Excitement in New York City as Advertising Week Kicks Off!
This week, New York City is buzzing with excitement as thousands of marketers flock to the Penn District for the much-anticipated Advertising Week. This year marks the 20th edition of the event, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before! With a focus on everything from generative artificial intelligence to sports marketing, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to learn, network, and explore the latest trends in the marketing world.
New Venue, New Vibes
Returning to what used to be the Manhattan Mall, the venue has been revamped to enhance navigation. Last year, attendees experienced long lines and some delays getting into popular panels, but this year, organizers have taken steps to streamline the experience. Ruth Mortimer, the global president of Advertising Week, mentioned that they’ve made changes to the floor plan to better zone the areas and ease movement through the large space. With expected attendance surpassing 17,000—up from 15,000 in 2023—it’s a good idea to have a solid game plan before heading in!
What to Expect
When you arrive, you’ll find the entrance at 100 West 33rd Street, located between 6th and 7th Avenues, close to the bustling Herald Square and a stone’s throw from Penn Station. Keep an eye out for helpful greeters and signage to guide you. For convenience, Mortimer recommends downloading the Advertising Week app. It’s packed with features to help attendees navigate the schedule, bookmark favorite sessions, and participate in live Q&A through the Slido function during panels.
This year, the conference has 28 tracks of content spread over multiple levels. The top floor is the Leadership Zone, which includes the Great Minds and Insights stages, plus the exclusive CMO Lounge for senior brand marketers. The lounge has expanded this year to offer more private meeting rooms and even a wellness space for attendees looking to balance work and relaxation.
Entertainment and Inspiration
Attendees can expect an exciting lineup of celebrity guests, including chats with famous personalities like Drew Barrymore and Terry Crews. With engaging discussions on the rise of commerce media—an area many believe will dominate this year—there’s plenty to look forward to. Mortimer highlighted that businesses, from Uber to several airlines, are tapping into this new trend and exploring innovative ways to maximize their digital advertising capabilities.
New Experiences Await
This year also sees the introduction of a Scale Up Lounge, which is designed to help individuals grow their personal brands and businesses in a supportive environment. Coupled with enhanced opportunities for networking, Advertising Week is creating an all-encompassing experience where marketers can learn, connect, and thrive.
Food and Refreshments
Feeling a bit tired from all the excitement? Don’t worry—this year’s Advertising Week features more refreshment spots than ever before! Various food carts and cafes powered by companies like Snapchat and Cint dot the Penn District, so you can grab a bite while soaking in all the action.
What’s on the Agenda?
As the conference unfolds, look out for exciting topics on the business of marketing and the increasingly relevant subject of political sentiment impacting marketing strategies. On top of this, new initiatives like the NIL+ program will make waves, connecting student athletes with commercial partnership opportunities. And for those who want a taste of the lively atmosphere, there will be a wrap party featuring performances that are sure to keep the energy high!
Celebrating Two Decades of Advertising Week
This year’s gatherings are particularly special as they honor two decades of Advertising Week. The organization is even publishing a book celebrating the iconic figures and moments that have shaped this influential event since its inception in 2004.
With everything planned out, it’s clear that Advertising Week is set to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Whether it’s through learning about the latest marketing trends, network opportunities, or just enjoying there’s something for everyone. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely a moment you’re not going to want to miss!
