2026 IAB PlayFronts
To register for this event, you will need to log into your IAB.COM account.
If you do not have an IAB.COM account, please follow the directions below:
- Navigate to the upper right-hand corner of IAB.com and click into the human icon.
- On the Sign Up tab, create your IAB account, using your professional work email to receive member benefits and register for Events.
- You will receive a verification email. Click the link once to verify your email.
- Login with your newly created credentials to enjoy your access to all IAB content and register for IAB Events.
- For additional information, please visit https://www.iab.com/unlock-a-world-of-opportunities-by-creating-your-personal-iab-account
Gaming is the new mass culture—where communities, creators, and entertainment converge.
The 2026 IAB PlayFronts brings together the platforms, publishers, creators, and technology partners shaping the future of gaming media and advertising. As gaming continues to influence how audiences connect, consume content, and engage with brands, IAB PlayFronts offers an exclusive look at the innovations, partnerships, and opportunities defining the next chapter of this rapidly evolving ecosystem.
From immersive experiences and live streaming to creator-led communities and emerging advertising solutions, discover how gaming has become one of the most powerful channels for audience engagement and cultural relevance. As gaming audiences increasingly gather around creators, fandoms, and shared experiences, platforms are unlocking new ways for brands to participate authentically and drive measurable impact.
Why Attend
- Preview What’s Next: Get a first look at the platforms, partnerships, and innovations shaping the future of gaming media and advertising.
- Understand Gaming Communities: Explore how creator-led communities, fandom, and participation are redefining audience engagement.
- Discover New Opportunities: Learn how brands are activating across gaming platforms, live experiences, creator ecosystems, and emerging media formats.
- Connect with Industry Leaders: Hear directly from the companies and innovators building the future of gaming, creators, and community-driven engagement.
This event is invite-only for qualified brand marketers and agency professionals. IAB reserves the right to cancel any registrations that do not meet these criteria.
Agenda
Speakers & Moderators
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Rhiannon Apple
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 1:15 PM EST -
Michael Arzt
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 1:15 PM EST -
Denis Crushell
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 11:45 AM EST -
Cintia Gabilan
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 10:35 AM ESTThursday, Sep 17 – 2:30 PM EST -
Arda Genç
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 11:35 AM EST -
Jean-Baptiste Godinot
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 1:15 PM EST -
Charles Hambro
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 2:00 PM EST -
Gabrielle Heyman
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 12:55 PM EST -
Kim Le Hatfield
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 1:45 PM EST -
Nathan Lindberg
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 11:10 AM EST -
Chanel Marks
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 12:55 PM EST -
Jorge Prado
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 10:50 AM EST -
Michael Rubenstein
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 1:45 PM EST -
Mike Schoelch
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 2:00 PM EST -
Matt Sharpe
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 12:55 PM EST -
Shahar Sorek
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 11:10 AM EST -
Karl Stewart
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 1:45 PM EST -
Jonathan Stringfield
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Marian Thomas
Agenda Sessions
Thursday, Sep 17 – 12:55 PM EST
The Venue
Located in Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood, Convene 360 Madison Avenue is easily accessible via public transportation and is in close proximity to Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center.
Please note there are multiple Convene properties in NYC.
FAQ
Managing Your IAB.COM Account
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Q. Do I need an IAB.com account to register for IAB events? Yes. An IAB.com account is required to register for all events. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by following the instructions here: Unlock a World of Opportunities by Creating an IAB Account.
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Q. How do I access my IAB account or reset my password? Check that you have an account on IAB.com. Enter your business email and password into the Log In screen. If you do not have an IAB.com account associated with your business email, you will be prompted to create one. Note: You MUST include your professional work email to receive IAB member benefits.
For instructions on creating your account and resetting your password, please visit: Unlock a World of Opportunities by Creating your Personal IAB Account.
If you enter an incorrect password, you will receive an error: ‘Invalid Password, Try Again or Reset Password’. Use the ‘Don’t Remember your Password’ link to trigger a reset or use the passwordless login link on the Log In screen.
You will receive a verification email once your IAB.com account has been created. Click the link once to verify your email. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder, as our emails can sometimes end up there.
Still have questions? Contact [email protected].
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Q. How do I confirm if I have an IAB.com account? Try logging in using the email you registered with. If no account is found, you can create one with your company email.
Registration Issues
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Q. I am seeing the wrong ticket type (member vs non-member) Email your company’s MED contact or [email protected] for assistance.
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Q. I’m having trouble with my comp/discount code. Some codes only apply to specific ticket types or offer a partial discount. If you’re unsure, please confirm with the code owner. If the code is correct and still not working, try the troubleshooting steps below.
- Make sure you are logged into your IAB account.
- Open the registration page in incognito/private mode.
- Clear your browser cache.
- Refresh the page.
- Enter the code manually (do not copy and paste).
- Ensure there are no spaces in the code.
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Q. Why can’t I find my country in the registration dropdown? If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you cannot register to attend this event through our website. However, your company may inquire with us to determine if it is entitled to request tickets to attend the event by contacting [email protected].
All attendees agree to comply with the IAB’s Event Code of Conduct and Policies.
Registering Someone Else
We encourage attendees to register using their own IAB.com account. If that’s not possible, please see below.
