New York City Hosts 20th Annual Advertising Week with Exciting New Features and Celebrity Guests

New York Welcomes Advertising Week: A Creative Hub for Marketers

This week, New York City is bustling with excitement as thousands of marketers flock to the Penn District for the annual Advertising Week. With the event celebrating its 20th anniversary, attendees can expect an invigorating four days filled with networking, learning, and discussions about the latest trends in marketing.

A New Venue with Easier Navigation

Once again hosted at what was previously the Manhattan Mall, the venue has undergone a transformation to better accommodate the crowd. According to Ruth Mortimer, the global president of Advertising Week, organizers have revamped the floor plan to streamline navigation through the expansive space. This year, attendance is projected to surpass 17,000 attendees, which is a hike from 15,000 in 2023. The excitement is palpable!

“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,” says Mortimer, sharing insights on what attendees can expect.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

For those attending, it’s essential to come prepared. Mortimer suggests downloading the Advertising Week app, where attendees can plan their itinerary and bookmark sessions of interest. Plus, the app features a Slido function for audience Q&As during the panels, making it easier than ever to get involved.

The Penn District is organized into specific zones that reflect various discussion tracks. With 28 content tracks available, there’s something for everyone! The Leadership Zone on the second level, for example, is where you’ll find the Great Minds and Insights stages, along with the exclusive CMO Lounge designed for senior marketers.

What’s New This Year?

This year’s conference is buzzing with exciting features. For instance, the Great Minds stage has doubled its capacity based on previous feedback, allowing more industry professionals to engage in high-level conversations. The CMO Lounge has also expanded, offering amenities like private meeting rooms and even AI-powered wine tastings to pamper executives.

Additionally, the ground floor boasts a podcast studio and registration area, while the first lower level is transformed into an Entertainment Zone with stages dedicated to creativity and media. The Trends Zone on the bottom floor dives into hot topics like the booming world of commerce media and features numerous discussions aimed at both retail and digital-based businesses.

Top Celebrity Appearances

Attendees can look forward to star-studded segments with notable figures such as Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, Michael Strahan, and many others. Whether you’re looking to glean insights into marketing strategies or just enjoy some celebrity chats, the schedule is packed with exciting opportunities. However, as the buzz swells around these stars, arriving early is encouraged to snag a good spot.

Discussing Emerging Trends

Interestingly, the focus on artificial intelligence has shifted this year. While still present, it’s been woven into discussions rather than dominating the schedule. “AI, as a standalone thing, is not quite as prevalent as a trend. It’s more coming into reality,” Mortimer noted. This year, commerce media has taken center stage, indicating how businesses have adapted to digital advertising strategies.

Special Events and Networking Opportunities

Beyond the main programming, Advertising Week features special events that provide informal networking opportunities. From exclusive dinners to a wrap party at Terminal 5, there is plenty for attendees to enjoy. Plus, the Future is Female Awards, with participation from Spotify this year, highlights the commitment to celebrating female empowerment in the industry.

Refreshing Perks for Attendees

Feeling exhausted with all the bustling activity? Don’t worry! Advertising Week has increased the number of refreshment stations throughout the venue. Attendees can enjoy food from vendors like Snapchat and Viant while recharging for their next panel. It’s all about ensuring that everyone finds time to connect, learn, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience!

Embracing a Bright Future

Overall, Advertising Week is poised to tackle pressing marketing topics head-on, all while celebrating two decades of innovation and adaptation. It’s an exciting time for professionals to join conversations that will shape the future of the marketing industry!