As agencies navigate uncertain economic conditions and shifting consumer behaviors, building a strong pipeline and closing new business has never been more challenging. Speculation about what business development will look like in the future adds pressure to forecast accurately—especially when ghosting at various stages in the process has become an all-too-common obstacle. Coupled with the scarcity of large-budget opportunities, it’s clear that the agency landscape demands new, creative approaches to stay competitive.
For many, outbound efforts are evolving beyond the traditional sales pitch. The focus now is on fostering genuine relationships and providing value without the hard sell, all while balancing tighter budgets and delivering effective strategies at scale.
In this environment, attending industry events has never been more critical. These events offer fresh insights into the challenges we face and the tools to overcome them, helping agencies tap into solutions that support consistent pipeline growth.
With consumer confidence and spending power down, agencies must be smarter about where they invest their time and resources. This guide will help you navigate the top annual events tailored to agency leaders looking to improve their business development efforts, scale creative solutions, and make the most of what promises to be a transformative year.
Let’s take a look at the top events that can help you meet these challenges head-on.
2024 Agency Events at a Glance
| Event Name | Best For | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mirren AI Conference | Agency new business professionals, executives | February (Virtual) |
| 4A’s Decisions 2024 | Agency leaders, thought leaders across advertising, business, and technology | February (Los Angeles) & March (Kansas City) |
| AI & Your Agency Atlanta | Agency leaders | March (Atlanta) |
| AdAge A-List & Creativity Awards | Agency executives, creative leaders | April (NYC) |
| Mirren Live: New Business Conference | Agency management teams, senior client leads, operations heads, pitch teams | May (NYC & Virtual) |
| ANA Advertising Financial Management Conference | Agency CFOs, revenue leaders, marketing procurement professionals | May (Orlando, FL & Virtual) |
| Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | Agency executives, creative directors, business development teams | June (Cannes, France) |
| VidCon for Business | Agency marketers, brand strategists, content creators | August (Anaheim, CA) |
| ANA Masters of Measurement & Analytics | Agency data analysts, measurement experts, marketing executives | September (Chicago, IL & Virtual) |
| Digital Summit 2024 | Agency marketing professionals | August (Minneapolis, MN) |
| Advertising Week New York | Agency marketers, business development teams | October (New York, NY) |
| ANA Masters of Marketing | Agency executives, CMOs, marketing leaders | October (Orlando, FL & Virtual) |
| Brandweek | Brand leaders, marketers, agency strategists | September (Phoenix, AZ) |
| Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit | Programmatic advertising specialists, media buyers | December (Nashville, TN) |
2024 Q1 Agency Events: January – March
As the year begins, Q1 events offer a crucial chance for agencies to regroup, recharge, and refocus their strategies. These events are more than just an opportunity to network—they’re where agencies can find early solutions to the challenges that will shape the year, like building a sustainable pipeline and navigating an increasingly unpredictable business landscape.
Whether you’re looking to gain fresh insights on creative strategies or connect with potential partners, Q1 events provide a launchpad for the months ahead. Let’s explore what each of these key events has to offer:
1. Mirren AI Conference
February, Virtual
For agency new business professionals and executives, the Mirren AI Conference is an essential event to attend in 2024. As AI continues to reshape industries, this virtual conference goes beyond the hype, delivering actionable insights into how generative AI can transform not just creative output but also agency operations, strategy, and profitability.
Featuring a lineup of industry leaders and advanced agencies already leveraging AI, attendees will learn practical use cases that can enhance everything from client services and creative development to back-end project management and workflow optimization. For agency executives focused on profitability and operational efficiency, the event highlights how AI can cut down on time-consuming tasks and deliver more value to clients without increasing overhead.
New business professionals, on the other hand, will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to position their agencies as innovative leaders, able to offer cutting-edge solutions that resonate with clients seeking both creative excellence and cost-effective approaches. This conference provides a competitive advantage by showing agencies how to incorporate AI into their processes to improve client outcomes, enhance strategy, and streamline operations—all critical components for winning and retaining business in today’s fast-changing market.
2. 4A’s Decisions 2024
Los Angeles: February & Kansas City: March
The 4A’s Decision event offers agencies an opportunity to explore pragmatic approaches to building for sustained growth. By connecting with thought leaders across advertising, business, and technology, agency leaders can learn strategies to drive results. The event focuses on real-world approaches to building long-term success, ensuring attendees leave with practical solutions they can immediately implement.
One of the key benefits of attending is the chance to explore how to optimize content, community, and culture to fuel commerce. As audience engagement continues to evolve with the rise of AI, personalization, and automation, this event helps agency leaders re-examine their strategies in these areas. Attendees will learn how to better connect with their audiences, adapting to new technologies while maintaining meaningful interactions that drive business results.
In addition, the 4A’s Decision event provides a platform to hear from industry veterans about the shifting demands of clients. As agencies face increasing pressure to deliver more personalized, efficient, and impactful campaigns, this event offers valuable insights into navigating these challenges while identifying new business opportunities.
