Get Ready for Advertising Week New York 2024: A Guide to the Big Event!
New York City is buzzing with excitement as thousands of marketers gear up for one of the biggest events of the year: Advertising Week New York. This annual gathering, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is set to take place over four days in the rejuvenated Penn District, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. If you’re planning to attend, it’s time to get your game plan ready!
What’s Happening in Midtown?
The event is expected to draw a record attendance this year, with more than 17,000 attendees expected, a jump from last year’s turnout of 15,000. To help with the influx of visitors, organizers have revamped the venue to make navigation smoother. Ruth Mortimer, the global president of Advertising Week, mentioned, “This year we’ve actually zoned it, hopefully, to make it a much easier space for people to navigate because it is so big.”
Where to Start?
When you arrive, head over to the Penn District entrance at 100 West 33rd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues—just a stone’s throw from Herald Square and a few blocks from Penn Station. You’ll find friendly greeters and clear signage to guide you. To make the most out of your time, downloading the Advertising Week app is a great idea. This will allow you to bookmark sessions, view the schedule, and even participate in audience Q&As during panels.
Exciting Content Tracks Await
The event features 28 diverse content tracks, focusing on everything from generative AI to sports marketing. One notable area is the Leadership Zone on the top floor (or second level), home to the Great Minds and Insights stages as well as the CMO Lounge for brand marketers. This year, the CMO Lounge has expanded to offer private meeting rooms and even a wellness space!
After-Hours Networking and Celebrity Chats
If you enjoy a good conversation with stars, you’ll be excited to know that celebrities, including Drew Barrymore and Michael Strahan, will be making appearances throughout the week. Aside from the panels and discussions, there will be plenty of opportunities to network. Mortimer emphasized this year’s focus on creating more networking spaces for attendees to mingle and do business.
A Look at the Trends
This year, while AI topics are not as prominent as last year, other trends are definitely gaining traction. Mortimer noted, “Commerce media is really big for us this year.” It seems marketers have finally realized the advertising opportunities that come with having a high-traffic website, extending beyond traditional retail to various online services, including ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft.
Political Landscape and Special Events
Political issues will be front and center, with sessions dedicated to the business of marketing in the context of the upcoming elections. Additionally, the event will host the Future is Female Awards, sponsored by Spotify, and other exclusive dinners, ensuring a blend of work and celebration throughout the week.
Refreshments Galore!
Feeling hungry? You’re in luck! This year’s gathering boasts more food options than ever before, with several food carts and cafes scattered around the Penn District, thanks to sponsors like Snapchat and Epsilon. You can refuel while catching up with peers, adding a social flavor to your experience.
Advice for Attendees
For those who want the best experience, arriving early for marquee sessions is a must. Consider snagging a Super Delegate pass for guaranteed seating, or be prepared to pivot if sessions reach capacity. A cheeky bit of advance planning will make your week at Advertising Week a breeze.
Looking Back and Ahead
Advertising Week has grown significantly over the past two decades, and this year aims to highlight emerging trends like NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals in sports, which are gaining momentum. Mortimer wrapped it up nicely, stating, “Advertising Week, over the last 20 years, has always been about looking at what’s next.”
So, are you ready to dive into everything Advertising Week has to offer? With a solid game plan, plenty of networking opportunities, and endless discussions on cutting-edge trends, it’s bound to be an enriching experience for all!
