Click fraud is a persistent challenge for advertisers, with bots generating fake leads, conversions, and wasted ad spend. Polygraph, a click fraud prevention service, advises advertisers to disable bots to re-train advertising networks, ensuring they send human traffic instead of fraudulent bot activity.

Why Detecting Click Fraud Bots Isn’t Enough

• Merely detecting bots does not stop them from:
  • Submitting fake leads.
  • Signing up for mailing lists.
  • Adding items to shopping carts.
  • Generating no-cost conversions that skew ad data.
• Solution: Disabling bots prevents fake conversions, preventing ad networks from being misled.

How Ad Networks Get Trained to Send Bots

• Advertising networks optimize traffic based on conversion signals.
• If bots generate conversions, the network learns to send more bots.
• Garbage in, garbage out—allowing bot traffic results in more bot traffic over time.

The Impact of Disabling Bots on Click Fraud

• Disabling bots results in a 50-80% reduction in click fraud within a month.
• It takes 2-4 weeks for ad networks to update their traffic algorithms.
• Long-term benefits include:
  • A significant drop in bot traffic.
  • An increase in human visitors.
  • Higher quality leads and better sales performance.

Polygraph’s Role in Click Fraud Prevention

• Detects and disables click fraud bots.
• Re-trains ad networks to send real human traffic.
• Easy to implement, requiring minimal technical setup.

Click fraud costs advertisers millions in wasted spend. By disabling bots, businesses can re-train ad networks to send genuine human traffic, improving lead quality and increasing revenue. Polygraph’s innovative approach ensures long-term click fraud prevention and higher ad efficiency.

Ruder Finn, a leading independent global communications and marketing agency, has announced the appointment of Ilana Shenitzer as EVP, Brand Experience, and Head of Consumer Goods. Based in Denver, Ilana’s expertise will enhance the agency’s expanding presence in the region while driving innovation in brand storytelling and consumer engagement.

Ilana Shenitzer’s Extensive Experience

• Over 20 years of experience in consumer brand marketing.
• Led strategic and creative campaigns for major brands, including:
  • Beverages & Food: ABSOLUT, General Mills, J.M. Smucker Company, Mars Inc., Nestlé Purina, PepsiCo Foods (Frito-Lay).
  • Consumer Packaged Goods: Procter & Gamble, Whirlpool Corporation, Champion Petfoods.
  • Technology & Communications: Kodak, Motorola, U.S. Cellular.

Impact on Ruder Finn’s Consumer Goods Division

• Strengthens the agency’s expertise in consumer technology, food & beverage, and packaged goods.
• Enhances brand storytelling and executive thought leadership strategies.
• Expands Ruder Finn’s footprint in Denver following the acquisition of Big Sky Communications.

Ilana’s Vision for Ruder Finn

• Committed to driving innovation and growth in consumer marketing.
• Aims to build strong collaborative partnerships within the industry.
• Focuses on delivering impactful brand experiences through strategic communications.

Ruder Finn’s Recent Success: Kite Hill Partnership

• Ruder Finn has been named the agency of record for Kite Hill, a premium dairy-free food brand.
• Leading Kite Hill’s holistic communications strategy, including:
  • Media Relations – Enhancing brand awareness through press and media coverage.
  • Influencer Marketing – Partnering with key figures in the dairy-free space.
  • Social Media (Paid & Organic) – Strengthening digital presence and consumer engagement.
• Client Testimonial: Connie Sintuvat, VP of Marketing at Kite Hill, praised Ruder Finn’s ability to scale its expertise across multiple marketing channels.

With Ilana Shenitzer’s appointment, Ruder Finn continues to solidify its leadership in consumer brand marketing. Her extensive experience, combined with the agency’s strategic acquisitions and successful brand partnerships, positions Ruder Finn as a powerhouse in integrated marketing and communications.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the sales industry, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. To explore these innovations, Techsommet is hosting the AI-Driven Sales Automation Virtual Summit on March 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. This event will provide sales professionals, marketers, and business leaders with expert insights, real-world applications, and AI-driven strategies to optimize sales performance.

