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CARU's Annual West Coast Conference:


CARU's annual conference is happening on Wednesday May 11th at the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey, California. If there is one conference to attend this year about children's marketing, this is it. With so much happening right now in the children's marketing industry, you want to be part of the discussion. 

CARU’s annual conference is unique, bringing together legal experts and major children’s advertisers to examine trends and issues facing companies who market to children. As methods of children’s advertising become more complex, advertisers must be aware of evolving obligations. Panelists will provide insight and advice on what companies need to know and do in order to avoid legal missteps when it comes to online privacy, mobile and smart technology, connected toys, data security, native advertising and endorsements. Leave with inspiration and practical advice for your own brand.


Expert panelists will consider challenging issues facing the Children's Advertising Industry. We have a great lineup of expert panelists from top children’s advertisers including Mattel, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, HULU, The Pokémon Company and DreamWorks. To view the complete agenda, click here.

And we have two incredible keynote speakers that we are thrilled to announce:

  • Paul Berberian – CEO of Sphero – Sphero is the creator of one of the most popular toys of the year— the BB8 smartphone-controlled robot from Disney’s “Star Wars.”  Mr. Berberian will discuss technology and toy trends.

  • Madeline Di Nonno – CEO of The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media will discuss the work that her organization does as well as discuss the future of girls and women in advertising.

To register for the CARU Conference, click here. For more information about pricing and applicable discounts please contact Rey Persaud at rpersaud@asrc.bbb.org or (212) 705-0113.

Want to make your trip even better? CARU's sister organization, the Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program will hold a half-day seminar, May 12th, the day after CARU’s event at the same hotel. The Digital Advertising Alliance will be hosting a conference on May 13th at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey as well. 

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