Smartly's ADVANCE Returns to New York Sept. 29 at Spring Studios

Smartly's ADVANCE Returns to New York Sept. 29 at Spring Studios

Smartly's flagship event will convene more than 750 senior leaders from brands, agencies and technology platforms to explore how AI, creative, commerce and intelligence are converging to reshape modern marketing

Smartly's flagship event, ADVANCE, returns to New York City on Sept. 29, 2026, at Spring Studios. The event will bring together more than 750 senior marketing and advertising leaders from brands, agencies and leading technology platforms. As AI reshapes how brands are built and consumers discover products, creativity, media, and intelligence are becoming one connected system. ADVANCE will explore what this shift means for marketers, their teams, and the next generation of brand and business growth.

The agenda features leaders from across the marketing ecosystem, including Accenture Song, DoorDash, Google, Horizon Media, Meta, NBCUniversal, The New York Times, Pinterest, Reddit, TikTok, WPP, Wpromote and YouTube, alongside opening remarks from Smartly CEO Laura Desmond. Additional speakers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Closing the day, NBA Champion and New York Knicks forward Josh Hart will join Smartly CEO Laura Desmond in conversation alongside Matthew Hillman, CEO of PATH Talent. Together, Hart and Hillman co-host The Roommates Show, one of sports' fastest-growing podcasts. Drawing on their experience building loyal communities on and off the court, they'll explore what it takes to create authentic cultural relevance, build enduring brands and turn defining moments into lasting impact.