NewFronts has been a pivotal stage for TikTok to engage directly with the advertising industry’s most influential decision-makers. As an exclusive, closed-door event, TikTok’s presence was strategically designed to reinforce trust with key clients, reshape perceptions, and drive meaningful business outcomes. Through immersive storytelling, cutting-edge design, and curated experiences, TikTok positioned itself not just as a social media platform but as a powerful video ecosystem that drives measurable impact. As the Design Director, I played a crucial role in shaping the visual and experiential identity of TikTok’s NewFronts activations across multiple years. My work ensured that our brand presence was immersive, sophisticated, and strategically aligned with our broader messaging, helping brands and agencies understand TikTok’s value as a full-funnel advertising solution. From designing visually compelling event spaces to crafting engaging multimedia assets, my approach reinforced TikTok’s leadership in the digital advertising landscape.
"I'm sorry but TikTok has won #NewFronts22 for the sole reason of the signature cocktail being an ESPRESSO MARTINI called TikTok tini." – Kerry Flynn, Axios
In an industry where perception is everything, TikTok’s presence at NewFronts needed to strike a delicate balance: it had to be bold enough to stand out yet refined enough to command trust. Unlike consumer-facing activations where vibrant, trend-driven visuals are celebrated, NewFronts required an approach that spoke directly to senior marketers, media agencies, and Fortune 500 executives—an audience that values credibility, stability, and measurable results. The challenge wasn’t just about looking good; it was about redefining TikTok’s image from a platform associated with viral moments to a sophisticated, brand-safe advertising powerhouse. As Design Director, I played a pivotal role in shaping this elevated and understated visual identity, ensuring that every creative decision was deliberate, strategic, and in direct service of TikTok’s broader business objectives. Rather than relying on over-the-top, hyper-stylized aesthetics, we leaned into a more mature, modern, and premium design language—one that subtly reinforced TikTok’s growth as a trusted partner in the advertising ecosystem. The use of clean lines, restrained motion graphics, and a polished spatial environment allowed us to project authority, clarity, and brand safety while still maintaining TikTok’s signature energy. This design strategy wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about business impact. By ensuring our visual identity (VizID) aligned seamlessly with TikTok’s messaging on performance, measurement, and creative excellence, we were able to bridge the gap between perception and reality. The understated yet compelling design choices built credibility, reassured skeptical advertisers, and positioned TikTok as a serious, results-driven platform. Every aspect of our event space—from typography and color palettes to digital content flow and physical installations—was crafted to support TikTok’s business narrative, making the case for why media budgets should shift toward our ecosystem. Through thoughtful design leadership and strategic execution, I ensured that TikTok’s presence at NewFronts was not just visually striking, but also a persuasive, business-aligned experience that reinforced our long-term industry positioning.
Over the course of three years, TikTok’s presence at NewFronts evolved from an emerging disruptor to a dominant force in the advertising industry, proving itself not just as a viral entertainment platform but as an indispensable business partner for brands and agencies. This transformation required more than just compelling content—it needed a clear, strategic, and visually sophisticated identity that resonated with top-tier advertisers, decision-makers, and media buyers.
For TikTok’s 2024 NewFronts 3D intro video, I leveraged my prior experience working with Joel Waty as a freelance 3D artist at Bleacher Report to bring him on board, knowing his expertise could help push TikTok’s motion design in a bold new direction. I pitched the vision to Jen Pincus, aligning on how we could use a cinematic train-themed sequence as a metaphor for movement, discovery, and TikTok’s role in driving cultural momentum. Together, we refined the concept and pitched it to Sofia for approval, making the case for budget allocation and the importance of experimenting with a fresh, elevated animation style. The final result was a visually immersive, high-energy intro that seamlessly merged real-world and digital elements, using subway station signage, FYP-inspired UI, and train doors as portals into TikTok’s cultural communities. This intro was a strategic creative experiment that reinforced TikTok’s premium brand positioning, showcasing how design, storytelling, and innovation work together to drive engagement.