Keynote Speaker: Ryan Mathers, Sales Engineering Team Lead, Bigtincan

Techsommet is honored to welcome Ryan Mathers as the keynote speaker. With extensive experience in AI-driven sales enablement, Mathers will share invaluable insights on how businesses can leverage AI to redefine sales strategies and enhance productivity.

Keynote Address: "Leveraging AI to Redefine Sales Enablement"

Ryan Mathers will explore the transformative role of AI in sales enablement, covering:

• AI-Driven Sales Enablement: How AI-powered platforms like Bigtincan’s GenieAI automate routine tasks, provide real-time insights, and enhance decision-making.
• Personalized Training & Coaching: AI-driven programs offer tailored learning paths and immersive training experiences that boost sales readiness.
• Adaptive Onboarding: AI enables customized onboarding based on individual learning styles, reducing ramp-up times and improving team integration.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: AI tools provide intelligent content recommendations and deep insights into buyer behavior, enhancing customer interactions.
• Real-World Applications: Case studies showcasing businesses that have successfully implemented AI-driven sales strategies, improving sales performance and customer satisfaction.

AI’s Expanding Role in Sales

AI is revolutionizing sales by automating tasks, analyzing data, and enhancing strategic decision-making. Key areas of impact include:

• Predictive Analytics: AI analyzes historical data to forecast sales trends and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead Scoring: AI evaluates leads based on data-driven parameters, helping sales teams focus on high-conversion prospects.
• Personalized Customer Experiences: AI-driven tools customize interactions based on individual customer preferences, boosting engagement.
• Sales Forecasting: AI-powered models provide accurate revenue predictions, aiding strategic planning and inventory management.
• Process Automation: AI streamlines repetitive tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and follow-ups, allowing sales teams to focus on relationship-building and deal closures.

The AI-Driven Sales Automation Virtual Summit is a must-attend event for professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving sales landscape. Join industry leaders as they explore AI’s impact, share actionable insights, and showcase innovative solutions to drive sales success.

Apply Digital, a global digital transformation partner, has acquired Ragnarok, a leading personalization and MarTech agency. This strategic acquisition strengthens Apply Digital’s customer engagement and omnichannel marketing capabilities, enhancing its ability to drive impactful business results for clients.

Enhancing Digital Capabilities

• The acquisition enables Apply Digital to support clients across the entire digital lifecycle, from strategy and experience design to engineering and data-driven marketing.
• Ragnarok brings deep expertise in direct marketing, personalization, and data analytics, complementing Apply Digital’s strengths in technology and digital experience design.
• The partnership expands expertise in enterprise MarTech platforms, including Braze, Segment, Mixpanel, Hightouch, and Iterable.

Leadership Insights on the Acquisition

Gautam Lohia, CEO of Apply Digital:

“Ragnarok’s expertise in personalization and data-driven marketing perfectly aligns with our vision. This partnership allows us to provide clients with fully integrated customer engagement strategies beyond building digital products.”

Steven Aldrich, Co-CEO of Ragnarok:

“Together, we offer large enterprises a seamless solution for accelerating digital transformation. With enhanced access to data and technology, we will help clients unlock new growth opportunities.”

Spencer Barrett, Co-CEO of Ragnarok:

“This deal benefits both our clients and teams. We gain exposure to new markets, new skills, and expanded opportunities to innovate.”

Ragnarok’s Market Impact

• Founded in 2012 by Spencer Barrett and Steven Aldrich, Ragnarok has built a reputation for delivering measurable marketing impact through personalization and direct engagement strategies.
• The company serves e-commerce, media, SaaS, healthcare, and FinTech sectors, working with brands such as Dropbox, Upside, and A+E Networks.
• With a team of 50 specialists, Ragnarok strengthens Apply Digital’s ability to create customer-centric, data-driven solutions.

