Next Stop: IRL (NYC Events & Beyond): 5/7/26 – 5/28/26
A curated IRL event guide for creators, marketers, operators, and business owners across the creator economy and beyond
Hey everyone,
There’s a pretty interesting mix of events over the next few weeks.
Even though they sit in different corners of marketing, media, commerce, and tech, a lot of them are circling the same questions. What actually connects with people right now, what doesn’t anymore, and where things are heading next.
You see it across AI and creative workflows, creator marketing, retail strategy, community-building, sports tech, PR, and commerce. Different niches, but a lot of the same underlying conversations.
There are also a lot of different types of rooms in this stretch.
You have bigger industry environments like The Lead Summit, EMARKETER’s Ad Buyer Summit, FutureCon, and Sports Business Journal’s Tech Week if you want the broader market perspective. Then you have smaller things like Creator Economy NYC, The Marketing Groupe mixer, Commerce Club Champion Dinner, and GenZtea where the value is really in the conversations and who’s in the room.
A few I’d keep an eye on are Physical. x CatGPT at Shopify, Marketing Brew’s The Next Phase of Social & Creator Marketing and Roster Radio LIVE.
As always, I pulled together what feels worth paying attention to across NYC over the next few weeks. If you’re hosting something that should be included in a future edition, feel free to reach out.
💡 Behind the scenes
One thing I notice after weeks like this is how many good conversations never really go anywhere.
People meet at an event, exchange information, talk about collaborating, and then nothing happens once everyone gets back to real life.
Honestly, the same thing happens inside businesses too.
A lot of the work I do as a Fractional COO is creating better follow-through. Clear ownership, better visibility, tighter systems, making sure things don’t just start strong but actually continue moving once the initial excitement wears off.
On the Proforma S&G Associates side, it’s similar.
The brands that stand out usually aren’t the ones doing the loudest activation. They’re the ones thinking about the full experience. What people take with them after the event, what keeps getting used, what extends the interaction beyond one moment.
If you’re working through something operationally or thinking about how your brand shows up in the real world, feel free to reach out. Happy to talk it through.
Now, here’s what’s coming up in NYC from May 7 through May 28 👇
5/7/26
Welcome to the Gen Z Economy: Where Culture Cashes Out
📍 NYC
🕠 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by 212 NYC
Gen Z isn’t just shaping culture, they’re shaping where money flows. This all–Gen Z panel takes a closer look at how influence is built today, how community drives commerce, and why brands can’t treat culture as a campaign add-on anymore.
Expect a candid conversation about how marketers are rethinking media, partnerships, and creative strategy in response to a generation that values authenticity, speed, and ownership. Less theory, more real perspective from the people living it.
For marketers, brand leaders, media strategists, and anyone trying to understand how culture translates into economic power in 2026.
5/7/26
Marketing Evenings NYC: Driving Brand Relevance and Growth Through Cultural Moments
📍 BrainStation (NYC)
🕔 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
💲 $45
Hosted by BrainStation
A speaker-led session focused on cultural marketing, brand strategy, and community-driven growth. This event features Kiara Whitehead, Senior Manager of Culture Marketing & Events at Red Bull, sharing how global brands create meaningful cultural moments that resonate locally.
The conversation will explore how brands balance global consistency with local relevance, build authentic communities, and turn culture-driven activations into measurable impact. Expect a mix of presentation, real-world examples, and live Q&A in a more intimate learning environment.
For marketers, brand builders, and strategists looking to better understand how culture drives growth and how to translate that into real brand impact.
5/9/26
Physical. x CatGPT
📍 Shopify (NYC)
🕔 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by Physical. x CatGPT x Shopify
A nostalgic pop-up experience centered around offline connection, design, and playful tech culture. Created by Cat Goetze (CatGPT), the event introduces Physical Phones, Bluetooth-enabled retro handsets designed to bring a more human, intentional feel back to communication.
The pop-up transforms Shopify NY into a 90s-inspired interactive space with photo moments, hands-on product demos, and a more analog approach to connection in an AI-heavy world. Expect a creative, community-driven environment with a strong aesthetic and social element.
For creators, marketers, and culturally curious attendees interested in tech, branding, nostalgia-driven experiences, and the future of human connection.
