Mark your calendar. One of the biggest gatherings in the marketing and media world is returning to New York City this fall. Advertising Week New York 2026 runs from October 5 through October 8, bringing together thousands of professionals across four action-packed days. Whether you work in brand strategy, media, technology, or creative, this event has something meaningful for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go — from the venue and ticket types to the speakers, agenda tracks, and networking opportunities.
What Is Advertising Week New York?
Advertising Week New York is a global marketing and media conference held annually in Manhattan. It serves as a central meeting point for the advertising industry. CMOs, agency executives, media leaders, creators, technologists, and brand founders all show up under one roof.
The event is not just about sitting in sessions. It is about building connections, exploring ideas, and walking away with a clearer vision of where the industry is headed. Each year, the conference raises the bar. The 2026 edition promises to be the most ambitious one yet.
Dates and Venue
Advertising Week New York 2026 takes place from Monday, October 5 to Thursday, October 8, 2026. The event is hosted at The Penn District, located at 100 W. 33rd Street in Midtown Manhattan.
The Penn District is a vibrant, connected part of New York City. It sits close to Penn Station, making it easy to reach by subway, train, or taxi. The area is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and transport links. However, hotel rooms near the venue fill up fast during event week. Therefore, it is wise to book accommodations as early as possible.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Advertising Week New York 2026 |
| Dates | October 5–8, 2026 |
| Venue | The Penn District, New York City |
| Address | 100 W. 33rd St., Manhattan, NY |
| Duration | 4 Days |
| Format | In-Person |
Who Should Attend?
This event welcomes a broad range of professionals. You do not need to work at a large agency to benefit from it. The audience includes:
- Brand leaders and CMOs
- Marketing strategists and media planners
- Agency executives and founders
- Content creators and storytellers
- Technology and platform professionals
- Healthcare marketers
- Independent agencies and small business teams
- Rising talent aged 30 and under
Additionally, professionals from B2B companies, gaming, and e-commerce will find dedicated sessions tailored to their industries.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Registration is open now at the official Advertising Week website. Several pass types are available, each designed for a different type of attendee.
| Pass Type | Who It’s For | Approximate Price |
| Student Delegate | Full-time students | From $88 |
| NewGen Delegate | Attendees aged 30 and under | Around $400 |
| Delegate Pass | General industry professionals | Varies by tier |
| Platinum Delegate | Business-focused attendees needing maximum access | Up to $2,499 |
The NewGen pass is a standout option. It gives young professionals full access to the program at a lower price. Proof of age is required at registration. For groups, purchasing three or more Delegate passes saves an additional 10%.
The Platinum Delegate pass is the premium option. It includes reserved seating, fast-track entry, bookable meeting tables, access to the Platinum working lounge, the VIP Speaker Lounge, a VIP breakfast series, and a complimentary lunch. It even includes entry to the official wrap party at the end of the week.
The Creator Lounge is another exclusive space. It is available to professional creators, marketers, and storytellers who hold a qualifying pass. This lounge is designed for networking, collaborating with brand partners, and discovering fresh ideas in a dedicated creative environment.
Featured Speakers at AWNY 2026
The speaker lineup for 2026 is diverse and high-profile. Entertainment figures, corporate leaders, and cultural voices are all on the bill.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Kerry Washington — Actor, Producer, Advocate, and Founder of Simpson Street
- Flavor Flav — Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
- Gary Vaynerchuk — Entrepreneur and Marketing Thought Leader
- Sophia Bush — Actor and Activist
- Jackie Aina — Creator and Beauty Industry Voice
- Bobby Lee — Comedian and Podcaster
- Ben Cohen — Business and Social Impact Advocate
Beyond the celebrity and creator names, senior executives from some of the world’s most recognized brands are also taking part. Companies confirmed to send representatives include Hilton, Southwest Airlines, State Farm, the NFL, The Hershey Company, Little Caesars, Stanley 1913, and Supergoop!
The full speaker list has not been finalized yet. However, organizers are expected to announce additional names as October approaches. With over 1,300 speakers anticipated across the four days, the lineup will continue to grow.
Agenda Overview and Summit Tracks
The 2026 program features more than 500 sessions spread across multiple stages and lounges. Sessions range from large keynote presentations to intimate workshops with capped seating. Each workshop is led by practitioners, not just speakers, and includes templates, frameworks, and tools.
Several focused summits are part of the agenda this year. Each summit explores a distinct theme in depth.
Gaming Summit: This track explores how brands can tap into gaming culture. Sessions will cover real-time creative, cultural partnerships, and measuring brand momentum in gaming environments.