A fun Easter egg hidden within the 2024 NewFronts 3D intro video is that the model featured in the sequence—wearing an Omega Speedmaster, a Denim Tears jacket, and the banned BRED Air Jordan 1s—is actually styled after me and my personal aesthetic. This subtle nod wasn’t just a fun creative choice—it was a way to infuse authenticity into the project, reflecting TikTok’s ability to merge cultural relevance, individual expression, and premium brand storytelling. It was a small but meaningful detail that made the project even more personal, embedding my signature streetwear-meets-luxury style into the visual identity of TikTok’s most high-profile industry event. The video shows the power of the platform and I feel genuinely luck to work in the middle of Times Square at TikTok at the forefront of social media and design.
IAB NewFronts is the premier digital content marketplace, where the biggest platforms, publishers, and media companies unveil their latest advertising innovations to brands and agencies looking to make strategic investments in the evolving digital landscape. As the digital equivalent of TV’s Upfronts, NewFronts is a critical stage for shaping how and where advertisers allocate their budgets, particularly as video consumption continues shifting from traditional television to mobile and social platforms.
For TikTok, showing up at NewFronts isn’t just about making an appearance—it’s about reinforcing its position as an essential player in the advertising ecosystem, demonstrating how it delivers full-funnel marketing solutions that go beyond cultural relevance and into measurable business impact. By taking part in the NewFronts lineup alongside platforms like YouTube, Meta, and Amazon, TikTok has the opportunity to directly engage CMOs, media buyers, and brand decision-makers, proving that its AI-driven ad products, premium content integrations, and commerce solutions can drive real results at scale. As the industry grapples with privacy shifts, measurement challenges, and the future of media consumption, TikTok’s presence at NewFronts ensures that it remains not just a disruptor, but a leader shaping the next era of digital advertising.
As Design Director, my role was to shape TikTok’s NewFronts presence in collaboration with experiential and digital production agencies like Young Hero, NVE and Civic in a way that bridged creativity with business objectives, ensuring that every design decision not only reflected the brand’s DNA but also reinforced TikTok’s credibility as a performance-driven advertising solution. Each year presented its own set of challenges and opportunities, requiring a nuanced approach to storytelling, engagement, and execution.
In 2021, TikTok entered IAB NewFronts at a critical inflection point—not just for the platform itself, but for the entire media landscape. The world was still navigating the aftershocks of the pandemic, with in-person events largely off the table, and the advertising industry grappling with accelerated shifts toward digital and mobile-first experiences. While many platforms struggled to adapt, TikTok was thriving—having exploded in popularity over the course of 2020, with millions of new users flocking to the app for entertainment, community, and connection in a time of isolation. This rapid growth presented an unprecedented opportunity: TikTok wasn’t just a social media platform anymore—it had become a cultural powerhouse, shaping conversations, music, trends, and purchasing behavior on a global scale.
With traditional TV viewership declining and social video engagement skyrocketing, TikTok’s first-ever NewFronts presentation needed to capitalize on this momentum while addressing the industry’s biggest question: Can TikTok drive real business impact for brands? The answer was a resounding yes, and our challenge was to show, not just tell. Instead of a conventional keynote, we built a fully digital, high-energy 45-minute experience, designed to mirror the engaging, fast-paced nature of the For You Page. The run of show seamlessly transitioned between TikTok 101 sizzles, virtual panels, creator showcases, fireside chats, and even a live musical performance by Tai Verdes, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
As Design Director, I worked closely with Paola Llaneza and the team at Young Hero to ensure that TikTok’s design language and motion storytelling came through in a way that felt immersive, dynamic, and unmistakably TikTok. We had to create a visual system that worked entirely in a digital format, maintaining momentum, clarity, and energy across multiple segments. The result was a bold, kinetic design approach that blended TikTok’s playful nature with a polished, professional aesthetic, reinforcing TikTok’s evolution from a viral trend machine to a legitimate advertising powerhouse.
