SuChin Pak, Gaby Dunn, Heather McDonald Named Co-Hosts Of IAB’s ‘Podcast Upfront’

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has tapped veteran journaist SuChin Pak (pictured above) to serve as host of its 2021 Podcast Upfront — an advertiser-focused event previewing upcoming audio releases, marketing opportunities, and industry-wide insights.

Pak, who rose to fame as an MTV correspondent in the early 2000s, will co-host alongside YouTuber and podcaster Gaby Dunn, who hosts Westwood One’s Bad With Money; Heather McDonald, who hosts Stitchery’s Juicy Scoop; and NPR Throughline hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei. Pak, for her part, currently hosts consumer trends podcast Add To Cart for Lemonada Media.

The second-ever virtual Podcast Upfront event — in lieu of COVID — is slated to take place from May 11 to 13. Pak will be on call every day, while Dunn will co-host on May 11, while McDonald will assume co-hosting duties the following day, and Abdelfatah and Arablouei will co-host on Thursday. This year’s Podcast Upfront will take place immediately after IAB’s video-focused NewFronts, which is slated to run from May 3 to 6.

IAB says that 3,500 brands, agencies, and media buyers are currently registered to attend this year’s Podcast Upfront. You can check out the full presenter lineup — including Slate, Vox Media Podcast Network, Wondery/Amazon Music, The Roost, and ViacomCBS — right here.

“With a pulse on news, pop culture, and the cultural moment, SuChin will bring a unique voice to this year’s event,” Eric John, who serves as VP of IAB’s media center, said in a statement. “She is someone who breaks boundaries across TV and podcasting, and we’re excited to have her lead us through three days of content, creativity, and insights on the power of podcasts.”

The Podcast Upfront was first introduced in 2015;  last year’s event was hosted by digital star, actress, and comedian Franchesca Ramsey.