CMO Summit: Senior marketing leaders will discuss how to turn cultural moments into measurable results. Sports partnerships, brand storytelling, and performance metrics are central topics.
Healthcare Summit: Healthcare brands face unique challenges in reaching audiences who are skeptical of traditional advertising. This summit explores trust-building, creative approaches, and attention-grabbing strategies for the sector.
Creator Economy Summit: Founders and studio leaders will speak on what makes creator partnerships genuinely effective for brands. The focus is on substance over vanity metrics.
Independent Agencies and SMB Track: This track offers practical, no-fluff strategies for smaller teams and independent agencies competing in a landscape dominated by bigger budgets.
B2B Marketing Track: Business-to-business marketers will find sessions dedicated to pipeline building, brand positioning, and performance in longer sales cycles.
Networking at Advertising Week New York
Networking is built into every part of the experience. The event creates structured and unstructured opportunities throughout the four days.
Structured networking includes morning meetups organized by professional category, curated speed networking rounds, and evening receptions held across The Penn District. AWConnects, the nightly networking happy hour series, is a fan favorite. It allows attendees to mix with potential employers, clients, and collaborators in a relaxed setting.
Unstructured networking happens in lounge areas between sessions. Platinum attendees have access to bookable meeting tables, which makes arranging one-on-one business conversations far easier. For creators, the Creator Lounge serves as a dedicated hub for spontaneous connection.
The event is expected to generate over 80,000 professional connections across its four days. That figure alone makes it one of the most powerful networking opportunities in the marketing calendar.
Brand Activations and On-Site Experiences
Beyond sessions and speakers, Advertising Week New York also features brand activations throughout the venue. These immersive experiences allow brands to demonstrate products, launch campaigns, and engage attendees in memorable ways.
Organizers plan fresh activations for 2026, with surprise guest appearances expected throughout the week. They have expanded premium networking spaces this year and increased the event’s overall capacity to ensure everyone can enjoy the key moments.
Sponsors and brands can also explore speaking opportunities, partnerships, and custom activations through the official event contact pathway.
Why Attend in 2026?
The marketing landscape is shifting fast. AI, the creator economy, shifting consumer behavior, and changes in media buying are all reshaping how brands connect with audiences. Therefore, staying informed is not optional — it is essential.
Advertising Week New York 2026 puts all of these conversations in one place. Over four days, you gain exposure to perspectives from across the industry. You hear from people making real decisions at real companies. You leave with practical ideas, new contacts, and a clearer understanding of where things are going.
Additionally, the event is an excellent opportunity for emerging professionals to build visibility and make lasting impressions. The NewGen and Student passes make that access possible at an affordable cost.
Conclusion
Advertising Week New York 2026 will mark a landmark edition of one of the most respected events in global marketing. From October 5 to 8, The Penn District in Manhattan will serve as the industry’s hub for ideas, conversations, and connections.
The event brings together more than 1,300 speakers, 500-plus sessions, and tens of thousands of professionals from across marketing, media, technology, and culture. Ticket options are available for students, young professionals, general delegates, and premium attendees. Summit tracks cover gaming, healthcare, the creator economy, B2B, and more.
Whether you are a seasoned CMO or someone just starting your career in marketing, AWNY 2026 offers something valuable. Registration is open now. Book early, plan your sessions in advance, and secure your hotel before the city fills up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Advertising Week New York 2026?
Advertising Week New York 2026 takes place October 5 through October 8, 2026 at The Penn District, located at 100 W. 33rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
How much do tickets cost for AWNY 2026?
Ticket prices vary by pass type. Student passes start at approximately $88. The NewGen pass for attendees aged 30 and under costs around $400. Platinum Delegate passes, which offer maximum access and premium benefits, are priced at up to $2,499.
Who are the featured speakers at Advertising Week New York 2026?
Confirmed speakers include Kerry Washington, Gary Vaynerchuk, Sophia Bush, Jackie Aina, Flavor Flav, Bobby Lee, and Ben Cohen. Brand executives from Hilton, the NFL, State Farm, and other major companies will also participate.
What topics and tracks are covered at AWNY 2026?
The event covers a wide range of tracks including gaming, healthcare marketing, the creator economy, B2B marketing, CMO strategy, and independent agency growth. Over 500 sessions are planned across multiple stages and lounges.
How can I register for Advertising Week New York 2026?
Registration is open at the official website: newyork2026.advertisingweek.com/register. Multiple pass types are available. Groups of three or more delegates receive a 10% discount on Delegate passes.