Unlike traditional presentations that relied on static slides and long-winded panels, TikTok’s NewFronts debut embodied the essence of the platform itself—fun, interactive, and constantly in motion. It wasn’t just about showcasing ad products; it was about demonstrating how TikTok had redefined entertainment, advertising, and brand engagement during one of the most transformative years in media history. We embraced the fully digital format not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to push boundaries, delivering an experience that was as immersive and engaging as the platform itself.
The industry took notice. TikTok’s 2021 NewFronts presentation was widely regarded as one of the most compelling of the year, with Digiday, AdWeek, and Deadline praising its energy, originality, and ability to differentiate from competitors. Brands left not just entertained, but convinced—understanding that TikTok was no longer just an emerging platform, but an essential part of the modern media mix. This debut set the foundation for TikTok’s continued dominance in digital advertising, proving that in a post-pandemic world, entertainment, authenticity, and real-time engagement are the new currency of marketing success.
In 2022, our primary goal was to establish TikTok as a serious advertising player, moving beyond its reputation as a hub for trends and user-generated content. By 2023, we pivoted to a more intimate, high-touch executive experience, refining our brand presence to emphasize credibility, measurement, and business outcomes. By 2024, we had fully matured our presence, crafting a keynote-driven experience that cemented TikTok’s role as a market leader in AI-powered advertising and performance measurement.
At the heart of this evolution was a meticulous approach to design, ensuring that our visual identity, spatial experiences, and engagement strategies seamlessly aligned with TikTok’s broader business objectives. Through immersive storytelling, interactive installations, and refined branding, our activations were not just about attracting attention but about changing perceptions, securing advertiser trust, and driving measurable business impact.
📍 The Glasshouse, 660 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019
In 2022, TikTok faced a pivotal challenge at NewFronts: how to be taken seriously by advertisers in a landscape dominated by legacy platforms like YouTube, Amazon, and Meta. While TikTok had cemented itself as a viral powerhouse with unmatched cultural influence, advertisers remained hesitant to view it as a mature, full-funnel ad platform capable of delivering measurable performance. Many brands still associated TikTok with trends and organic discovery rather than brand-safe, high-impact placements that could drive tangible business outcomes. My role as Design Director was to craft an activation that not only captured attention but also strategically aligned with business goals to shift advertiser perception and prove TikTok’s value as a must-buy advertising channel.
A central focus of TikTok’s presence at NewFronts 2022 was the launch of TikTok Pulse, an ad product that placed brand content immediately after the top 4% of trending, brand-safe videos on TikTok’s For You Feed. This was a game-changer in how advertisers approached TikTok, as it merged organic discovery with premium brand adjacency—a concept that had previously been exclusive to traditional publishers. My team developed an interactive brand showcase that allowed attendees to visually and experientially understand how Pulse worked. Through a seamless blend of storytelling, product demonstration, creator panels and live engagement, we ensured that advertisers not only grasped the mechanics of Pulse but also saw compelling real-world examples of its effectiveness.
A critical element of TikTok’s NewFronts 2022 success was our partnership with NVE Experience Agency, which played a pivotal role in bringing our vision to life. As our production agency, NVE was instrumental in executing an activation that not only captured TikTok’s creative spirit but also reinforced its evolving business credibility in the advertising industry. Their expertise in immersive brand experiences and large-scale event production allowed us to seamlessly translate TikTok’s digital-first storytelling into a physical space that was both engaging and strategically impactful. Working closely with their team, we ensured that every touchpoint—from the spatial design to the interactive elements—was crafted to guide advertisers through an intuitive journey.
