Advertising industry events are great venues for advertising insiders to network with associates and interact with corporate sponsors. They also provide opportunities to exchange ideas and generate or solidify deals. With the growing focus on Internet marketing and new media, online advertising events and mobile advertising events are becoming commonplace. In addition, agency insiders gather at advertising awards galas to recognize their own.

Those interested in annual events in advertising can find advertising events information online or in major industry periodicals. Find out about panels, presentations and forums that address advertising trends, innovations and industry-related issues.

1. Annual advertising industry events of every size take place nationwide, drawing thousands of attendees from every discipline of advertising and marketing.

2. Mobile and Internet ad events offer convenient networking venues for those who want to learn or track new-media trends in advertising.

3. Major advertising periodicals and websites provide event calendars with comprehensive information about upcoming marketing events.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the many advertising events happening around the country

No matter where you live, you can find an ad agency conference or event near you. Major events tend to be coastal or international, with one of the largest held in New York. Industry power brokers gather and determine the next wave of advertising trends and innovations, so here is a chance to network and stay on top of where the industry is headed.

I recommend: In 2007, the Advertising Week fourth industry gathering attracted 60,000 attendees, featured 200 panels and conferences and raised more than $100,000 toward a fund encouraging diversity and talent in the field. To date, this is the largest marketing event in North America and is considered a must-attend event. Another important gathering is the American Association of Advertising Agencies' Media Conference & Tradeshow.

Find online advertising events to track the latest in new-media ad trends

Internet and mobile marketing are booming areas, and more events are focused on the new-media wave. Internet advertising events and conferences offer Internet and mobile marketers special venues to discuss issues unique to their discipline.

I recommend: The ad:tech and Search Engine Strategies conferences are major events for online marketers. The Future of Online Advertising holds conferences where leaders in the online advertising can discuss Internet marketing topics such as connecting bloggers to advertisers, creating online video ads and deciphering online advertising trends. Join its newsletter to get information on next year's conference. Mobile Marketing Forum is dedicated to the new wave of advertising for the mobile medium. With more than 2.6 billion mobiles in use worldwide, the area offers one fantastic possibility for marketers. Go to the forum's website to find out about various upcoming events.

Check with leading advertising periodicals to find out about upcoming events

There are many magazines and sites dedicated to the advertising industry. Many of them provide details on upcoming industry events. Find out information on any advertising agency conference or event so you can register early.

I recommend: Advertising Age is a major source of industry news and has an online events calendar where you can access detailed conference and registration information. Another major periodical is Adweek, which provides a comprehensive industry events calendar as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of webinars at various ad industry sites where you can sign up to listen to specific topics on marketing and advertising.