Simpli.fi

2026 is shaping up to be a pressure-test year for marketers. Not because one big thing is changing, but because everything is shifting at once. Streaming continues to rewrite “TV.” AI is reshaping how consumers discover and evaluate brands (often before they ever hit an actual website). Political and advocacy budgets are gearing up for a noisier, more competitive market. And across it all, one expectation keeps rising: marketing has to feel relevant at the local level: market by market, neighborhood by neighborhood.

We’ll be exploring these trends in a three-part 2026 Trends series, inspired by conversations with Simpli.fi’s Chief Product & Technology Officer, Michael Schoen. Each post breaks down the major shifts we see accelerating this upcoming year, along with the operational changes marketers will need to keep up.

In an era of constant distraction, GSTV has found a rare opportunity: uninterrupted attention. Dave Kovall explains how GSTV’s video network reaches 115 million consumers each month with sound-on, full-motion ads at the gas pump. Backed by eye-tracking data, Dave shares why digital out-of-home is a must for modern marketers and how brands can thrive in these hyper-contextual spaces.

Content Title/ Headline:Mastering Programmatic Advertising | Matt BaileyOverview Copy:Matt Bailey, Lead Instructor and Founder at SiteLogic, joins David McBee on Simpli.fi TV to discuss programmatic advertising training, analytics, and industry misconceptions. He shares insights on how his LinkedIn course has helped both new and experienced media buyers better understand the complexities of programmatic advertising. Matt highlights the importance of hands-on optimization, fraud prevention, and leveraging analytics to drive better campaign performance. Packed with real-world success stories, this conversation is essential for agencies, brands, and media buyers looking to refine their programmatic advertising strategies.Meta Description:Discover expert insights from Matt Bailey on Simpli.fi TV. Learn how programmatic advertising training, analytics, and optimization can improve your digital marketing success.Focus Keyphrase:Programmatic advertising training insightsSEO Title:Mastering Programmatic Advertising Training Insights

Hernan Vazquez, CEO and founder of Scale Driven 

Join Simpli.fi TV host David McBee as he sits down with Hernan Vazquez, CEO and founder of Scale Driven, to discuss the world of connected TV advertising. In this insightful interview, Hernan shares his expertise on leveraging connected TV to reach new audiences and drive business growth. From practical advice for brands new to TV advertising to strategies for effective CTV commercials, Hernan offers valuable insights that can transform your marketing approach. Discover how businesses of all sizes can harness the potential of connected TV advertising to enhance brand visibility, engage with audiences, and drive meaningful results.

Bear Newman, President and Co-founder of Bear Fox Marketing 

In this episode of Simpli.fi TV, host David McBee interviews Bear Newman, an SEO expert, about strategies for achieving SEO success and staying ahead of the ever-changing digital landscape. Bear shares insights on the importance of asking "what if" in SEO, focusing on ROI, building trust with authoritative content, and adapting to AI-driven changes in search algorithms. Discover how Bear's unique perspective and practical advice can help SEO professionals excel in their field.

Bryant Powell, Associate Director of Social Media Omnichannel Capabilities at Bristol Myers Squibb 

Join host Ann Kraus for a conversation with Bryant Powell, a marketer and podcaster, about the importance of social audio presence for companies. Bryant shares statistics highlighting the growth of podcasting and its effectiveness in increasing brand awareness. He also discusses how podcasting can help organizations establish an authentic brand voice. Bryant provides insights on how agencies can start their own podcasts, emphasizing the need for client education, persistence, and creating engaging content. He also offers advice on finding compelling stories and the importance of asking "why" in podcast interviews. The conversation wraps with some notes on social listening and its role in shaping brand messaging.

Tommy Walker, author of Mindset Secrets for Entrepreneurs 

Tommy Walker, the mind behind "Mindset Secrets for Entrepreneurs," talks about the subconscious barriers hindering business growth. With 26 years as an entrepreneur and 14 years as a coach, Walker shares his insights into common roadblocks faced by entrepreneurs, from negative self-images to challenges in communication and ingrained beliefs about money. Delving deeper, Walker discusses the evolving role of AI in business, emphasizing its use as a tool rather than a crutch.

Sam Swirsky, Brand Strategist at Acquisition.com

In this insightful interview, Sam Swirsky, a LinkedIn expert, reveals the untapped power of LinkedIn for B2B success. He discusses how the platform, often underestimated, can lead to significant business advantages. Sam emphasizes the importance of personal branding for businesses and shares the strategies employed by industry leaders. Discover how companies can empower their employees to enhance their personal brands, ultimately benefiting the entire organization. Sam also provides valuable tips on generating a hundred pieces of engaging content and highlights the synergy between employee and employer in building a strong online presence.

Angela Marsh, Senior Growth Strategist at Venus et Fleur

In this insightful conversation between David McBee and Angela Marsh, the challenges and strategies of modern brand marketing are explored in the context of the shifting digital landscape of 2023. Angela Marsh, an experienced marketer, delves into the evolving complexities of growth marketing, highlighting the need for brands to reevaluate their approach due to changing consumer behaviors and emerging technologies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of a diversified marketing strategy that combines storytelling through a full-funnel approach, leveraging platforms like CTV (Connected TV) for re-targeting, and incorporating attribution tools for informed decision-making. Angela's valuable insights provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of brand marketing in an era of constant change and innovation.

David Forman, Chief Operating Officer at Clarity Creative Group

Digital marketing expert David Forman discusses the world of paid media and its continued relevance in the era of social media dominance. With a focus on Google Ads and Microsoft Bing Ads, he delves into the key components of running a successful paid digital advertising campaign. Emphasizing buyer intent keywords and aligning ad content with the target audience's interests, David sheds light on the importance of ad quality scores and landing page relevance. He also explores the latest updates in Google AdWords, including AI-driven dynamic ads and Performance Max campaigns. As a bonus, David shares valuable tips for paid search managers to optimize their strategies and achieve better results.