Here are the 10 Most Iconic Moments of Advertising Week NYC 2004 — a retrospective journey into the defining highlights that helped shape the future of the advertising industry.
1. The Grand Opening Across NYC Landmarks
The inaugural Advertising Week unfolded in multiple iconic venues, including Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, and the Museum of Television & Radio. Panels, exhibits, and immersive brand activations were launched city-wide, bringing the week to life through the heart of Manhattan.
See coverage of the kickoff events.
2. The Mascot Parade on Madison Avenue
On September 20, beloved ad icons took to the streets of Midtown. Expect to spot faces like Mr. Peanut, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and the Michelin Man in costume — greeting crowds and reinforcing the playful spirit of Advertising Week NYC.
Learn more about the Madison Avenue mascot procession.
3. High-Level Panels Blending Politics & Branding
Conversations spanned marketing, politics, and urban culture — including panels discussing NYC’s partnership with Snapple and creativity in city branding. These sessions highlighted the intersection between advertising and larger cultural narratives.
More on themed discussions from the first week.
4. Exhibits Celebrating Iconic Campaigns
Immersive exhibits at Grand Central showcased legendary advertising campaigns, brand mascots, and vintage visuals that captured decades of creative storytelling in a single public space.
5. Connecting the Industry with Emerging Talent
The event served as a matchmaker, connecting agencies and brands with emerging creatives and advertising students. For many, 2004 marked the first direct link to industry professionals and career opportunities.
6. A Cultural Shift in Advertising Storytelling
Advertising Week NYC 2004 signaled the evolution of storytelling. As discussed in coverage that contrasted Madison Avenue’s narrative-heavy past with digital possibilities, the event reflected a growing focus on creativity merging with strategy in marketing.
Read about the shift toward integration of PR, creativity, and brand initiatives.
7. A Moment in Time Before Social Media
To put it into perspective: in 2004, Facebook was still confined to college campuses. YouTube didn’t exist, and there was no iPhone yet. Advertising Week took place on the cusp of a tech- and culture-driven revolution in communication.
Context on how limited social platforms were at the time.
8. Early Recognition of Digital Advertising’s Potential
That same year, internet advertising rebounded 21%. Marketers began seriously exploring digital platforms, driven by the realization that ad measurement and targeting could finally become more precise.
Originally reported rise in digital ad investments.
9. Catalyst for a Global Franchise
What started in New York quickly became a global phenomenon. Advertising Week expanded to cities like London, Tokyo, and Mexico City, establishing itself as a worldwide platform for marketing, media, tech, and culture.
Details on the expansion and acquisition by Emerald Holding in 2022.
10. Legacy of Innovation, Strategy & Culture
The inaugural week left a lasting legacy: it fused creativity, business strategy, and cultural context under one roof — and set the tone for a yearly forum that continues to spark ideas and change.
Even today, industry leaders reference the spirit of that original week as a benchmark for meaningful marketing conversations.