A key element that took our show to the next level was the energy and charisma brought by our hosts, Chris Olsen and Shuba, two creators who perfectly embodied the authenticity, creativity, and cultural impact of the platform. Their presence on stage wasn’t just about delivering scripted segments—it was about showcasing the very essence of TikTok through personalities that advertisers recognized as organic success stories from the platform itself. Chris, known for his hilarious and relatable content, and Shuba, celebrated for her incredible vocal talent and viral musical moments, provided the perfect balance of entertainment and insight, helping bridge the gap between TikTok’s creator-driven nature and its growing role as a results-driven advertising platform. They were not just presenters but living proof of how TikTok could turn everyday creators into global names, reinforcing the message that brands could achieve the same level of engagement and virality through smart, strategic advertising on the platform.
The venue was transformed into a living representation of the For You Page, with six curated CommunityTok showcases—each dedicated to a thriving TikTok subculture, from FoodTok to MovieTok and BeautyTok. These showcases weren’t just meant to be visually engaging; they immersed guests in the world of TikTok creators, allowing them to experience firsthand how these communities drove engagement and brand loyalty. These intimate conversations in a space that felt like our brand was the key to driving revenue across the coming fiscal quarters.
The activation was intentionally designed to balance creativity with business credibility. We leaned into a sleek, modern aesthetic, ensuring that the space felt premium and aligned with TikTok’s evolving brand positioning. Unlike many competitor activations that relied on traditional booth-style setups, our approach created an immersive, walk-through experience, where attendees could engage with TikTok’s solutions in a dynamic and hands-on way. This design strategy developed closely with Henry Kaye on our team ensured that Pulse wasn’t just introduced—it was experienced and evangalized through the creator partnerships to form a deeper connection with brands attending.
By Q4 2022, TikTok's impact on advertiser pipelines was undeniable, influencing over $200 million in potential revenue. This success was driven by the platform’s ability to seamlessly integrate business messaging, interactive design, and brand storytelling, demonstrating that engagement and performance could go hand in hand. The activation showcased how TikTok’s unique approach to advertising—blending native storytelling with interactive experiences—could not only drive brand awareness but also generate measurable business outcomes.
Advertisers who aligned their strategies with TikTok’s immersive content ecosystem saw tangible benefits, from increased audience engagement to stronger conversion rates. Beyond just lead generation, this milestone reaffirmed TikTok’s position as a performance-driven advertising platform, paving the way for its continued expansion in the digital marketing space. The success of this initiative underscored the evolving role of TikTok in full-funnel marketing, proving that short-form video could influence not just top-of-funnel awareness but also real business impact at scale. By leveraging data-driven insights, creative ad formats, and a highly engaged community, TikTok provided advertisers with a dynamic way to connect with consumers, making it a crucial part of modern marketing strategies. This momentum set the foundation for future innovations, reinforcing TikTok’s ability to deliver both brand-building and direct-response advertising solutions in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
📍 Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
By 2023, TikTok had cemented itself as a dominant player in the digital advertising space, but there was still an important gap to close: building deeper, high-touch relationships with senior marketing executives and reinforcing TikTok as a mature, brand-safe platform. Many advertisers had embraced TikTok’s cultural influence and scale, but they needed more assurance that the platform could deliver predictable, measurable results while upholding brand safety and privacy. To meet this challenge, we completely reimagined our approach to NewFronts—moving from a traditional, large-scale activation to a high-touch, invite-only dinner designed for deep engagement with key decision-makers.
As TikTok’s advertising strategy matured, so too did our approach to event production. In 2023, we made a strategic shift from NVE to Civic Entertainment Group as our production partner for NewFronts, reflecting TikTok’s evolution into a more refined, brand-safe, and business-driven platform. This transition was not just about execution—it was about aligning the experience with TikTok’s broader narrative of maturity, trust, and long-term growth with advertisers. Going with a dinner centered conversation rather than a traditional tech company style presentation felt more intimate and approachable, much like our platform.
Civic’s expertise in premium, executive-level engagements made them the ideal partner as we transitioned from high-energy, large-scale activations to curated, invite-only experiences tailored for senior decision-makers. Their ability to create bespoke, high-touch environments ensured that our exclusive executive dinner format in 2023 was more than just an event—it was a deliberate, strategic touchpoint designed to deepen relationships with top clients. The visual identity our team created was present throughout the activation, from the smallest of touchpoints like menus to the graphics that adorned the larger walls in the space.
