This week, Advertising Week New York celebrates its 20th anniversary, bringing over 17,000 marketers to the bustling Penn District in Midtown Manhattan. The four-day event, running from October 16-19, will showcase the latest developments in the industry, from generative AI to commerce media, all set against the backdrop of a reimagined venue designed to accommodate the growing crowd.
Organizers have streamlined the layout of the Penn District, aiming to make navigation easier after last year’s congestion. Attendees will find content and networking zones tailored to specific tracks, offering a clearer way to stay on top of the fast-paced event.
Navigating Advertising Week
Located at 100 West 33rd Street, the Penn District venue stretches across multiple levels. Each floor has been assigned specific themes, from leadership to innovation. The Leadership Zone on the top floor will host the Great Minds and Insights stages, alongside a revamped CMO Lounge designed for senior marketers to network and catch up on work.
Other floors include the Trends Zone on the bottom level, focusing on the future of media, technology, and innovation. New this year is the Scale Up Lounge, a space for marketers looking to expand their personal brands and businesses.
To maximize the experience, attendees are encouraged to use the Advertising Week app, which includes a scheduling feature and audience interaction tools like Slido for Q&A during panels. “We’ve zoned the venue to make it easier for people to navigate, especially with the increase in attendance this year,” said Ruth Mortimer, global president of Advertising Week.
Top Trends for 2024
This year’s agenda reflects the evolving role of AI, but it’s clear that commerce media has become a major focus. Brands with high-traffic digital platforms—ranging from Uber to United Airlines—are increasingly turning their platforms into media networks to generate ad revenue.
“AI as a standalone trend has matured, but commerce media is what’s really taking off,” Mortimer noted. “Businesses are realizing the potential of their digital platforms for advertising, and we’re seeing this shift across many industries.”
A wide variety of panels will explore these shifts, with appearances from brands like Under Armour, Hershey, and Moët Hennessy, all discussing their digital strategies. Meanwhile, topics like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports and the upcoming 2024 elections will also generate plenty of discussion.
Special Events and Speakers
The event will once again feature celebrity speakers, with appearances from Drew Barrymore, Terry Crews, Michael Strahan, and Lil Jon. Attendees hoping to catch these talks should arrive early, as seats are expected to fill up fast.
Among the other highlights are the Future is Female Awards on Monday, sponsored by Spotify, and an energetic wrap party at Terminal 5, headlined by Eladio Carrión. Advertising Week has also collaborated with the Ad Club of New York to offer two new scholarships for women, emphasizing its commitment to supporting future talent.
Looking Ahead
Over its 20-year history, Advertising Week has evolved alongside the advertising industry itself. From early discussions on traditional media to today’s panels on AI and commerce media, the event continues to adapt to the times. Mortimer emphasized that this focus on innovation has kept the conference at the forefront of industry trends.
In addition to the topics covered at Advertising Week, the marketing landscape has been enriched by newly launched platforms for editorial ads like Medialister, a platform designed to streamline the creation of paid content. Its recent debut adds another layer of innovation to the ever-evolving advertising technology space.
As Advertising Week New York 2024 unfolds, marketers from around the world will gather not only to hear from industry leaders but also to connect, collaborate, and look ahead to the future of the industry.