Last week, the entire Ventura Growth team packed their bags and headed to ‘The West’s Most Western Town,’ Scottsdale, AZ, for our 2025 Winter Summit. We were joined by our trusted partners from The Trade Desk, making for an event full of insights, collaboration, and a healthy dose of desert sunshine.
Reflecting on 2024 and Planning for 2025
The summit kicked off with a look back at 2024, celebrating our milestones and successes from our biggest year yet. But the real focus was on what’s ahead. With 2025 planning at the forefront, we explored ambitious goals and innovative strategies to drive continued success in the programmatic advertising space.
A standout moment was a special session led by our friend, Lindsey Beeden from the Gundo Group. His insights on industry trends and leadership strategies left us inspired and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. We also had sessions with The Trade Desk, where we delved into our partnership metrics and ways to maximize client impact. Their presence was invaluable—sharing expertise and celebrating alongside us. We’re grateful for The Trade Desk’s continued partnership, which drives meaningful results for our clients.
Celebrating Excellence: Ventura Growth Awards
During the summit, we took a moment to recognize the outstanding contributions of our team members. We’re proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Ventura Awards, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact.
Founder Awards: These awards, chosen by our co-founders, celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our growth. This year, each recipient was recognized for embodying one of the three Cs: Character, Consistency, and Curiosity. Congratulations to:
- Emily Gucwa – Consistency: Emily’s unwavering dedication to delivering results, her deep industry knowledge, and her approachable nature make her a trusted partner for both clients and colleagues. She exemplifies consistency in her work, always striving for excellence.
- Ashlee Burdette – Character: Ashlee’s deep expertise in programmatic advertising is matched by her integrity, reliability, and willingness to support those around her. She leads with character, always putting the success of her team and clients first.
- Michael Bellitte – Curiosity: As a founding member of Ventura, Mike’s unmatched expertise and leadership in programmatic trading continue to drive our success. His relentless curiosity challenges the status quo, constantly deepening his industry knowledge.
The Ascent Award: Our highest recognition and the first of its kind, was voted on by the entire Ventura team. This honor went to:
- Matt Merker: As the backbone of our operations, Matt’s leadership ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently across the organization. Matt is truly deserving of this recognition, and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.
Work Hard, Play Hard
While the summit was packed with productive sessions, we made sure to mix in plenty of fun. A team favorite was the pickleball tournament, where competitive spirits and laughter took center court. For dinner, we were treated to an entertaining performance by hibachi chefs who impressed us with their culinary skills and humor. And of course, no trip to Scottsdale would be complete without some hiking and golfing to take in the stunning desert landscape.
A Tradition of Connection and Collaboration
At Ventura Growth, summits like these aren’t just events; they’re a cornerstone of our culture. We hold both winter and summer summits to foster collaboration, brainstorm fresh ideas, and strengthen the bonds that make our team so special. As we continue to scale, these gatherings become even more essential to maintaining our dynamic and innovative spirit.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
With 2025 already shaping up to be a year of exciting growth, we’re thrilled about what’s to come. We’re also growing our team! If you’re interested in joining a company that values collaboration, innovation, and culture, check out our careers page for open positions.
We’re already planning next year’s summit, and if it’s anything like this one, it’s bound to be unforgettable. Stay tuned for updates—the best is yet to come!