3. AI & Your Agency Atlanta
March, Atlanta
AI & Your Agency is the perfect event for agencies ready to catch up on the AI revolution. In this two-day event, you’ll gain insights into how AI can transform both your operations and the services you provide.
Held at The Garage in Atlanta, the event equips agency leaders with the knowledge to integrate AI into their strategies for a more efficient and innovative future. Whether you’re looking to optimize internal processes or enhance client offerings, this event is a valuable opportunity to future-proof your agency.
2024 Q2 Agency Events: April – June
As we move into Q2, the focus shifts from setting the foundation to executing the strategies that will drive mid-year growth. This is the time for agencies to fine-tune their goals, ensure their plans are on track, and adapt to the fast-evolving industry landscape. Q2 events are critical for staying ahead of key trends, learning about the latest innovations, and uncovering fresh opportunities for growth.
These events offer valuable insights and networking opportunities that help agencies recalibrate for success, ensuring they maintain momentum and stay competitive through the rest of the year.
1. AdAge A-List & Creativity Awards
April, NYC
Whether you’re submitting work for an award or simply attending for the invaluable networking, the Ad Age A-List & Creativity Awards is a prime opportunity to stay on top of the industry’s most innovative campaigns. This prestigious event celebrates the bold leadership and creativity driving advertising forward, offering insights into standout work and trends that are shaping the future.
For agency executives, it’s not just about the accolades—it’s about connecting with industry leaders, discovering fresh creative approaches, and exploring how top agencies are positioning themselves for growth. With new categories like B2B and sports/entertainment agencies, 2024’s event is more relevant than ever, providing an insider’s view of where the industry is heading.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your agency’s creative game or simply make valuable connections, this event offers a unique blend of recognition and opportunity.
2. Mirren Live: New Business Conference
May, NYC & Virtual
Mirren Live brings together over 60 of the industry’s top innovators across 30 sessions, all aimed at helping agencies build a more efficient, profitable, and future-ready growth engine. With a focus on fresh strategies, industry forecasts, and leveraging the latest technologies—especially AI—this conference is designed to help agencies streamline operations, drive new business acquisition, and foster organic growth.
Tailored for agency management teams, senior client leads, operations heads, and pitch teams, Mirren Live provides actionable insights into evolving industry dynamics and practical steps to accelerate growth. Attendees will have access to workshops that focus on sharpening new business pitches, developing stronger positioning strategies, and creating new capabilities to meet client demands.
Whether you’re looking to boost your agency’s competitiveness, refine your business development approach, or collaborate with other leading agencies, Mirren Live offers a unique blend of forward-thinking strategies and hands-on learning, making it a must-attend event for those shaping the future of their agency.
3. ANA Advertising Financial Management Conference
May, Orlando, FL & Virtual
The ANA Advertising Financial Management Conference is the premier event for connecting marketing procurement and financial professionals with agency CFOs and revenue leaders. It offers a unique opportunity for deep networking and thought-provoking discussions on key financial topics like sustainability, supplier diversity, and effective financial management in today’s advertising landscape.
For agencies, this conference provides crucial insights into the financial dynamics of the industry, helping you optimize financial strategies, improve profitability, and gain a better understanding of the broader economic forces at play. With a mix of client-side and agency-side perspectives, attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to enhance revenue, streamline operations, and drive greater value for their organizations.
This event is ideal for agency professionals looking to elevate their financial acumen and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of financial management in advertising.
4. Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
June, Cannes, France
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, held each June in Cannes, France, is a premier event for ad agencies worldwide. Known for its prestigious advertising awards, the festival celebrates creativity, effectiveness, and innovation across the global marketing and communications industries.
While known for showcasing top creative work, it’s also a top-tier networking event where agencies can meet brands seeking creative partnerships and expand their client base.
For ad agencies, Cannes Lions offers a rare opportunity to gain insights from industry icons and connect with leaders from the world’s most innovative companies. It’s the perfect environment to elevate creativity, explore the latest industry trends, and foster relationships that can drive future growth.
2024 Q3 Agency Events: July – September
As agencies push through the year’s second half, Q3 presents a pivotal opportunity to fine-tune strategies and make critical adjustments. With mid-year plans already in motion, attending Q3 events allows agencies to stay agile, ensuring they remain competitive and responsive to emerging trends. This period is crucial for those looking to optimize their efforts, refine tactics, and position themselves for a strong year-end finish.
For agencies aiming to finish 2024 on a high note, Q3 is the time to recalibrate, capitalize on new opportunities, and set the stage for success in the final quarter.
1. VidCon for Business
August, Anaheim, CA
This Anaheim event brings together the vibrant community of digital creators, brands, and marketers to explore the future of digital media. This year, VidCon Demand enables attendees to access sessions from both VidCon Anaheim and VidCon Baltimore, making it easier than ever to engage with the conference’s industry insights.
VidCon offers agencies the chance to learn about the latest video marketing trends and discover how to leverage content effectively to expand client bases. Networking opportunities allow agencies to connect with top creators and industry leaders, fostering collaborations that can ultimately elevate their overall strategies.