This shift also reflected the broader industry demand for brand safety, accountability, and measurable results. With Civic, we emphasized understated sophistication in our design language, ensuring that every element—from the elegantly designed private spaces to the intimate conversation settings—reinforced TikTok’s credibility as a trusted, results-driven advertising platform. Unlike previous years, where the emphasis was on scale and spectacle, 2023 focused on quality over quantity, ensuring that the experience was personalized, strategic, and resonated with high-level media buyers and brand executives.
This shift wasn’t just a change in format—it was a deliberate strategic move that reflected TikTok’s evolution from an emerging disruptor to a trusted business partner. My design strategy for 2023 focused on creating an experience that felt both exclusive and intimate, fostering an environment where senior marketing leaders could engage in meaningful, high-level conversations without distractions. The event space itself was meticulously curated: warm lighting, refined textures, and an understated elegance signaled a departure from past activations that leaned heavily on vibrancy and energy. Instead, this was about sophistication, trust, and long-term partnership-building.
A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate, high-profile conversation on privacy and data security, featuring TikTok’s Global Head of Privacy, Andy Bonillo, and President of Global Business Solutions, Blake Chandlee. This wasn’t just another panel discussion—it was a deeply engaged, edge-of-your-seat conversation that captivated the room, reinforcing TikTok’s commitment to brand safety, advertiser trust, and responsible data use. My team ensured that the visual storytelling matched the gravity of the discussion, with clean, minimalistic presentation materials and seamless environmental branding that allowed the content to take center stage. Every touchpoint—from the elegantly designed dinner menus to the discreet yet high-impact motion graphics—was crafted to exude professionalism and reliability.
As the Design Lead, I’ve always believed that immersive experiences are made through attention to detail, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the small touches that bring TikTok’s events to life. One such example is the Toktails menu, where I collaborated closely with the copy team to develop not just engaging drink names but also recipes that reflect TikTok’s vibrant and playful brand personality. Whether it’s the Razzle Dazzle Fizz or the Pomegranate POV, every drink was carefully crafted to deliver a unique guest experience, seamlessly blending the creativity and energy of TikTok into the event itself.
By marrying design with storytelling, I ensured that these elements weren’t just decorative but became an extension of TikTok’s identity—engaging, fun, and culturally tuned-in. From the drink names to the modern, minimalist menu design and floral arrangements framing the bar setup, each detail added a layer of polish and personality that elevated the guest experience, reinforcing TikTok as a premium, yet approachable, brand. It's in these thoughtful details—no matter how small—where the larger story of TikTok’s brand ethos truly comes alive.
Beyond privacy, TikTok Pulse Premiere was a major focus of the evening, marking the platform’s expansion beyond user-generated content into partnerships with top-tier publishers like Disney, NBCUniversal, Conde Nast, and the NFL. This offering was a turning point in TikTok’s positioning, proving that advertisers could achieve brand-safe, high-quality adjacency beyond influencer content. My design approach ensured that Pulse Premiere was seamlessly integrated into the evening’s narrative, not as a hard pitch but as a natural evolution of TikTok’s ability to drive full-funnel business outcomes.
The results spoke for themselves. 124 senior marketing executives attended, including CMOs and top media buyers from Fortune 500 brands, many of whom left the event with a clear commitment to testing TikTok’s new AI-powered measurement tools and premium brand-safe solutions. By elevating the experience beyond a standard industry event and into an exclusive, executive-level engagement, we ensured that TikTok was perceived not just as an innovative platform, but as an essential, sophisticated business partner capable of growing with advertisers at scale.
