Rakuten TV Introduces LIVE Event Series

Rakuten TV Enterprise has announced the launch of LIVE, a European event series that will bring together senior leaders from across the connected TV and streaming industry.

The first event, taking place on March 17 in Madrid, will convene more than 150 senior executives and decision-makers from across the ecosystem, including advertisers, media agencies, platforms, production companies, studios and broadcasters for an evening of keynotes and networking.

LIVE Madrid will feature an opening address by Cédric Dufour, CEO and president of Rakuten TV, who will discuss the evolution of the European CTV market and the role of technological innovation in the growth of streaming.

Miguel López-Valverde, regional Minister for Digitalization of the Community of Madrid, will share the regional government’s vision on digital transformation and the development of the audiovisual ecosystem.

Carla Redondo Galbarriatu, Director General for the Regulation of Digitalization and Audiovisual Communication Services at the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, will present the transformation of the audiovisual sector from the perspective of the Spanish government following the launch of the Spain Audiovisual Hub Plan.

Reyes Justribó Ferrer, Director General of IAB Spain, will provide the industry perspective on the evolution of digital advertising and the growing relevance of CTV within media planning strategies.

Confirmed attendees include executives from companies such as Paramount, Google, YouTube, Movistar+, Warner Bros., BBC Studios, Filmax, Atresmedia, Mediaset, DAZN, Lactalis Group, Dentsu, Havas Media Network, OMD, Publicis and WPP Media, among others.

As part of LIVE Madrid, Rakuten TV Enterprise will also host the first session of the newly formed CTV Advisory Board, an international strategic forum bringing together senior representatives from across the European ecosystem. Meeting twice annually, the board will analyze market trends, the evolution of advertising models and the key challenges and growth opportunities facing the sector.

Following Madrid, LIVE will continue throughout the year with events in London, Munich and Milan, forming a European circuit. LIVE London will be held on June 9 at The Shard. LIVE Munich and LIVE Milan will be held later in the year, around September and October.

“Connected TV is entering a new phase of maturity in Europe, as streaming models evolve and advertising becomes an increasingly central driver of growth,” said Cédric Dufour, CEO and president of Rakuten TV. “With LIVE, we want to create a space where the industry can come together to exchange perspectives, anticipate change and build stronger collaboration across the ecosystem. Europe is a diverse and dynamic market and dialogue between platforms, advertisers, media companies and technology partners is essential to unlocking the full potential of CTV. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from across Europe for this series of events.”