IAB Annual Leadership Meeting / #IABALM

Categories: Conferences & Events|By Benjamin Christie|3.1 min read|Last Updated: 08-Jan-2026|

IAB Annual Leadership Meeting

The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting brings together from around the globe, senior-level industry professionals, including brands, agencies, media publishers, and the technology partners to discuss the future direction of the advertising industry. The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting is now regarded by many as one of the “Must Attend” events on the annual digital marketing calendar.

IAB Annual Leadership Meeting covers all part of the digital advertising spectrum and the agenda typically provides something for everyone. The 3-day retreat combines a series of Workshops, Key Notes, Networking Events, Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners as well as breakout events held by key partners.

This year, the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting is leaning into AI, Measurement and Addressability, Privacy, Commerce Media, and the Creator economy. It still connects back to programmatic core fundamentals like Audience Buying, Contextual Targeting, Retargeting, and the DSP to SSP ecosystem, but the conversation shifts to how these disciplines evolve in a privacy first, proof driven world.

This year the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting 2026 will be held in Palm Springs, California on Feb 1-3, 2026

IAB Annual Leadership Meeting
1-3 February, 2026
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
74-855 Country Club Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92260

IAB Annual Leadership Meeting – FAQs

What is the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting (ALM)?

The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting (ALM) is IAB’s flagship thought leadership conference, where senior leaders across digital advertising and media gather to set the tone for the year ahead. It is built around agenda-setting discussions, keynotes, fireside chats, and breakout sessions focused on the biggest industry shifts. The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting typically runs in late January or early February, and it is positioned as an early-year “kickoff” moment for the digital advertising industry.

When is the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting?

For 2026, the dates are February 1 to 3, 2026.

Where is the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting held?

The venue for The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting changes from year to year.

In 2026, the event will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert.

Locations for previous IAB Annual Leadership Meetings have included Palm Springs, California; Palm Desert, California; Marco Island, Florida; New York City, New York; Phoenix, Arizona; and Hollywood, Florida.

Who should attend the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting?

The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting is best for senior decision makers across advertising and media, especially executives shaping strategy for the year ahead. Typical attendees include CEOs, CMOs, CROs, COOs, CTOs, CPOs, Chief Digital Officers, Chief Revenue Officers, and SVPs or VPs leading media, marketing, product, partnerships, data, privacy, and measurement.

What topics are covered at the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting?

The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting agenda typically spotlights the biggest shifts shaping digital advertising for the year ahead, including AI, measurement and addressability, privacy, commerce media, and the creator economy. It also regularly covers core programmatic foundations like programmatic media buying, audience buying, contextual targeting, retargeting, and the DSP, SSP, and broader ad tech ecosystem.

Is the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting invite-only, or can anyone register?

It is not strictly invite only. Anyone can register by purchasing a pass, either as an IAB member or non member, and some brands and agencies can request complimentary passes if they qualify.

What is the dress code for the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting?

Dress is typically business casual, and the vibe leans relaxed given the resort setting. Pack light layers for air conditioned meeting rooms and cooler mornings and evenings, plus comfortable shoes for walking between sessions and networking events.

How long has the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting been running?

The first IAB Annual Leadership Meeting took place on February 27-28, 2007, in Florida.

What networking opportunities are available ?

The IAB Annual Leadership Meeting is built for networking as much as programming, with plenty of structured and informal time to meet peers between sessions. Expect official receptions and social gatherings on the agenda, plus smaller partner hosted events and dinners happening around the conference where a lot of relationship building gets done.

What are tips for getting the best from the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting?

Arrive with a plan: Book key meetings weeks before the event, keep gaps for hallway conversations, and follow up within 48 hours with a simple note plus a next step (call, intro, or pilot idea).