Base.Camp Lisbon Agenda

To learn more about the event, how to request your invitation, sponsorships, and more, please visit the full Base.Camp Lisbon event page. As a note, this agenda (although never final) covers our session topics in great detail. Will you find a break down of every break or meal below? No. But rest assured, there will be plenty of pauses for refreshment, times to commune, and scheduled meals to make new friends.

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Session Time	Session Title	Session Description
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.	Arrival & Registration	Swing by, grab your swag and badge on your way up to your room.
5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.	New Attendee Welcome Reception	Base․Camp welcome reception for those new to Base.Camp.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.	Welcome Reception & Dinner	Nothing is quite like that first night of Base․Camp: catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

Monday, November 3, 2025

Session Time	Session Title	Session Description
7:00 a.m.	Morning Run with Melissa	Join Melissa for a 3-5 mile run to get the day started off right.
8:00 a.m.	Breakfast	Grab your coffee, your consciousness, and maybe a croissant (or three). It’s time to start the day.
9:00 a.m.	Opening Remarks	Let’s come together as a community, set the tone for the day, talk about what matters right now … and, of course, reveal the jacket. Rob Beeler, Founder & CEO, Beeler.Tech
9:15 a.m.	Keynote: Brand Darwinism: Mapping New Futures for the Publishing Industry	2025. The publishing business model faces the latest apex of its continuing existential crisis. Artificial Intelligence represents the final frontier of the big tech project—to disintermediate the decentralised internet, to monopolise all attention. It can’t be outthought. It can’t be outscaled. And it can’t be beat for ease. How can we convince the audience to choose high friction when it’s never been simpler to get the easy answer? This opening session explores the stark reality facing the publishing industry and the significant measures it must undertake to ensure survival. How technology will force structural change from mass- to niche-positioning for the majority of players, how the role of the publisher and their relationships to their audiences must be rethought, and what sustainable business models may actually look like. The brand must survive. The rest? Reimagine or die. Eugene Healey, Founder, EH Strategy Consulting
10:00 a.m.	Find your Way to the Next Session	A brief intermission, so you can resume your journey.
10:15 a.m. Breakouts	Identity Strategies: Connecting the Connectors	Start with who you actually know and, if done correctly, you can tell the rest of the world you know them. The key after consent is connecting the connectors properly. Let’s get in a room and discuss how to make this happen.
	The Human Side of AI: from Strategy to Seamless Adoption	Most AdTech discussions focus on the technology, but the real challenge for many businesses is driving user adoption. In this session, I would share the journey of The Telegraph’s Commercial department, where we faced this exact problem. At the end of 2024, our Commercial department faced a significant challenge: the company’s dedicated AI team was exclusively focused on Editorial efficiencies and Product enhancements, leaving no resources to support us. Simultaneously, the wider company had placed a block on unapproved AI tools due to valid concerns about data leakage and using our internal data to train Large Language Models (LLMs). This context forced us to create our own AI Transformation project. While many of our industry peers were focused on “how to prove the value of developing an AI tool,” “challenges securing investment and resources,” and “how to decide what to prioritise,” we had to answer those questions by first addressing a more fundamental issue. Our interviews with key stakeholders revealed a significant finding: the baseline level of AI knowledge and understanding varied dramatically across the department. This insight became the foundation of our strategy. We pivoted from seeking large-scale technical solutions to a human-centric approach, focusing on raising the basic level of AI knowledge, frequently sharing use cases, running training sessions, and establishing a working group to share responsibilities and accelerate adoption. I would present our Project Tempo blueprint and the compelling data to back it up, including how our department became the company’s leader in AI engagement with an adoption rate 2.5 times the company average. Attendees would leave with a practical, evidence-based framework for fostering organic AI adoption, proving that sometimes the best AI strategy is a people-first one. By building this foundational adoption and comfort with existing tools, we’re paving the way for a more seamless and successful rollout of the sophisticated, high-investment tools that are on our Commercial Product Roadmap, a common challenge cited by industry experts at conferences like the Adobe Summit. Samara Hocihara, Director of Campaign Planning & Operations, Telegraph Media Group
	Better Stacks = Greater Results	Admit it. Your programmatic tech stack is too complicated and it’s working against you as much as it is for you. Let’s discuss what a better set up looks like and how to get there.