NewFronts 2023 was a testament to TikTok’s evolution, not just as a social platform but as a leader in the video content space. Our intentional approach—curating an exclusive, trust-driven experience—enabled us to connect deeply with industry leaders, reinforce our commitment to security, and showcase the power of TikTok for advertisers and creators alike. As Design Director, I was proud to shape the creative vision that brought this event to life, ensuring every visual and experiential touchpoint reflected our brand’s energy, innovation, and purpose. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the entire team across GBM Studio, GMS, MarComms, Comms, and beyond.
📍 Skylight at Essex Crossing, 198 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
By 2024, TikTok wasn’t just participating in industry conversations—it was leading them. The shift from brand awareness to AI-powered performance and privacy-first solutions required an activation that mirrored this transformation, reinforcing TikTok’s status as a mature, results-driven advertising platform with a strong commitment to brand safety. With Smart+ as the centerpiece of 2024’s NewFronts, the challenge was to ensure that advertisers not only understood the platform’s cutting-edge AI capabilities but also saw TikTok as a trusted, long-term partner for performance-driven campaigns.
Following the success of the exclusive executive dinner format in 2023, we extended this approach in 2024 with private, invite-only discussions that tackled some of the most pressing industry concerns. Blake Chandlee took the stage with a steady confidence, speaking directly to the tension in the room. He didn’t sugarcoat the challenges or sidestep the regulatory conversation. Instead, he owned it. He laid out TikTok’s position with clarity—not a defense, but a declaration of the platform’s staying power and continued dominance in digital advertising.
Security, transparency, and audience scale weren’t framed as obstacles to overcome but as competitive advantages. He broke down misconceptions around data privacy, reinforcing TikTok’s proactive measures while positioning the platform as an industry leader in digital trust. Every data point was a counterweight to the fear-mongering, a reminder that advertisers go where attention lives—and right now, that’s TikTok. It was a room filled with the industry’s most influential decision-makers, hanging onto every word. It bridged that gap that we had built the year prior and transformed into a continuation and celebration of our best in class ad products.
The evening at Skylight at Essex Crossing felt different from the usual media summits. The energy in the room was measured but electric—a knowing confidence rather than a loud spectacle. Executives and advertisers weren’t just nodding along; they were engaged, leaning into conversations about audience expansion, precision measurement, and how brands can move beyond trend-chasing to sustained impact. One key theme? The evolution of TikTok beyond its Gen Z stronghold. Buying power has shifted, and TikTok’s audience has expanded to moms, sports fans, and high-net-worth consumers—an expansion reflected not just in the data but in the creators and content showcased.
While privacy and data security took center stage, another core theme of 2024 was creative commerce and AI-powered performance advertising. Smart+ was introduced as the ultimate AI-driven solution, optimizing ad placements, creative formats, and audience targeting in real time. The design challenge was translating these innovations into a tangible, engaging experience, which we achieved through interactive, data-driven storytelling installations that allowed advertisers to see in real time how Smart+ adjusted ad placements dynamically.
A major highlight was the unveiling of Pulse Premiere Tentpole Moments, designed to capitalize on global cultural events like the Paris Olympics and the Met Gala—both major media moments broadcast by TikTok’s top Pulse partners, NBCUniversal and Conde Nast’s Vogue. This expansion was a clear indication that TikTok was no longer just a social media platform; it was a premium entertainment destination, one where brands could seamlessly integrate into major cultural conversations with confidence and scale.
Another game-changing update was the introduction of Pulse IP Lineups, a new offering that grouped multiple hit shows from the same network into a single ad package. For example, an advertiser could secure placements across NBC’s Saturday Night Live, America’s Got Talent, and the TODAY Show, ensuring that their brand was embedded within high-impact, premium video content. This shift reinforced TikTok’s long-term commitment to building a premium, brand-safe ad ecosystem—one that could compete directly with YouTube Select and other traditional broadcast media solutions.
