liazo and excited for future collaborations."

• Sudipto Dasgupta (Radiocity): "We've worked with Liazo for over a decade. Their creativity and strategic planning are invaluable."

• Reinoud Arts (Director, BREL Home): "Congratulations, Liazo, on your 20th anniversary! Looking forward to future collaborations."

Liazo’s Marketing Approach: A Step Ahead in Digital

Liazo’s success is built on a data-driven, strategic marketing framework that includes:

1. Brand Strategy & Creative Planning

• Market Research & Consumer Insights

• Brand Positioning & Messaging

• Content Creation & Digital Storytelling

2. Full-Spectrum Digital Marketing

• SEO & Organic Growth: High-impact content for organic lead generation.

• Performance Marketing: Google Ads, OTT platforms (Jio, Hotstar, Zee5), and programmatic advertising.

• Social Media Marketing (SMM): Engaging campaigns for brand awareness and conversions.

3. Omni-Channel Advertising & Media Production

• Print & Broadcast Media: Television Commercials (TVC), Corporate Films.

• Ecommerce & Website Solutions: Web development, UI/UX design, and brand-aligned digital storefronts.

Shaping Brands, Building Legacies:

Liazo’s 20-year journey stands as a testament to its innovation, client-centric approach, and ability to evolve with the changing marketing landscape. As it looks ahead, the agency remains committed to delivering high-performance marketing strategies that drive business success both in India and beyond.

Livestreaming has changed how audiences experience travel, adventure, and extreme sports. However, traditional livestreaming falls short in capturing the depth, scale, and perspective of real-world environments. OPIC Technologies, Inc., a leader in Spatial Livestream technology, is redefining adventure content by integrating real-time depth perception and spatial awareness into livestreaming.

For adventure influencers and content creators, this innovation allows them to share their journeys with unprecedented realism, making audiences feel like they are part of the experience rather than just watching from a screen.

What is Spatial Livestream?

Spatial Livestream is an advanced livestreaming technology that captures environments in three-dimensional depth rather than a traditional flat perspective. It creates an immersive, real-time multi-dimensional viewing experience where audiences can feel like they’re:

• Trekking through rugged mountain trails

• Diving into deep waters

• Climbing towering rock faces

• Soaring across open landscapes

This next-generation technology bridges the gap between digital spectatorship and real-world exploration, bringing a more engaging and lifelike perspective to adventure content.

How Spatial Livestream Transforms Adventure Content

1. Depth & Scale in Storytelling

Traditional livestreams flatten landscapes, failing to capture the true vastness of nature. Spatial Livestream delivers:

• Real-time depth perception for a lifelike sense of space

• Dynamic perspective shifts, making viewers feel as if they are moving with the creator

• Enhanced motion tracking, adding to the realism of fast-paced activities

2. Immersive Audience Engagement

For adventure influencers, audience engagement is key. Spatial Livestream enables:

• A more interactive and presence-driven experience for viewers

• A deeper emotional connection, making audiences feel part of the journey

• Improved content monetization opportunities, as immersive experiences attract more dedicated viewers

3. Expanding Creative Possibilities for Influencers

With Spatial Livestream, content creators can:

• Showcase high-adrenaline adventures with greater intensity

• Provide unique first-person perspectives for storytelling

• Offer exclusive, behind-the-scenes views that were previously impossible with traditional livestreaming

Industry Perspective: The Future of Livestreaming

According to Bob Douglas, CEO of OPIC Technologies, Inc.:
"The sense of scale and depth is crucial in adventure storytelling. Spatial Livestreaming enables audiences to feel like they’re truly part of the journey, bridging the gap between digital spectatorship and real-world exploration."

The Growing Demand for Immersive Content

As digital audiences demand more engaging and interactive content, OPIC Technologies is at the forefront of livestream innovation. With Spatial Livestream, adventure influencers now have a powerful tool to:

• Revolutionize content creation

• Redefine audience interaction

• Push the boundaries of digital storytelling

OPIC Technologies' Spatial Livestream is set to transform the adventure content industry, delivering unparalleled realism, engagement, and storytelling possibilities. As audiences seek deeper, more interactive experiences, this technology marks a new era for travel, outdoor exploration, and extreme sports livestreaming.