	Brand Darwinism Continued	Eugene Healey will work with the publishers on extending the concepts outlined in his keynote followed by Rob Beeler working with the group on turning those concepts into actions. Eugene Healey, Founder, EH Strategy Consulting, and Rob Beeler, Founder & CEO, Beeler.Tech
11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.	Networking Break	Start now. Increase your network.
11:45 a.m. Breakouts	When Direct-Sold Strategies hit lower Traffic Numbers	Programmatic is programmatic, but for direct-sold publishers, drops in traffic because of changes in consumer behaviour is frightening. Let’s discuss how to navigate this trend while exploring if the future is selling beyond our sites.
	Users that Mean More to the Bottom Line	Growing your audience isn’t going to get you anywhere if your audience isn’t valuable to you or your advertisers. Let’s discuss strategies of making the most of the people who come to our sites.
	Zen and the Art of Privacy Compliance	Without consent, you cannot pass “Go. ” You cannot collect $200. It’s funny that a game called Monopoly creates the perfect metaphor for the state of privacy compliance. We’ve got a lot to talk about, in terms of how privacy regulations impact revenue. Mubarak Damiel, Head of Data Insights & Monetisation, Newsquest Media Group
	Lost in Translation: Aligning Sales and Ad Ops to Win with Programmatic	Sales teams sell programmatic solutions that can “unlock revenue potential,” while ad ops teams see how the sausage actually gets made, and the two sides rarely speak the same language. As long as that disconnect remains, we’ve got a problem. In this session, we’ll discuss the real-world disconnects between commercial and operational teams, guided by Teodora Tepavicharova of Conde Nast UK. We’ll also unpack the persistent challenges around educating sales teams on programmatic, discuss strategies to bridge internal communication gaps, and workshop ideas to move beyond talk to tangible change. Teodora (Teddy) Tepavicharova, Programmatic Strategy (UK), Condé Nast
12:45 p.m.	It’s Lunch Time, Folks	It’s time to make new friends and fuel up for the remaining conversations we’ve got lined up for the day.
1:45 p.m.	2034: Navigating the AI-Driven Future of Publishing	Kunal Gupta, author of 2034: How AI Changed Humanity Forever, explores how AI is reshaping industries, including digital publishing. He will share lessons from his research on the societal and business shifts AI will bring, and what publishers can do today to prepare their advertising operations for a world defined by intelligent automation, personalization, and new revenue models. Kunal Gupta, Entrepreneur. Investor. Author.
2:30 p.m.	Transition	Shake it out, grab some water, and head off you go to the next session.
2:45 p.m. Breakouts	Diversifying Your Data-Driven Strategy	A data strategy should be more than just targeting users with ads. Your data strategy should be as diversified as your revenue strategy. Let’s talk about where to focus our data efforts. Camilla Child, Director, Commercial Strategic Growth, Telegraph Media Group
	The Future Is Upon Us. Or is it?	Agentic-traded advertising is here. Or it’s close, at the very least. In a few years, Google will play a different role in the industry. Or will it? Let’s not try to predict the future as much as prepare for it. That’s hard to do when you don’t know what’s going to happen, but let’s break down what you can do and what you can control. Vikesh Chevli, Director, Ad Tech & Programmatic Strategy, News Corp
	Why Isn’t Publisher Quality Considered?	Buyers are going to buy what they want to buy, and often it’s cheap inventory. We can’t control their behaviour, but we could certainly work collectively to tell a better story. Let’s start.