From a design perspective, the challenge in 2024 was ensuring that these complex product evolutions were communicated in a clear, compelling, and visually intuitive way. My team crafted data-driven storytelling installations that allowed advertisers to see how Smart+ optimized ad placements in real-time, interact with Pulse Premiere’s new lineup capabilities, and experience firsthand the power of tentpole integrations. Every detail, from the color-coded ecosystem maps to the dynamic UI elements of our live demos, was designed to reinforce TikTok’s sophistication, transparency, and technological leadership.
NewFronts isn’t a trade show. It’s a flex—of vision, of influence, of storytelling power. The 2024 design system wasn’t built to decorate or dazzle but to orchestrate attention. Every choice, from the deliberate pacing of information to the visual restraint in the materials, was about commanding the room without excess. We abandoned the cluttered, maximalist language of the industry’s past and leaned into space, clarity, and editorial precision. Down to the simplistic brand ambassador uniforms, the idea was to streamline our brand and come across as a cohesive trustworthy presence.
The slats weren’t slides—they were statements. No performative gradients, no gratuitous embellishments. Instead, a refined typographic hierarchy that let data sit rather than shout, color blocking that carved out moments of pause, and negative space that functioned as much as the text itself. The goal was never to overwhelm—it was to anchor the audience in the substance of the story. When we spoke about security, the design held its breath—tight layouts, subdued tones, a rhythm that evoked certainty. When we unveiled product innovation, the energy shifted—bold cuts, kinetic transitions, visuals that pulled you in without demanding it.
This philosophy extended beyond the decks presented on stage and the topics we covered with our speakers. The space, the staging, even the pacing of content releases—everything adhered to this idea of controlled impact. The installations were not gimmicky activations but tactile proof of TikTok’s reach, translating audience segments into something you could step inside. Lighting was warm but directional, guiding focus instead of dispersing it. Even the timing of the event—later in the evening, deliberately counter-programming the industry’s morning circuit—played into the tone. This wasn’t about chasing attention; it was about earning it.
Understated, in this context, was not passive. It was deliberate. It was an evolution of TikTok’s presence at NewFronts—one that spoke in the confident, unhurried cadence of a platform that doesn’t need to explain its relevance. The industry already knows. Now, it’s about defining what comes next. Beyond the discussions, the dining and hospitality experience itself was intentionally crafted to reinforce TikTok’s evolution into a premium, brand-safe, and results-driven platform. Elegant table settings, curated menus, and personalized experiences created an atmosphere where top executives could engage in business conversations in a setting that felt thoughtful, elevated, and intimate. This wasn’t just another industry event—it was a signal that TikTok had grown into a platform that could sit at the same table as the most established players in the advertising world.
Carly Pearl didn’t so much perform as she shifted the atmosphere. The night had been full of sharp insights, controlled messaging, and measured conversation—but the second she hit the mic, that structure loosened. Her voice cut through the room like a deep exhale, pulling people out of their analytical heads and into something more visceral. Backed by a crisp live arrangement, she swayed between smoky, slow-burn melodies and punchy, hook-driven moments, balancing rawness with precision, soul with sharpness. It wasn’t just a closing act—it was a recalibration, a reminder that TikTok’s power isn’t just in numbers and strategy decks, but in the culture it amplifies in real time.
The impact was undeniable. 91% of media coverage centered on TikTok’s Smart+ suite, establishing it as the most talked-about AI-powered ad solution of the year. Additionally, 72.5% of attendees expressed intent to invest in TikTok’s performance marketing solutions, reinforcing that advertisers weren’t just interested in TikTok—they were ready to shift budgets and commit. The event set the tone with sharp, intentional messaging built for impact. Every element from the storytelling to the design reinforced a platform moving the industry forward on its own terms.
