Welcome back to The Media Buying Podcast.

In today’s episode, Jim and Rob are joined by Alex Weinberger, General Manager of Digital Out of Home at Adroll.

They dive into the fast-moving world of digital out of home advertising (DooH), exploring how the shift from traditional billboards to programmatic, data-driven screen placements is transforming media strategies for both major brands and local businesses.

From the explosive growth in industry investment and high-profile acquisitions to the expanding capabilities for real-time targeting and measurement, this conversation explores why digital out of home has become a must-watch channel for media buyers.

Jim shares behind-the-scenes stories, insights into creative opportunities, and actionable advice for anyone looking to pivot from online to offline campaigns. Plus, we discuss the impact of AI on creative content, the role of privacy laws, and where the future is headed for this dynamic space.

Whether you’re an old hand at media buying or curious about what might be the next frontier in programmatic media buying, this episode is crammed with the latest trends, tactical strategies, and a few laughs along the way.

Let’s jump in.

In this episode, the Media Buying Podcast hosts Jim Banks and Rob Adler welcome industry leaders Amanda Faris and Sara Malo of LinkUnite to unpack the biggest trends shaping the future of media buying and affiliate marketing events in 2026. The group reflects on Affiliate Summit and Lead Gen World, revealing how increased event costs, overlapping schedules, and a shift toward ROI-driven attendance are reshaping networking and business development.

Key Takeaways Include:

1. Event ROI & Attendance Trends: Discover why companies are sending smaller teams, how event organizers are adjusting, and what it means for the industry's future.
2. Relationship-Driven Networking: Learn how LinkUnite creates intimate, experiential events to foster meaningful connections—moving beyond business card exchanges to real conversations and partnerships.
3. AI in Media Buying: Explore practical AI applications for automating grunt work, prospecting, lead nurturing, and email copywriting. Hear how industry vets are using automation tools to free up time and boost workflow efficiency.
4. Industry Community & Long-Term Value: Find out how deep relationships in affiliate marketing translate to loyalty, trust, and mutual support across decades—benefiting both newcomers and veterans in their daily tasks.
5. Inclusive & Global Expansion: Get the inside track on LinkUnite’s 2026 event series across North America and plans for global outreach, including accessibility for women marketers from India, Israel, and beyond.

Episode Benefits for Media Buyers & Marketers:

1. Maximize the value of event attendance with proven networking strategies.
2. Stay ahead of new AI tools and automation best practices.
3. Build reliable, long-lasting business relationships to support your strategic goals.
4. Understand industry changes to better plan team deployments, event budgets, and partner outreach.

In this episode, you’ll get actionable insights on:

🔹 Meta & Google Q3 Financials

Get the inside scoop on Meta and Google’s latest quarterly reports—how increased ad revenue, AI investments, and tax policy are shaping their business models. The hosts break down what media buyers need to know and why it matters if you’re running Facebook or YouTube ad campaigns.

🔹 E-commerce & Real-Time Analytics

Discover how Shopify’s Black Friday live sales tracker gives a pulse on the global flow of transactions—perfect for e-commerce founders and digital marketers looking to time campaigns and understand trending buying cycles.

🔹 Media Buying Tools: From Lucky Orange to Klaviyo

Learn why tools like Lucky Orange and Hotjar are invaluable for uncovering site friction and boosting conversion rates. Plus, tips for using Klaviyo and other email platforms efficiently while managing costs.

🔹 Affiliate Strategies & Monetizing Every Lead

From leveraging short forms vs. long forms in lead gen to monetizing DQ (disqualified) traffic, Jim Banks and Rob Adler unpack smart ways to increase ROI—whether you’re an agency owner, e-commerce entrepreneur, or running local services.

🔹 Local Business Hacks: Turning Missed Calls into Revenue

Don’t waste leads! Hear practical advice for plumbers, HVAC companies, and other service-based businesses on how to partner locally and monetize leads outside your service area through affiliate deals and network collaborations.

This episode is packed with expert tips perfect for performance marketers, affiliate managers, digital agencies, and e-commerce founders eager to scale, optimize, and boost profitability. The insights will help you:

1. Make smarter ad buying decisions based on platform trends
2. Use analytics and automation to reduce friction and improve conversion rates
3. Increase revenue by monetizing every customer touchpoint
4. Build strategic local partnerships and strengthen your service business