	What Will an Ad Ops Department Look like in the Future?	People who create content will always need to have someone focused on how to make the company more money. Ops will survive. But what will it look like, and how do we shape the future of our own roles?
3:45 p.m	Networking Break	Move your body, grab a snack, meet new people, and then dive into what’s next.
4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.	Wrap Up the Day	We’ll tell you more soon.
6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.	Noite de Saudade: Fado, Food & Wine at Café Luso	A night at Café Luso Fado House in Lisbon is a true feast for the senses… rich in history and tradition. Tucked away in the vaulted cellars of a 17th-century palace, Café Luso’s iconic stone-and-brick setting was made for the haunting beauty of live fado. We’ll begin with a tasting of Portuguese wines before settling in for dinner. Because here, fado is always paired with great food and company. Since 1927, this legendary spot has been a home for fado: those unforgettable, deeply emotional songs of “”saudade”” (longing and love), brought to life by passionate singers and the unmistakable sounds of Portuguese guitar and viola.

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Session Time	Session Title	Session Description
8:00 a.m.	Rise & Shine, It’s Breakfast Time!	Grab more coffee, ease into your morning, and maybe go for a parfait instead of a croissant this time. (Just kidding, have the croissant.) Let’s do this again.
9:00 a.m.	Day 2 Kickoff	We’re back for another day. We’ll recap the hivemind goodness that came out of day one and talk about how to make the most of day two.
9:10 a.m.	Transition	Grab your second coffee and head off to your first session.
9:20 a.m. breakouts	Looking at Log-Level Data	Let’s discuss how granular log-level data uncovers business intelligence and shapes revenue strategy. The insights are in there: you just need the right tools to get them out. Christina Kurteva, Director, Revenue Operations & Yield Optimization, Reuters Frans Holmgren, Senior Solutions Director, Burt Intelligence
	Case Study: Scaling with a Publisher-Controlled SSP	This session explores how publishers can scale rapidly while maintaining full control over inventory, demand relationships, and monetization. Attendees will learn how a publisher-controlled SSP enabled seamless execution of direct campaigns alongside demand partners, while adaptive infrastructure including traffic shaping tool (aimed at rCPM optimization) and query volume management safeguarded revenue and performance during traffic surges. The result is stronger independence, sustainable growth, and more transparent partner relationships. Katya Shkolnik, VP of Business Development, Future Today Inc. Nikita Bansal, CEO, TeqBlaze
9:50 a.m.	Transition	Get vertical, politely debate session highlights, and then carry on.
10:00 a.m. breakouts	Proposed Case Study: Modernizing Publisher Sales Models	The traditional model of servicing every advertiser manually is no longer sustainable. Self-service advertising tools allow publishers to maintain a premium experience for their largest clients while empowering smaller advertisers to act independently. This shift results in improved efficiency, higher satisfaction across customer tiers, and new capacity for sales teams to focus on strategic growth. Learn how publishers are rethinking sales models to thrive in a multi-tiered advertising landscape.
	Case Study: Personified Advertising Opportunities	The advertising industry is facing major challenges due to signal loss and declining addressability. Brands and agencies need new ways to engage audiences effectively, without relying on personal data or third-party cookies. This publisher implemented cutting-edge tools to target, measure, and optimize campaigns using exclusive zero-party data and persona-based targeting. This allows advertisers to reach their desired audiences at scale, without tracking individuals. The publisher gains access to new revenue streams and can deliver more relevant, engaging ad experiences to its readers. Bruno Grácio, Head of Advertising, PÚBLICO Fabio Zoboli, SVP Global Publisher Partnership, Ogury
	Proposed Case Study: Real-Time Data Decision Making	Traditional 24–48 hour reporting cycles leave publishers reacting too late, missing critical opportunities. This session explores how real-time visibility into eCPM, fill rates, and bid density enables publishers to instantly optimize partners, adjust strategies during live events, and solve performance issues before they impact revenue. Discover how to capture every impression’s full value by operating at the speed of your audience. Yuriy Yarovoy, SVP, Revenue, Medal Jared Siegal, Founder and CEO, Aditude
10:30 a.m.	Networking Break	Grab a snack, chat up neighbors, pretend to check emails. Then, off we go!
