ADVERTISING WEEK IN TIMES SQUARE

As we come mid-way through Advertising Week in New York, two of the highest attended events vie for attention. Both Mediapost's OMMA and IAB's MIXX venues are separated by just three city blocks and the focus of both are the future of our industry and the data that will drive us there.

If content is king then both events deserve to be crowned. Content at OMMA was both engaging and informative, with non-stop sessions around the clock.

Bant Breen (RIGHT & ON SCREEN),
President, Digital, Initiative Media

While the exhibit halls at both were a bit sparse, content and the quality of the attendees more than made up for the difference.

Brian Decker (LEFT), Managing
Director, Mindshare

There is, however, room for improvement. These events need to collectively bring together younger members of our industry. Planners were few and far between, likely strapped to their desks back at their offices while senior members of the team were networking.

One of the OMMA All-Stars, Colleen DeCourcey, Chief Digital Officer at TBWA challenged her audience to help bring and keep young people into the fold and to "stop doing old things in new places" ... Bravo Colleen.

Overall, an impressive display in a down and hurting economy. With more events over the next few days, Times Square will be buzzing with media stars of all varieties.