6:00pm- 10:00pm
Welcome
Welcome Reception
The evening is themed around the Power of Independent Podcasters and will feature a fireside chat or two with special guests who know podcasting from the inside out: Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett and The Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro. Whether you’re catching up with industry peers or meeting in person for the first time, this is where the CAO Summit begins, with open skies, good food, and even better company.
Palos Verdes Terrace
7:45 am
Breakfast and Daytime Summit Begins - Catalina Ballroom
8:35 am
Opening Keynote
Opening Remarks & Keynote: State of Audio
Oxford Road presents: The State of Audio to share insights on the state of the market and issues that matter most to the CAO.
Audio is no longer emerging—it’s transforming. In our signature keynote, we’ll unpack this breakpoint moment for audio, from the "Podcast Election" and the future of brand safety, to the rise of video dominance and the resulting identity crisis reshaping podcasting itself. You'll come away with the five critical tensions Chief Audio Officers must master, as well as the three tenets that are essential as we define the next era of audio together.
9:10 am
Case Study
Inside the Walled Garden: Breaking New Ground on YouTube Podcast Measurement
How do YouTube podcasts influence consumer behavior—and can they drive measurable results? Oxford Road’s latest analysis offers the first empirical look at YouTube podcast performance, using passive panel data to uncover how video podcasts can impact site traffic and response. This pioneering work helps pave the way for more accurate attribution in simulcast campaigns and invites brands to be part of the conversation shaping the future of podcast measurement.
9:30 am
Panel
No More Maybes: Scaling Podcast Performance with Precision
Podcasting has earned its seat at the table. Now the question is—can it scale like the others without losing what made it special? In this panel, Chief Audio Officers from leading brands share how they’re adapting their strategies to make podcasting perform: balancing host authenticity with attribution, navigating the shift to video, and applying best practices without defaulting to lowest-common-denominator media plans. You’ll hear real talk on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next.
10:20 am
The Radio Revival: Buying the Dip and Driving Results in 2025
Panel
While the industry chases the next shiny thing, savvy marketers are tapping into this tried-and-true, cost-effective, and undervalued platform. This panel explores how brands are navigating attribution challenges, evolving their creative and strategies, and securing continued investment in one of marketing's most resilient channels.
11:05 am
The Programmatic Plunge: One Brand's High Stakes Journey
Panel
For brands investing in audio, stepping into programmatic buying is a leap of faith. In this candid case study, hear how Shopify and Oxford Road navigated the transition from direct streaming audio buys to programmatic. Learn about behind-the-scenes challenges, key wins, and how the strategy is still evolving-from someone who's made it to other side.
11:35am
Panel
Flipping the Script: Unfiltered Feedback from Hosts to Brands
You've given hosts your copy—now it’s their turn to give YOU notes. In this panel, top talent tells it like it is: what they actually think when they see your talking points, what makes a read resonate, and what just doesn’t land. This is a raw look at how your brand shows up in the world, from the people amplifying your message, that will leave you with insights on how to get the most from your host.
12:10 pm
Lunch
1:25 pm - 4:00pm
Breakout Sessions
You, Me, and GPT: The New Creative Team
Enter a creative playground where AI meets human intuition to build smarter, sharper audio ads. Follow along as we walk through the full process: from writing briefs to drafting scripts with Audiolytics™ through producing with tools like Wondercraft.ai. You’ll see how humans stay in the loop at every stage to guide, refine, and elevate the output. We’ll wrap with a lively “show and tell” to spotlight how far tech-powered creative has come... and where it’s going.
Duct Tape & Power Tools: Crafting Effective Audio Campaigns That Deliver
Behind every great audio campaign is a mix of strategy powered by consumer data. This session shares how audio strategists mix free tools, third-party platforms, and even network partner resources to go from insight to activation. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what really works.
Sponsored by SXM Media
Sounds Easy, Right? The Truth About Programmatic Audio
Programmatic audio promises automation and scale, but success takes more than flipping a switch. This session reveals what really goes into building high-performing campaigns, from thoughtful targeting to creative strategy and measurement design. Learn why the smartest teams treat programmatic like craft, not convenience. The right setup today leads to stronger results tomorrow. Sponsored by The Trade Desk..
Sponsored by The Trade Desk.
Attribution Matchmaker: Who’s Your Signal Soulmate?
Swipe right on smarter measurement. In this playful workshop, audio's leading attribution partners compete for your heart (and media budget) by solving real-world challenges: anonymously. Just like The Dating Game, you'll hear their capabilities, compare their moves side-by-side, and meet your mystery match at the end. Leave with clarity on who's right for you - plus time for a 1:1 spark session with your pixel soulmate.
Sponsored by Claritas, Fairing, Magellan AI & Podscribe.
Global Audio: Your Passport To Performance
International expansion isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the key to business growth. This session explores why businesses must prioritize global expansion, using our recent international achievements as a compelling example, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating diverse markets. Gain practical insights into entry strategies, anticipated costs, and the critical role of cultural nuance and transcreation in shaping effective messaging. Plus, join an in-depth discussion with Podscribe's Pete Birsinger on the complexities of international measurement and attribution, and how to clear one of the biggest hurdles for marketers when scaling internationally.
6:00 pm- 10:00pm
Summit Finale
After a full day of ideas and inspiration, we’ll wrap the CAO Summit with a celebration designed to let it all sink in. Set against the beauty of Terranea at twilight, the Summit Finale Celebration is your last chance to grab a drink, take in the views, and connect with those you haven’t yet met.
Expect plenty of food, flowing drinks, and unforgettable moments as we toast to new partnerships, fresh direction, and the future of audio. It’s not just the end of the summit—it’s the start of what comes next.
Catalina Terrace
