Advertising Week is one of the biggest tentpole events in the marketing and advertising industry calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity for brands to stay on top of trends, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights. But what if your company isn’t speaking on stage or sponsoring an event? You can still make a powerful impact.
At Kite Hill, we’ve seen a growing shift toward smaller, highly targeted events that occur alongside major industry conferences, such as Advertising Week. These intimate gatherings give B2B brands the chance to create meaningful connections without the significant expense of large-scale sponsorships.
Here’s how companies can strategically participate:
- Host a Private Roundtable or Networking Event
Instead of competing with the noise of the main conference, consider hosting a small, curated gathering with key customers, prospects, and industry influencers. A breakfast roundtable or evening happy hour offers an exclusive space for deeper conversations and creates content opportunities for future thought leadership.
Pro tip: Use trending topics from Advertising Week sessions as discussion starters to keep the conversation relevant and timely.
- Offer Real-Time Insights During the Event
Even if you’re not on stage, your company can still be part of the dialogue. Monitor sessions and panels closely, then share key takeaways on LinkedIn. Adding your brand’s POV to these conversations positions you as a thought leader and keeps you top of mind with your audience.
Pro tip: As your communications team, we help clients craft real-time posts or blog recaps to amplify their voice while the event buzz is at its peak.
- Schedule Strategic One-on-One Meetings
Advertising Week brings the industry together in one place, which means it’s the perfect time to schedule coffee chats or private demos with top prospects, partners, and journalists. These quieter, personal meetings can often drive more tangible outcomes than a big keynote speech.
Pro tip: At Kite Hill, we focus on relevant media and B2B influencers attending and work to secure time on their calendars.
- Amplify a Hard News Moment at the Event
If you have news to share, Advertising Week provides a natural platform to announce it. A strategic press release, thought leadership piece, or media briefing timed to coincide with the event can help you ride the wave of heightened industry attention.
Pro tip: Even if your announcement isn’t directly tied to Advertising Week, the timing can help maximize reach.
By strategically hosting smaller events, engaging in real-time conversations, and activating your PR presence, you can still make a strong impact while staying agile and budget-conscious.
Need help putting these four tips into action? At Kite Hill, we help B2B companies maximize tentpole moments like Advertising Week with creative, tailored strategies. Whether you’re planning to attend or want to explore how to activate around the event, we’re here to help you make the most of the opportunity. Reach out to us today at Hello@KiteHillPR.com.
– Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO & Founder