New York City Gears Up for Advertising Week with Focus on Emerging Trends
This week, the bustling streets of New York City are alive with excitement as thousands of marketers gather for the highly anticipated Advertising Week New York. This annual event, now celebrating its 20th year, is taking place in the redesigned Penn District, a space that promises to be both informative and engaging for professionals in the advertising industry.
What to Expect at Advertising Week New York
With over 17,000 attendees expected—up from 15,000 last year—organizers have made several enhancements to improve the experience for everyone. Ruth Mortimer, the Global President of Advertising Week, mentioned, “We’ve slightly changed the floor plan. This year we’ve actually zoned it, hopefully, to make it a much easier space for people to navigate because it is so big.”
Streamlined Navigation
The Penn District entrance, located at 100 West 33rd Street, is conveniently near Herald Square and a few blocks away from Penn Station. Attendees will find helpful greeters and clear signage to guide them through the expansive venue. Mortimer recommends downloading the Advertising Week app to help navigate the event and bookmark your chosen sessions. The app even includes a Slido function for audience Q&As during panels, making it easier to interact with speakers.
Zones, Stages, and Networking Opportunities
Inside the Penn District, each level features specific zones tailored to various discussion tracks. This year, there are 28 content tracks to choose from. The top floor is the Leadership Zone, hosting stages like Great Minds and providing spaces for brand marketers in the CMO Lounge. The CMO Lounge is designed to accommodate senior marketers who need to manage their day jobs while attending the conference. This lounge now features private meeting rooms, a wellness space, and even AI-powered wine tastings.
The ground floor is bustling with a podcast studio and the registration area, while the first lower level has been transformed into an Entertainment Zone. This zone includes the Creativity Stage and the Media Stage, plus a couple of lounges for networking. The plans for the final day include a dedicated Podcast Zone for audio marketers to explore and connect.
Focus on Commerce Media and Brand Marketing
This year, the conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) is quieter than in previous years. However, topics such as commerce media are making a significant impact. Mortimer noted, “Effectively, I would say this is the year where anyone with a high-traffic website realized they could be in advertising.” Programming in the Trends Zone will highlight how retail, travel, and other industries are embracing digital media monetization.
Special Events and Exciting Appearances
Attendees can also look forward to chats with big names like Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, and more. While the Super Delegate pass offers exclusive access to reserved seating, making an early arrival is key to securing spots at these marquee talks. The event will also tackle significant topics such as the upcoming elections and their influence on marketing strategies.
Avenue to Connect and Relax
Mortimer emphasized the importance of providing ample networking opportunities this year, stating, “There’s a lot of content, but the thing we felt people wanted even more from us was a reason to stay and do business.” In addition to the schedule of sessions, there are private dinners and a wrap party featuring live performances. The Future is Female Awards will take place on Monday, recognizing the contributions of women in the industry.
Savoring the Experience
If all of this sounds overwhelming, fear not! This year’s event boasts a variety of refreshment spots, ensuring attendees can stay energized throughout the four-day gathering. Sponsors like Snapchat and Viant are providing food carts and cafes throughout the venue to keep everyone fueled for both learning and networking.
A Look Back and Ahead
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Advertising Week has been a steadfast fixture in the marketing community. Mortimer noted, “Advertising Week, over the last 20 years, has always been about looking at what’s next.” With an ever-expanding scope that now includes themes like NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and commerce media, this year’s event promises to be a significant moment for professionals to connect, learn, and innovate.
As New York City welcomes marketers from all corners, the excitement surrounding Advertising Week is palpable. With a fresh focus on current trends and ample opportunities for connection, attendees are in for an inspiring and engaging experience.