5/12/26
The Next Phase of Social & Creator Marketing
📍 Studio Gather (NYC)
🕔 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET
💲 $199
Hosted by Marketing Brew
A half-day summit focused on creator marketing, social strategy, and measuring ROI in a rapidly evolving landscape. This event brings together marketers from brands like Spotify, ESPN, OLAPLEX, CAVA, and VaynerMedia to unpack how teams are adapting to constant platform shifts and increasing pressure to prove impact.
The programming covers topics like attribution and predictive analytics, platform diversification, and how brands are connecting creator efforts to real business outcomes. Expect a mix of tactical sessions and strategic conversations grounded in what’s actually working right now.
For marketers, strategists, and operators working in social and creator marketing who want to better understand performance, scale, and future-proof their approach.
5/12/26
The 2026 Clio Awards Ceremony
📍 Cipriani, 25 Broadway (NYC)
🕕 6:00 PM ET
💲 $850 | Table of 10: $8,000
Hosted by Clio Awards
Founded in 1959, the Clio Awards have long set the standard for honoring excellence in advertising and creativity around the world. The program has evolved alongside the industry, celebrating boundary-pushing marketing, advertising, and communications from the brands, agencies, and organizations shaping culture and driving global commerce.
Each year, the Clio Awards bring together leading creative talent through an immersive judging process to determine the most impactful work, culminating in the presentation of the Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Clio statues. The ceremony itself is both a celebration of the year’s best ideas and a reflection of where creativity and marketing are headed next.
For creators, creative leaders, agencies, brands, and teams celebrating excellence in advertising and storytelling.
5/13/26
Marketing at the Intersection of AI & Fashion with Daydream
📍 NYC
🕔 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by AI Snack Club
A hands-on session focused on AI in fashion marketing, creative workflows, and brand strategy. This event features Jennifer Koen, Head of Marketing + Comms at Daydream, sharing how AI is actually being used inside a fashion brand today across content, campaigns, and customer insight.
The conversation will break down what AI-powered creativity looks like in practice, including the tools, prompts, and systems being used to move faster while maintaining a strong brand point of view. Expect a mix of real-world application, perspective, and discussion in a more intimate setting.
For marketers and creatives interested in how AI is being applied inside taste-driven industries and how to integrate it without losing the human element.
5/14/26
EMARKETER: Ad Buyer Summit
📍 City Winery (NYC)
🕔 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
💲 Free for brands professionals (approval required)
$299 for agency professionals (early bird)
$399 for publisher professionals (early bird)
$799 for general admission (early bird)
Hosted by EMARKETER
A full-day summit focused on advertising strategy, commerce media, and AI-driven marketing transformation. This event brings together brand marketers, media buyers, and agency leaders to explore where ad dollars are moving and how strategies are evolving across channels.
The programming includes the release of EMARKETER’s latest advertising forecasts, along with sessions on AI’s impact on search and discovery, attribution challenges, retail media growth, and how teams are adapting to a more complex, fragmented media landscape. Expect a highly data-driven environment with insights grounded in real market shifts.
For media buyers, brand marketers, and agency leaders looking to better understand where advertising is heading and how to make more informed, data-backed decisions.
5/14/26
FutureCon
📍 The Edison Ballroom (NYC)
🕔 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM ET
💲 $695 for members
$795 for non members
Hosted by PRSA (Public Relations Society of America)
A full-day conference focused on public relations, communications strategy, and the impact of AI on trust and media. FutureCon brings together industry leaders to explore how the communications function is evolving in a rapidly shifting landscape.
The programming covers topics like AI’s role in shaping brand visibility and reputation, navigating misinformation, the future of earned media, and how communications leaders are adapting to new expectations across stakeholders and platforms. Expect a mix of keynotes, panels, and strategic discussions grounded in real-world challenges.
For PR and communications leaders looking to stay ahead of how the industry is evolving and how to lead with impact in an increasingly complex media environment.
5/14/26
B&H x Sony’s Alpha In Residence After Party
📍 Academy Mansion (NYC)
🕔 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by B&H + Sony Alpha
A community-focused creative event centered around photography, video, and visual storytelling. B&H and Sony Alpha are bringing creators together for an evening designed to inspire creativity, showcase tools and techniques, and connect people working across photo and video.