Celebrating its 13th annual show in 2024, which welcomed 55,000 attendees, VidCon is a top event to attend with its rich programming and extensive networking potential.
2. Digital Summit 2024
August, Minneapolis, MN
Digital Summit is a top event for agencies looking to accelerate their growth. With workshops and seminars led by top marketing professionals, attendees receive tactical, practical, and strategic insights to sharpen their marketing skills and overall strategy.
Whether you’re managing all aspects of a brand or specializing in one channel, Digital Summit offers the opportunity to dive deep into an array of topics. The event also prioritizes networking, providing a platform to connect with peers and explore career opportunities, making it an ideal space for agency professionals seeking growth and new connections.
3. ANA Masters of Measurement & Analytics
September, Chicago, IL & Virtual
With a lineup of forward-thinking marketers and researchers, this event showcases the latest tools and solutions driving business growth. Attendees have the opportunity to explore AI’s impact on measurement, evolving TV dynamics, audience insights, and outcome-based metrics.
Agencies looking to enhance their data-driven marketing strategies will without a doubt find value in this three-day conference. Sessions focused on leveraging tech and data for client acquisition and retention will provide actionable insights to help agencies stay competitive. The main goal of this event is to equip agency leaders with the knowledge needed to make informed, strategic decisions that fuel growth.
4. Brandweek
September, Phoenix, AZ
Brandweek is a premier event designed specifically for brand leaders, stewards, and enthusiasts within the advertising, marketing, and media industries. This event focuses on driving business growth by helping agencies develop distinctive brand identities for their clients, emphasizing the crucial link between branding and business success.
This event highlights the change and change makers who are redefining how brands fuel business success. Leveraging ADWEEK’s editorial expertise, Brandweek offers a rich program filled with sessions and discussions that inspire innovation and strategic thinking.
2024 Q4 Agency Events: October – December
As the year winds down, Q4 events are essential for agencies looking to assess their performance and set the stage for a strong start in 2025. These events offer a prime opportunity to reflect on what worked, identify areas for improvement, and gain insights into the latest industry trends that will shape the upcoming year.
By attending Q4 events, agencies can connect with influential leaders, explore innovative solutions, and refine strategies that drive growth and strengthen client relationships. It’s the perfect time to gather fresh perspectives, recalibrate, and ensure your agency is well-positioned to hit the ground running in the new year.
1. Advertising Week New York
October, New York, NY
Celebrating its 20th edition, Advertising Week New York 2024, from October 7-10, promises an expanded program in the vibrant heart of Manhattan. Held at The Penn District, this milestone event offers agencies an unparalleled blend of education and business opportunities, featuring thought-provoking panels, insightful talks, and high-value networking sessions that focus on the future of advertising.
With new themed zones, dedicated networking lounges, and community meetups, agencies can connect with potential clients and collaborators in meaningful ways. Industry leaders will share actionable sales and growth strategies, helping agencies refine their approaches and drive success in the evolving ad landscape.
Plus, with an expanded Great Minds Stage and exclusive VIP experiences, this year’s event is bigger and better, making it a must-attend for agencies looking to stay ahead of trends and build key relationships for 2025 and beyond.
2. ANA Masters of Marketing
October, Orlando, FL & Virtual
The ANA Masters of Marketing Conference, featuring the Global CMO Growth Summit, is a premier event for ad agencies to attend in 2024. For its seventh consecutive year, this summit will unite CMOs from leading global brands to engage in structured networking and explore critical growth priorities.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in deep dives into the marketing strategies that matter most, gaining insights into client needs and the actionable steps required to achieve specific outcomes in the coming year.
For ad agencies, attending this conference is an invaluable opportunity to connect with top marketing leaders who are actively seeking innovative solutions and partnerships. By gaining insights into client needs and effective marketing strategies, agencies can align their offerings with industry demands and build relationships that drive growth.
3. Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit
December, Nashville, TN
The Digiday Summit is a must-attend event for agencies focused on programmatic advertising, offering insights into new strategies for driving ROI for clients. As the industry navigates changes following Google’s decision to postpone the phasing out of third-party cookies, this summit will dig deeper into key trends and innovative approaches that programmatic specialists need to adopt.
Key topics will include leveraging first-party data, harnessing AI and contextual targeting, prioritizing privacy through emerging technologies, adopting alternative identity solutions, and implementing fraud prevention measures.
By participating in the Digiday Summit, agencies ensure their campaigns remain effective and compliant in the post-cookie era.
Conclusion: The Must-Attend Events for Agencies in 2024
Attending conferences, summits and workshops is one of the best ways to fully immerse your agency in relevant topics, acquire new skills, and learn from industry leaders. We hope this list serves as a guide for which events suit your team’s needs best.
As you plan your conference schedule, focus on events that align with your specific growth goals in order to maximize ROI and drive meaningful results for your business.
If you’re looking for additional channels of growth, reap the power of connections that Catapult can bring to your business. Our team works to grow your business in a strategic direction, and are ready to partner to navigate the complex new business development process together.
Learn more about how we can help your agency grow today!