Cultural Alignment and Shared Vision

Beyond the strategic fit, the acquisition is rooted in a shared culture of innovation and collaboration. Apply Digital and Ragnarok both emphasize relationship-driven business models that prioritize client success and team growth.

Gautam Lohia, CEO of Apply Digital:

“Both companies were founded on strong relationships and a shared commitment to innovation. This foundation makes for a powerful partnership.”

The Apply Digital-Ragnarok acquisition marks a significant milestone in the MarTech space, reinforcing Apply Digital’s leadership in digital transformation. Clients will benefit from end-to-end digital solutions, spanning product development, personalization, and customer engagement strategies.

In today’s crowded marketplace, standing out is more challenging than ever. Karen Tiber Leland, a renowned marketing strategist, author, and speaker, provides the expertise leaders need to build a compelling and authentic brand. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped executives, entrepreneurs, and businesses craft powerful brand identities through Sterling Marketing Group, her New York-based consultancy.

Karen’s Expertise & Background

• Marketing & Branding Specialist – Founder of Sterling Marketing Group, advising global business leaders.
• Education & Credentials – Holds a degree in Organizational Management, pursuing a master's at Harvard, and serves on the HBR Advisory Panel & Forbes Agency Council.
• Author & Speaker – Written 12 books, including The Brand Mapping Strategy, and frequently speaks on branding and leadership.

Signature Branding Strategies

• Personal Branding – Helps executives and entrepreneurs define their public image and stand out in their industries.
• Corporate Branding & Rebranding – Guides businesses in creating strong, consistent, and impactful brand identities.
• Rent My Brain Program – Offers one-on-one consulting sessions, tailoring marketing strategies to business goals.
• Workshops & Executive Coaching – Provides group seminars, coaching, and training for business leaders worldwide.

Karen’s Impact on Women in Business

Karen was recently featured on Close Up Radio’s Empowering Women initiative, where she discussed helping women leaders build confidence in their skills and define their personal brands. Her global experience across 50+ countries allows her to provide culturally relevant branding insights to diverse clients.

Upcoming Book & Media Presence

• New Book on Branding – Karen is finalizing a new book on branding and marketing, set for release later this year.
• Media Recognition – Featured in CEO Today, praised for simplifying complex marketing strategies into actionable insights.
• TV & Print Features – Regularly appears on major media outlets, showcasing her expertise in marketing and branding.

Karen Tiber Leland continues to shape the future of branding, offering cutting-edge strategies to help leaders and businesses thrive. Whether through consulting, writing, or speaking, her impact on modern brand development is undeniable.

A new report by Verified Market Research® projects that the Global AI in Media Market will grow from $10.53 billion in 2024 to $82.45 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 25.8%. AI is transforming the media industry, enabling automated content generation, audience personalization, and advertising optimization.

Market Drivers

• AI-Powered Content Creation – Generative AI and NLP streamline journalism, video editing, and creative media production.
• Audience Engagement & Personalization – AI-driven recommendation engines enhance user experience and content discovery.
• Advertising & Monetization – Predictive analytics and AI-driven ad targeting improve marketing ROI for digital platforms.
• Advancements in Video & Image Processing – AI-driven deepfake technology, interactive media, and sentiment analysis enhance content strategies.

Industry Insights & Trends

• Market Growth (2025-2032) – The AI in Media market will see rapid expansion, fueled by AI adoption in streaming, news, and digital marketing.
• Competitive Landscape – Major players are investing in AI-driven automation, strategic partnerships, and innovation.
• Investment & Opportunities – High-growth sectors include automated journalism, intelligent video editing, and AI-powered advertising solutions.
• Regulatory & Ethical Challenges – Governments are introducing AI regulations, data privacy policies, and compliance frameworks to address ethical concerns.

