Sunset Vibes and Strategy Deep Dives: Highlights from the Third Annual CAO Summit

This special edition of Media Roundtable offers a front-row seat to our third annual CAO Summit, held at the stunning Terranea Resort. Hosted by Giles Martin (EVP, Strategy, Oxford Road) and featuring guests Alia Smith (Associate Manager, Acquisition, Boll & Branch), Megan Smith (Director of Media Strategy, Tecovas), and Oxford Road’s own James Ingrassia (EVP, Client Services), the episode captured the insights, inspiration, community—and gorgeous sunsets—that defined this year’s event.

The team is talking: Hosts Know Their Audience Best, Industry-First Simulcast Measurement, Breakout Sessions FTW, and more. Let’s jump in.

“The best of everything you can really ask for.” – Alia Smith (Associate Manager, Acquisition, Boll & Branch)

Hosts Know Their Audiences… Better Than Brands Do?: Steven Bartlett (The Diary of a CEO) and Ben Shapiro (Founder, The Daily Wire) headlined night one of CAO with a fireside chat and a powerful reminder: podcasters who build their platforms from the ground up really know their audience. Our CAO guests were struck by their passion, selectivity, and authenticity when endorsing products—and Alia especially appreciated Ben’s live shoutout to Boll & Branch! What really struck the panel was the similarities in approach, despite their inherent differences.

Breaking Ground on Simulcast Measurement: A new case study from Oxford Road and MIDG Media introduced a first-of-its-kind measurement for YouTube podcast campaigns. Our guests discussed the implications for visual-first audio storytelling, especially for high-touch, visual products like bedding and apparel. Keep your eyes peeled for the case study, coming soon to an inbox near you.

Real Conversations, Valuable Connections: Multiple guests praised the summit’s “zero-pitch” policy. What emerged instead was real conversations between brands, creators, and strategists about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. No pitches—just sunsets, celebration, and connection. Megan called this year’s event “comfortable, like being with friends.” It’s what made the CAO summit work, and what makes gathering in-person so important, especially in the age of remote work and Zooms.

Whether you attended this year or are keeping up from afar, this episode is your insider’s pass to the most intimate, insightful, and strategic audio marketing gathering of the year. Check out the full episode to get the scoop.