AD Agencies
45th IAA World Congress to take place on 6-8 March 2024 in Penang
Mumbai: The International Advertising Association (IAA) has announced the dates for its eagerly awaited World Congress.
The IAA World Congress brings together top-notch speakers and marcom professionals from across the world for this event.
IAA World Congress chairman John Chacko is in Mumbai to meet with members of the IAA India Chapter Managing Committee. He said, “the convergence of social, economic and climate issues, along with rapid technological advancements has created a new reality for businesses to navigate. Equally, social issues such as inequality, diversity and inclusion have gained significant attention with customers and the workforce demanding more ethical practices all around. Technological advancements like AI continue to disrupt industries, bringing both opportunities and challenges. All these issues would be discussed and debated by senior global experts in Penang. And Penang itself is a wonderful confluence of diversity, heritage and culture.
With Indians not needing visas to come to Malaysia the path has been made even easier for a good participation from India.”
IAA India Chapter president Avinash Pandey added,” The India Chapter has been a very special part of the global IAA firmament. It has even contributed a World President in the form of Srinivasan Swamy. The Chapter itself is arguably the most active industry association of its kind with initiatives that cover sustainability, technology and excellence in Marketing and Creativity. The IAA World Congress Kochi in 2019, of course set a benchmark for others to emulate.
We are happy to welcome John Chacko and plan out the route ahead.”
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
