New York City Gets Exciting as Advertising Week Kicks Off
This week, New York City transforms into the epicenter of marketing as thousands gather for the much-anticipated Advertising Week. With this being the 20th anniversary of the annual event, expectations are running high, and attendees are buzzing with excitement about connecting with peers and soaking up the latest trends in marketing.
A Fresh New Venue
For the second year in a row, the event is hosted in what’s now known as the Penn District, previously the Manhattan Mall. The venue is expansive and multi-story, accommodating over 17,000 marketers—up from 15,000 in the previous year. Event organizers have taken feedback from prior years into account, implementing a new floor plan designed to make navigation smoother and easier. Ruth Mortimer, the global president of Advertising Week, expressed optimism about these changes.
“We’ve slightly changed the floor plan. This year we’ve actually zoned it to make it a better space for people to navigate because it is so big,” she said. Attendees can find their way to the Penn District entrance at 100 West 33rd Street, conveniently located between 6th and 7th Avenues, just a stone’s throw from Herald Square and a few blocks from Penn Station. Expect to see friendly Advertising Week greeters and clear signage guiding everyone in the right direction.
What to Expect
The excitement doesn’t stop at the venue. Attendees are encouraged to download the Advertising Week app before the event. With the app, they can bookmark their favorite sessions, view the detailed schedule, and interact with panels through a Q&A feature. Inside the Penn District, each level of the venue is themed around specific discussion tracks and lounges. This year, there are a whopping 28 content tracks.
One standout area is the top floor, known as the Leadership Zone, which features the Great Minds and Insights stages as well as the exclusive CMO Lounge. Mortimer mentioned that the Great Minds stage has doubled its capacity this year to accommodate demand. The CMO Lounge aims to serve senior-level marketers who want to balance their day jobs with the excitement of the conference, featuring private meeting rooms and an AI-powered wine tasting experience.
A Packed Schedule
As the week unfolds, the event will feature many big names, including celebrity chats with figures like Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, and Michael Strahan. It’s a golden opportunity for attendees to meet industry leaders, share insights, and broaden their professional networks. A special new addition this year is the Scale Up Lounge, designed to help marketers grow their personal brands and businesses.
One exciting change this year is the reduced focus on artificial intelligence, which was a hot topic last year, as it becomes more mainstream within marketing discussions. Instead, the spotlight will be on the broader implications of commerce media—a trending topic that’s poised to dominate conversations among marketers.
Engaging More Than Just Minds
Just because it’s an industry event doesn’t mean it’s all work and no play. Advertising Week has integrated more networking spaces throughout the venue, complementing the packed programming. Plus, expect fun moments at special events like the wrap party at Terminal 5, featuring lively performances.
Comfort and Community
If all this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! There will be more refreshments available than ever before, ensuring attendees stay energized throughout the week. Amazing food options from popular vendors like Snapchat and Epsilon will keep everyone fueled and engaged.
Looking Forward
Advertising Week isn’t just an event; it’s an experience. From its roots 20 years ago to today, its commitment to exploring what’s next in the marketing world keeps it relevant and exciting. As Mortimer put it, “Advertising Week has always been about looking at what’s next.” With its dynamic nature, diverse content, and community spirit, this week promises to be unforgettable for marketers in New York City.