11:00 a.m. breakouts	Pulse Check: Sustainability	Pulse check sessions start with a quick poll of attendees and then discuss the results. In this case, the poll will center around sustainability Tom Bowman, Partner, CoLab Media Consulting Ltd.
	Pulse Check: Mobile Apps	Pulse check sessions start with a quick poll of attendees and then discuss the results. In this case, the poll will center around mobile apps. Felix Zeng, SVP of Programmatic, The Weather Company
11:30 a.m.	Transition	Drink water, share opinions, and then ignore your inbox for just a little while longer. We’ve got more work to do.
11:40 a.m.	Prebid Navigates Tricky Programmatic Waters	In an industry crowded with competing agendas, Prebid’s mission is clear: keep the playing field fair. Join Mike Racic, President of Prebid, as he shares how open-source innovation can help publishers protect their revenue and make the most of an ad tech ecosystem that may not always have their best interests at heart. Mike Racic, President, Prebid.org
12:30 p.m.	Lunch Is Served!	Fill your plate, find your people, enjoy the spectacular views of the rooftops of Lisbon from SEEN, trade ideas over a glass of wine (and maybe desserts).
2:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.	Lisboa é uma loucura! Tuk Tuk & Turn Up (Lisbon is loco!)	Lisbon is famous for its charm and beauty, but today we’re kicking things into high gear with a wild Tuk Tuk adventure like no other! Hop aboard this adventure scavenger hunt as we cruise through Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, vibrant squares, and breathtaking overlooks. Afterward, we’ll head to Monte Mar, overlooking the Tagus River, for a memorable evening under the stars with magicians, DJs, and great company. Lisbon is loco, and tonight, so are we. This night isn’t about blending in, it’s about standing out in a city known for unforgettable moments. To embrace the vibrant spirit of Lisbon, we invite you to express your wildest, most creative side through your look for the evening. Lisbon is absolutely loco, and today, so are we. So, dress like you’ve already lost a bet. Wild group costumes? Yes. Outrageous accessories? The gaudier, the better. If you blend in, you’re doing it wrong.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Session Time	Session Title	Session Description
8:00 a.m.	Breakfast	It’s time to fuel up for our last day together. Grab a coffee and a little nosh, and game plan with your new connections.
9:10 a.m.	IAB Tech Lab Reimagines Our Ecosystem	IAB Tech Lab has rolled out some ambitious new initiatives: Trusted Server, LLM APIs, Containerization, and CAPI, to name just a few. Shailley Singh, COO & EVP, Product at the IAB Tech Lab, is going to talk through how and why we need to rethink how digital advertising is transacted. Shailley Singh, COO & EVP Product, IAB Tech Lab
9:50 a.m.	Retail Media’s Trajectory in Europe	The dynamics of the European marketplace make retail media fundamentally different from the US. Sara Buluggiu will lead a discussion on how these differences can create unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Sara Buluggiu, Co-Founder & CEO, Retailor Media
10:30 a.m.	Networking Break & Hotel Checkout	Pack your bags, grab a snack, and make plans to stay in touch before we wrap up our final day together.
11:00 a.m.	Table Talks: Bring Your Topic, Have Your Discussion	There are topics you want to cover, that we don’t cover in the larger agenda. This is your opportunity to tell us about those topics, get into small table groups, roll up your sleeves and hash it out. Take the conversation where you want it to go.
12:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.	Our Final Lunch Together!	You can’t travel on an empty stomach. Plus, you’ve made some great connections over the past few days. Catch up, share ideas, and take time to talk about what we can all accomplish together. (Just don’t talk with your mouth full.)