SocialEyes Communications, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Toronto, has launched a redesigned website aimed at connecting businesses with results-driven online marketing solutions. With a strong focus on strategy-led campaigns, the agency helps clients:

• Expand their digital presence

• Attract qualified leads

• Build long-term brand visibility

The new platform highlights the firm’s ability to serve a diverse range of industries, particularly specialized sectors such as healthcare and legal services, where compliance and targeted messaging are crucial.

Industry-Specific Digital Marketing Expertise

1. Digital Marketing for Medical Professionals

SocialEyes Communications provides specialized marketing services for healthcare providers, ensuring compliance with:

• Industry-specific regulations

• Patient privacy standards

• Ethical advertising guidelines

Services include:

• Clinic branding and website development

• Local SEO for patient acquisition

• Multi-channel advertising strategies

By crafting trust-driven marketing campaigns, the agency helps medical professionals enhance patient engagement and grow their practices.

2. Strategic Marketing for Law Firms

The legal sector is another core focus, with tailored strategies designed to help law firms:

• Stand out in a competitive market

• Strengthen their online authority

• Generate consistent client inquiries

Services include:

• SEO and content creation for legal services

• Google Ads campaigns to attract relevant leads

• Reputation management to build trust and credibility

With a deep understanding of the legal industry’s unique challenges, SocialEyes Communications develops high-impact digital strategies for lawyers and attorneys.

New Website Features

The redesigned website offers an intuitive user experience, providing visitors with:

• A clear overview of services (branding, SEO, paid media, and social media management)

• Industry-specific marketing insights for niche sectors

• Case studies showcasing successful campaigns

• Direct enquiry options for potential clients

By integrating performance analytics, strategy-driven execution, and measurable results, the platform reflects the agency’s commitment to client success.

Driving Business Growth with Data-Backed Digital Strategies

SocialEyes Communications prides itself on delivering marketing campaigns backed by data-driven insights. Their team of digital specialists focuses on:

• Creative and strategic execution

• Performance-driven marketing campaigns

• Long-term business growth through digital innovation

With the launch of its new website, SocialEyes Communications continues to set the standard for specialized digital marketing. Whether working with healthcare professionals, legal firms, or other industries, the agency’s focus on compliance, precision, and results-driven strategies makes it a trusted partner for businesses looking to scale in the digital age.

Acumatica, the world’s fastest-growing cloud ERP provider, is set to showcase its latest Retail Edition enhancements at Shoptalk 2025, happening from March 25-27 in Las Vegas. These advancements, included in Acumatica 2025 R1, are designed to help retailers:

• Leverage AI-driven automation

• Unify omnichannel sales strategies

• Optimize real-time data insights

As retailers navigate an increasingly complex landscape, Acumatica’s modern, scalable ERP platform enables them to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth.

Transforming Retail with Acumatica 2025 R1

1. AI-Driven Insights & Workflow Automation

• AI-powered tools enhance inventory management, order processing, and business intelligence.

• Automated workflows reduce manual errors and increase operational efficiency.

• Real-time analytics empower retailers to make faster, data-driven decisions.

2. Seamless Omnichannel Commerce

• Synchronizes inventory, orders, and fulfillment data across eCommerce marketplaces and brick-and-mortar stores.

• Integrates with Shopify and BigCommerce for unified commerce management.

• Enables real-time stock updates and accurate demand forecasting.

3. Advanced Point of Sale (POS) Capabilities

• Acumatica’s POS solution integrates with online and in-store systems, ensuring a cohesive shopping experience.

• Centralized customer data enhances personalized engagement and loyalty programs.

• Supports multi-location retail operations with a single, cloud-based system.

Retailers Need Future-Ready Technology

“Retail is evolving faster than ever, and businesses need technology that keeps them ahead of shifting consumer expectations,” said Stacie Jurczak, Product Manager, Retail Commerce at Acumatica.
With smarter inventory management, integrated commerce solutions, and enhanced operational visibility, Acumatica enables retailers to:

• Deliver frictionless shopping experiences

• Improve customer loyalty

• Scale efficiently in an unpredictable market

Experience Acumatica at Shoptalk 2025

Retailers attending Shoptalk 2025 can visit Acumatica’s booth (#1334) to explore how its AI-driven ERP platform supports:

• End-to-end commerce management

• Seamless omnichannel integration

• Real-time business intelligence

As the retail industry continues to evolve, Acumatica’s AI-powered ERP solutions provide businesses with the tools to automate, integrate, and optimize operations. At Shoptalk 2025, attendees will get an exclusive look at how Acumatica’s cutting-edge Retail Edition empowers retailers to stay competitive in the digital age.