DMEXCO Download:

Everything you can’t miss this year in Cologne

by Rosie Hutchinson

5 conversations to have, 4 can’t-miss places to visit,
3 must-eat foods and some other spicy tips

This year’s DMEXCO is just around the corner, and it’s essential to have all of the information ready for your trip to one of the biggest events in our industry. 8 of our fabulous team at The Digital Voice™ are heading there too, and if there’s one thing we’re about, it’s having fun whilst we work. So have a read of the juiciest elements of this year's DMEXCO, and how to capitalise on your time in the beautiful city of Köln. 

5 conversations to have - what’s hot this year?

So, 2023 has seen a year full of new topics, with a rise of important key issues and debates taking the forefront. At this year’s DMEXCO, let’s promote those thought-provoking conversations and make connections that go further than a network. So grab a cup of coffee & a quiet corner to get those insights flowing!

Here are our predictions for this year’s top conversations: 

1. AI and its impact on the creative and ad-tech landscape 

• Polarity of opinion - is the rise a great prospect or a daunting idea? 
• What is the scope of impact on the ad-tech/mar-tech landscape, and is it positive or negative? 
• How is your own company adapting in light of developments? 

2. Retail media taking the industry by storm

• Consumer first approaches to commerce and ecommerce 
• Creatively utilising first party insights during the new privacy era
• Rewarding experiences for consumer loyalty, satisfaction and retention. 

3. Inclusion, diversity and equity 

• Is enough being done to promote inclusion, diversity and equity in the industry/across industries? 
• How is your company approaching these key issues? 
• Are there ways you can be proactive on this topic, learn more or seek support?

4. Sustainability and the digital footprint 

• The digital footprint and the invisible coal mine of digital ads 
• The importance of education and awareness around this topic
• Measurement and tracking, how can we start here?
• How is your company approaching these key issues? 

5. Attention metrics, wasted ad spaces and revenue

• Understanding the scope of this metric and how to use it
• New research and insights into utilising attention to understand wasted ad spend
• What are the next steps for attention?

4 can’t-miss places to visit whilst you delve into DMEXCO and adventure in Cologne 

It’s easy to be swept off your feet by the fast-paced, dynamic, whirlwind of an event that is DMEXCO. With fascinating attendees and themes at every turn, sometimes it’s easy to forget that you’re in the heart of the wonderful city of Cologne! At The Digital Voice™, we’re all go, go, go, so here’s us taking a second to remind you (and us!) to have a good look around. 

Welcome to your mini guidebook… and voilà:

1. The spectacular Köln Cathedral 

• The Cathedral’s construction began in 1248, and it was the world’s tallest building until 1890!
• Fancy a visit? It’s open to tourists from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and on Sundays between 1pm and 4pm.

2. Key stages at the exhibition

• Media stage: Check out the Retail Media Market update from the IAB Europe Wednesday afternoon.
• Centre stage: Thursday morning hear from Porsche on how they make user experience measurable. 

3. The one and only: OM Club!

• "A must-go when you're done with talking, listening and networking at the DMEXCO. This is perhaps the best party I've ever been to. It's incredible what they set up every year for the guests - from free drinks to action tools,  like Breakdancer or bungee jump or fantastic artists. Focus is always on the guests, the OMClub team does everything to ensure that one has an unforgettable night! Don't miss out!" - OM Club Visitor. 
• Not a partier? The next one may be more up your street!

4. The River Rhine for a morning walk 

• September in Cologne is a lovely time of year, with fresh weather, sunshine (we hope, anyway!) and a perfect activity if you get time in the morning is to stroll down the River Rhine with a little breakfast in hand. Not sure what to pick? We think there’s three foods you’ve got to try!

3 must-try Cologne cuisines to treat your tastebuds! 

With all of these fantastic activities, conversations, and people to meet, it’s easy to get pretty hungry and you don’t want to forget to eat. Here are a couple of things that are guaranteed to get your taste buds going “when in Cologne”!

1. Currywurst

• Currywurst is a German fast food dish, with a pork fried sausage seasoned with a delicious curry spiced sauce, with a side of fries!
• Curry B comes highly recommended as a great place to grab a Currywurst and fries when you’re in need of a good, hearty, quick meal. You can find it at Breite Str. 169, 50667

2. Krapfen (traditional German jam-filled donut)

• Krapfen are fluffy donuts filled with jam, deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside - a popular snack in Germany and Austria!
• You can find a delicious Krapfen to try at Merzenich Backereien, the #1 rated bakery in Cologne! Find them at Wallrafplatz 4, 50667

3. Maultaschen: German-Style Dumplings

• A traditional large, meat and vegetable-filled pasta dish, the perfect cosy dinner for an Autumn meal in Cologne after a long day at DMEXCO. 
• Gilden im Zims is our top pick, find them at Heumarkt 77, 50667!

2 steps to having the perfect DMEXCO experience

• On The Digital Voice™ website, click on our “Useful Bits” header
• Download our DMEXCO lowdown calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on any events and get to know the bars and restaurants we recommend!

1 last thing!

We can’t wait to see you there!

From, The Events Team x

Rosie Hutchinson is The Digital Voice™’s Senior Events and Content Executive. A Bachelor of Laws graduate, with a first-class degree from the University of Manchester, she has a passion for all things events. Rosie has also worked as a complex injury paralegal and as a tutor in English and at the University of Manchester, Rosie was pro bono secretary for the human rights society.