Digiday Media Buying Summit 2026

It is held at VEA Newport Beach, 900 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

The Connect Pass early rate is $3,395, and the Premium Connect Pass early rate is $4,945.

Agency media buying and planning professionals attend.

It is most useful for agency media buyers and planners weighing how to bring AI into client work, since the opening-day agenda includes sessions on programmatic and AI, content speed, and creative technology, and the speakers include agency chiefs such as Laurel Burton of Instrument and Alison Monk of EDEN COLLECTIVE. At $3,395 for one ticket tier and $4,945 for the other, it is a steep spend for junior staff or for brand-side marketers who want a wide exhibit floor; the sandboxes from Realtor.com, Channel Factory and AdDaptive are a small sample compared with a large expo.

Attendees at advertising and media agency summits usually dress in smart casual, such as chinos or dark jeans with a blazer or a polished top. A Newport Beach venue in late October tends to keep things relaxed, and a light layer helps for the evening.