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Q. How can I register a colleague if my information is already filled in? Our registration policy requires that at least one ticket must be registered under the account owner’s name. We recommend registering colleagues under their own accounts so they receive event updates and a smoother experience.
If that isn’t possible, you may register all tickets under your account—assign the first pass to yourself and the rest to colleagues. After completing registration, email [email protected] the name, title, company, and email address of the colleague you’d like to assign your pass to, and we’ll update it for you.
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Q. Can I transfer my ticket to another colleague? Paid and sponsor tickets can be transferred to a colleague. Invite-only or pass request tickets are non-transferable, as they are reviewed and assigned individually.
Buyer Registration/Pass Requests
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Q. Am I eligible for a complimentary buyer ticket to an IAB Event? Eligibility criteria varies by event. Please refer to the specific event website for details on eligibility.
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Q. What is the status of my pass request? Please allow 3–5 business days for our team to review your submission. We recommend checking your spam or junk folder, as you may find your status update there. If you have not received a response after that time, please reach out to [email protected].
If you believe your request was incorrectly evaluated, you may email us with additional details about your role and company, and we will reassess.
Post-Registration
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Q. I haven't received my confirmation email. Your confirmation email was sent from [email protected]. Please allow up to 30 minutes for it to arrive.
If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder. Still missing? Email [email protected] and we’ll resend it.
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Q. How can I get a copy of my invoice or receipt? Please email [email protected], and our team will provide it for you.
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Q. What is the cancellation or refund policy? Registration fees, minus a $100 processing fee, are refundable until approximately one month before the event (see your confirmation email for the exact date).
After that date: Refunds are not available. Registrations may be transferred to colleagues.
To cancel or transfer a registration, email [email protected].
Onsite
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Q. When can I pick up my event badge? -
Q. I lost my badge—can it be reprinted? Badge reprints are not available, so please keep your badge with you throughout the event.
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Q. What’s the Wi-Fi info? -
Q. Do you provide printed agendas? No, in an effort to be more sustainable, printed agendas will not be provided. Please download the IAB Events app to view the full event agenda.
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Q. How can I get copies of the presentations? We do not provide copies of the presentation decks.
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Q. Do you share attendee lists for events? While IAB does not share attendee lists for its events, you can connect with fellow attendees through the ‘Attendees’ tab in the IAB Events App (if applicable).
To access this feature, you must be registered for the event and logged into the app using the same IAB credentials used at registration. Once logged in, tap the home button (bottom left), select the event you’re attending, and scroll to the right to find the ‘Attendees’ tab.
For event sponsors, the attendee list is shared one week following the event.
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Q. What accessibility accommodations are available at your event? We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all attendees. Please provide advance notice to ensure accommodations can be arranged. For additional accessibility questions, contact [email protected].
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Q. Where are the sessions located? -
Q. Do you provide coat check? -
Q. Where is there a quiet space for a meeting or a quick call? -
Q. Is there an outlet somewhere where I can charge my phone or laptop? -
Q. How do I provide feedback? We encourage you to rate sessions within the app (if applicable). A survey will be sent to you post event for your feedback.
Venue and Travel
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Q. Where is the event located? -
Q. When does PlayFront start? -
Q. Is there transportation from the airport to the venue? -
Q. What activities and restaurants does the hotel have to offer?
Stream and Virtual Access
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Q. Streaming: Best Practices - To view an IAB Stream, you must be logged in to iab.com using the same email address used when registering for the event.
- Check out the IAB account and login FAQs here.
- If you have any issues with login or viewing, reach out to [email protected].
- Browser Options
- Chrome is the preferred browser for IAB Stream.
- Edge or Firefox can be used as a backup.
- Safari is discouraged.
- Chrome is the preferred browser for IAB Stream.
- When possible, run in Incognito or InPrivate mode to avoid any caching issues from previous events.
- Disable any adblockers as they can block some streaming URLs.
- Disable or disconnect any VPNs or Proxy servers in use as they can block/disrupt the stream.
- Covering livestream window with a different window or application may cause the player to assume you are not viewing and pause/cache play.
- If you have an unstable Wi-Fi connection, change the quality setting on the player (using gear icon on the bottom right of the player) from Auto to a Fixed setting.
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Q. I can log in but unable to see the event You have logged in with a different account than you registered for the event or your pop-up blocker may be blocking the stream. Deactivate your AdBlocker, as it’s blocking the video stream.
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Q. I can see the event video but I’m only seeing a placeholder slide Assuming the event is live, you are viewing a cached version of the page. Refresh and/or use incognito mode.
If on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router (if possible).
If possible, hardwire your connection.
Using the gear icon on the bottom right of the player, change the quality to a fixed level. Auto will constantly change the quality of the stream in line with the quality of your internet connection. These shifts can cause caching. Using a fixed value can stabilize your experience.
Contact Us
IAB Events & Conferences
Technical support (IAB account, login issues, mobile app): [email protected]
Free buyer pass requests: [email protected]
Sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]
Speaking opportunities: [email protected]
Event support (cancellations, transfers, refunds): [email protected]
For event details, check out the event-specific website.
Other
Membership: [email protected]
Media: [email protected]
Training: [email protected]
Certification: [email protected]
IAB+: [email protected]
IAB Tech Lab
General IAB Tech Lab questions: [email protected]
IAB Tech Lab sponsorship: [email protected]