As AI continues reshaping the media landscape, companies investing in AI-driven solutions will gain a competitive edge in content creation, audience engagement, and ad monetization. The future of media is intelligent, automated, and deeply personalized.

Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA) has appointed Eric Hamme as President of its Chicago market, a pivotal move for the third-largest media market in the U.S. In this role, Hamme will lead sales, marketing, real estate, public affairs, operations, and finance, driving strategic initiatives that enhance CCOA’s value for advertisers and the Chicago community.

Eric Hamme’s Leadership & Industry Expertise

• 19+ years in advertising and sales, specializing in customer-centric revenue strategies.
• 7 years at CCOA, leveraging technology, data, and OOH media to drive measurable impact.
• Deep expertise in sales leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships.
• Proven track record of accelerating revenue growth and market expansion.

CCOA’s Vision for the Future

"As the advertising landscape evolves, we continue to invest in strategies that propel the OOH industry forward," said Diane Veres, Regional President, CCOA-Midwest & Southwest. "Eric’s expertise in building high-performing teams and cultivating partnerships will drive success for our clients and the local community."

Chicago Market Growth & Strategic Focus

As President of CCOA-Chicago, Hamme will:

• Oversee one of CCOA’s largest OOH media footprints, reaching 92% of the DMA 18+ population weekly.
• Lead brand engagement strategies across roadside, transit, and airport advertising assets.
• Strengthen CCOA’s exclusive advertising presence at Chicago O’Hare & Midway International Airports.
• Develop long-term relationships with advertisers, landlords, and municipal stakeholders.

Eric Hamme’s Career Journey

• Joined CCOA in 2018 as Local Sales Manager for Milwaukee.
• Rose to VP of Sales in 2020 and later Market Manager/VP of Sales in 2022.
• Most recently served as Regional Director of Sales, CCOA-Midwest, leading sales teams across multiple markets.
• Prior experience in radio, TV, and digital advertising at Hearst Television, FOX Sports, Milwaukee Bucks Inc., and Entercom Milwaukee.

"Chicago is a dynamic market, and I’m excited to leverage CCOA’s full suite of solutions to create impactful opportunities for our partners," said Eric Hamme, President, CCOA-Chicago.

With Hamme at the helm, Clear Channel Outdoor is poised for growth, offering advertisers innovative solutions to connect with consumers where they drive, walk, or fly.

St. Louis businesses now have a dedicated AI resource with the launch of The AI Hat. Building on the success of The Social Media Hat, this new venture provides AI consulting, training, and expert insights to help local SMBs harness AI’s potential.

At the heart of The AI Hat is its renowned podcast, "AI for Business Leaders: The AI Hat Podcast" (formerly "AI in Marketing: Unpacked"). Featuring 50+ expert interviews from Google, Nvidia, HubSpot, and more, the podcast delivers actionable AI strategies for business growth.

The AI Hat’s Core Offerings

1. AI for Business Leaders: The AI Hat Podcast

• Industry insights from top AI experts and leading brands.
• Real-world case studies on AI adoption across various industries.
• Practical strategies to leverage AI for efficiency, innovation, and revenue growth.

2. AI Consulting for Businesses

• Identify custom AI opportunities to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost profitability.
• Personalized guidance to integrate AI solutions into daily workflows.

3. AI Training for Teams

• Hands-on workshops to empower employees with AI knowledge and skills.
• Training on AI tools, automation, and best practices to drive business success.

Why The AI Hat?

"The rebranded podcast reflects our commitment to providing St. Louis business leaders with the resources they need to succeed in the AI era," says Mike Allton, AI expert & podcast host.

Local businesses are already seeing the impact:
"Mike’s insights were mind-blowingly valuable. He showed us the practical steps to implement AI tools that would drive real business growth," says business owner Richard Tubb.

For businesses ready to embrace AI and drive innovation, The AI Hat is the go-to resource for expert guidance, practical training, and strategic consulting.

Explore AI solutions and listen to the podcast at TheAIHat.com.