Advertising Week: Your Guide to Navigating the Premier Gathering of the Advertising Industry

‍Advertising Week New York is one of the most significant events in the marketing industry, attracting thousands of attendees both in person and virtually. This four-day extravaganza held in midtown Manhattan serves as a platform for marketers to gain practical insights into leveraging emerging tactics and technologies in a post-pandemic world. With an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and retail media, this year’s Advertising Week promises to be a hub of inspiration and networking opportunities for marketers of all sizes.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence at Advertising Week

Practical Applications of AI

As Advertising Week New York kicks off, one of the prevailing themes is the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing. This year, attendees can expect discussions on AI’s impact on campaign effectiveness and its potential to create safer marketing environments. Ruth Mortimer, Advertising Week’s global president, highlights the variety of perspectives on AI, not just from big AI companies but also from marketers themselves. Brands like Mondelez, the National Football League, and Johnson & Johnson will be sharing their insights on AI’s role in their campaigns.

AI and Web3

To delve deeper into the intersection of AI and Web3, Advertising Week is partnering with sister company D2 to strengthen its series of talks on these topics. The event will feature a themed lounge dedicated to AI and Web3 discussions, providing a space for attendees to engage in thought-provoking conversations and explore the potential of these technologies. This collaboration aims to bring a unique perspective to Advertising Week and foster a deeper understanding of the opportunities presented by AI and Web3.

The Power of Retail Media

The Emergence of Retail Media

Retail media, a category projected to surpass $100 billion, has gained significant attention in recent years. Advertising Week recognizes the growing interest in this space and has dedicated a specific area for retail media discussions. Last year, the event saw a surge in interest as attendees sought to gain insights into retail media technologies and platforms. This year, executives from Target’s Roundel, Albertsons Media Collective, Kroger Precision Marketing, and Best Buy Ads will be among the featured speakers, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of retail media.

Engaging Small and Mid-sized Businesses

In an effort to engage small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), Advertising Week, in collaboration with Emerald, is running an initiative sponsored by Amazon. The goal is to provide more utility to SMBs and offer them educational resources in marketing. This initiative aims to empower SMBs by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape. By reaching out to businesses beyond industry giants, Advertising Week strives to create an inclusive environment for all marketers.

Navigating Advertising Week New York

The Venue and Attendance

The Penn District in midtown Manhattan serves as the venue for Advertising Week New York, spread across four floors. In-person attendance is projected to exceed 10,000, while over 50,000 registrants are expected to participate virtually. The event attracts a diverse audience, with individuals from the tech industry, media, brand marketers, media agencies, and creative agencies. To cater to the digital audience, Advertising Week also offers content specifically designed for online consumption, including through the Amazon Ads Studio.

Planning Your Agenda

With a plethora of sessions and talks, having a well-planned agenda is crucial for attendees to make the most of Advertising Week. Ruth Mortimer advises signing up online to create a curated agenda and avoid disappointment due to capacity limitations. Popular sessions featuring discussions on Barbie, Paris Hilton, and the hosts of “Shark Tank” are expected to draw large crowds. However, with the extensive lineup of speakers and topics, attendees will have plenty of alternative options to explore. Advertising Week aims to strike a balance between providing valuable insights and entertainment to make attendees better at their jobs.

Engaging Experiences and Networking Opportunities

Advertising Week understands the importance of creating spaces for networking and collaboration. This year, the event features various lounges, including a Group Black lounge highlighting Black culture and an exclusive enclave for CMOs to network and take calls. Additionally, there is a dedicated retail media space to cater to the growing interest in this category. The organizers have also emphasized the importance of providing ample meeting rooms and phone booths, creating an environment that accommodates both work and networking.

Beyond the Sessions: A Vibrant Atmosphere

Advertising Week New York goes beyond the traditional conference setup, creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages attendees to explore and engage. Various attractions await attendees during their breaks, including the “Brandega” hosted by Canva, an Olympics-themed cafe by NBCUniversal, and a snack bar courtesy of Yahoo. The organizers have expanded the number of locations where attendees can have meetings, work, and spend their time, recognizing the need to balance the event’s offerings with attendees’ day-to-day responsibilities.

Conclusion

Advertising Week New York is an industry bonanza that offers marketers a platform to gain practical insights, network with industry leaders, and explore the latest trends and technologies. With a focus on artificial intelligence, retail media, and engaging small- and mid-sized businesses, this year’s event promises to be a catalyst for innovation in the marketing world. By providing a diverse range of sessions and experiences, Advertising Week aims to empower marketers to excel in their roles while providing an entertaining and engaging atmosphere.