Each year of NewFronts represented a new stage in TikTok’s evolution, and my design leadership ensured that each activation not only captured attention but actively shaped industry perception. In 2022, our goal was to establish credibility and introduce TikTok as a serious advertising platform—a challenge we met with the launch of TikTok Pulse and a strategic brand showcase. By 2023, the mission had shifted to deepening relationships and proving TikTok’s brand safety and full-funnel effectiveness, which we achieved through a high-touch, executive dinner format and the introduction of Pulse Premiere. In 2024, TikTok was leading the conversation on AI-powered ad performance and privacy-first advertising, solidifying its place as a data-driven, results-focused partner for enterprise advertisers.
Through meticulous design strategy, seamless business integration, and immersive storytelling, I ensured that TikTok’s presence at NewFronts wasn’t just about brand visibility—it was about reinforcing advertiser trust, securing long-term partnerships, and driving real business outcomes. The evolution from a high-energy disruptor to a mature, indispensable advertising leader was carefully crafted at every step, proving that strategic design and business impact go hand in hand.
Key Collaborators: Sandie Hawkins, Sofia Hernandez, Sloane Humphrey, Yvette Banks, Tiffany Perez Cook, Gabs Espinet, Matt Steele, I-Hsien Sherwood, Sandra Manzanares, Bella Lazzareschi, Selina Santiago, Meg Siegel, Kellie Norton, Grace Theodore, Marg Baughman, Angelo Miranda, Christopher Carr, Ludo de Valon, Rahul Kothari, Elena Robustelli, Rita Vinnik, Steph Hind, Evelyn Zhang, Anthony Fernandez, Eddie Valcin, Alix Rosenberg, Erin Lowers, Blake Chandlee, Andy Bonilla, Christine White, Katelyn Tyrell, Jourdan Davis, Lynn Pine, Matthew Love, Trevor Kietyka, Ken Whiteside, Nate Koch, Molly Vertette, Vivian Nguyen, Jeremy Cohen, Mike Hinson, Henry Kaye, Crystal Yin, Joy Seet, Tracy Llewellyn, Dwight Holden, Marina d’Orthez, Eric Schroeder, Brian Wall, Heliz Mansouri, Jaclyn Fitzpatrick, Kristina Borgwing, Blair Shiffman, Connor Brownell, Ananya Kacker, Alana Tabak, Ashlie Williams, Stacey Pang, Rema Vasan, Dana Viltz, Alainna Schiano, Michelle Chan, Corianda Dimes, Hunter Mejaly, Kate Amery, Misha Rindisbacher, Jordan Thompson, Krystle Watler, Allison Miceli, Jordan Randall, Andrea Herskowich, Erica Coven, Ann Nguyen, Bahar Bozdogan, Kim Wu, LuShuang Xu, Nina Skoko, Ilinca Sipos, Mette Miller, Jacob Kim, Ted Fernandez, Joe Schaefer, Taco Zhang, Jesse Barrett, Hannah Tucker, Marjorie Pouyes, Loree Sanchez, Sean Roe, Beau Avril, Diana Liu, Denise Dillon, Michael Fee, Joie Seow, Francis Stones, Dennis Petrone, Gabriel Nicolau, Nandeeta Seth, Keiko Mori, Adria Farrero, Chris Liao, Alex Grignon, Ami Soto, Malia Estes, Danielle Langer, Haley Paas, Sandra Manzanares, Judy Chang, Sloane Humphrey, Rashida Still, Ashley Rutland, Gideon E. Moncrieffe, Christopher Chen, Cameron Colan, Lizzy Pettigrew, Hyunjin Park, Vanessa Rizk, Kenneth Liew, Macy Tang, Dana Spomer, Wesley Phung, Parris Pierce, Liz Amendola, Lorrie Cartago, Sara McNutt, Chelsea Yu, Justin Ivey, Mike Nguyen, Christina Cowan, Tanya Vandriel, Sloane Winters Holtzman, Sarah Khazzam-Claude, Carmen Hawkins, Anand Galhot, NVE Agency, Design Force, Civic Entertainment Group, Young Hero
Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, Figma, Cinema 4D, and Sketch.
Deliverables: Immersive installations, branded activations, co-branded workshops, executive speaking engagements, and integrated design narratives.