The experience is built around hands-on exploration, networking, and learning from other creatives in the space, with attendees encouraged to bring their cameras and create throughout the evening. Expect a visually driven environment with a strong creator and photography community presence.
For photographers, videographers, and content creators looking to connect with other creatives, explore new tools, and sharpen their craft.
5/14/26
May Marketing Mixer | Hosted by The Marketing Groupe
📍 Bar Sella (NYC)
🕔 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
💲 $50
Hosted by The Marketing Groupe
A curated evening mixer focused on marketing industry connection, peer networking, and community-building. This event brings together NYC-based marketers across brands, agencies, and tech for a more relaxed, conversation-driven environment.
Set in a cocktail bar setting, the focus is on stepping away from day-to-day work and connecting with others in the space in a way that feels more natural and less transactional than traditional networking events. Expect a smaller, curated group, drinks, and intentional conversation.
For marketers looking to expand their network, exchange ideas, and meet others across the industry in a more casual, well-curated setting.
5/16/26
NYC Content Creators Event: May Meetup
📍 NYC
🕔 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by Content Creators Exchange of New York
A laid-back meetup focused on content creation, collaboration, and creator community building. This event brings together YouTubers, TikTokers, Instagram creators, and other digital creators for a mix of focused work time and open networking.
The format starts with a “Focus Hour” for creating or planning content, followed by a more relaxed connect-and-chill session and an optional happy hour after. Expect a casual, welcoming environment designed to make it easy to meet others, share ideas, and collaborate.
For content creators and creator-adjacent professionals looking to connect, create, and build relationships in a low-pressure, community-driven setting.
5/18/26 – 5/20/26
Tech Week — Sports Business Journal
📍 NYC
🕔 Multi-day (see agenda)
💲 $295 for virtual access
$1,495 for sports properties (teams, leagues, and governing bodies)
$1,895 for service providers & suppliers (agencies, media, facilities and other professional services)
Hosted by Sports Business Journal
A multi-day conference focused on sports technology, digital content, and innovation across the sports industry. Tech Week brings together leaders from teams, leagues, media companies, and tech platforms to explore how technology is transforming every part of the business.
The programming spans topics like AI in sports, fan experience technology, content distribution, and operational systems, alongside structured networking, receptions, and the Sports Business Awards: Tech. Expect a mix of panels, real-world case studies, and high-level conversations with operators shaping the future of the industry.
For sports industry leaders, operators, and tech professionals looking to stay ahead of innovation, build relationships, and understand where the industry is heading.
5/19/26
NYWICI Matrix Awards — The Butterfly Effect
📍 Ziegfeld Ballroom (NYC)
🕔 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM ET
💲$475 for member of NYWICI
$625 for non members of NYWICI
$60 for rising star members of NYWICI
Hosted by New York Women in Communications (NYWICI)
A flagship awards event centered around women’s leadership, communications, and industry impact. The Matrix Awards brings together leaders across media, marketing, journalism, and communications to celebrate women driving meaningful change and shaping the future of the industry.
This year’s honorees include leaders from companies like Google, TikTok, Publicis Groupe, Disney, and Dentsu Creative, with Sheinelle Jones serving as emcee. The evening blends recognition, storytelling, and high-level networking in a more formal, celebratory setting.
For professionals in communications, media, and marketing looking to connect with industry leaders and celebrate women shaping the future of the field.
5/19/26
Gen Z NYC Founder & Creator Mixer
📍 109 3rd Ave (NYC)
🕕 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by GenZtea
This May edition of GenZtea’s NYC mixer brings Gen Z founders and creators together for an intimate, East Village evening focused on connection, reflection, and momentum as spring kicks off.
The vibe here is intentional and supportive. Expect a smaller room, real conversations, light refreshments, and space to talk personal branding, collaboration, and what it actually looks like to build as a Gen Z founder right now. There is also an opportunity to spotlight food brands IRL and get involved in GenZtea’s growing marketplace and newsletter.
A solid reset if you are early in your journey or actively building and want to connect with people who are doing the same.
For Gen Z founders, creators, and early stage builders looking for genuine connection and community in NYC.
5/19/26
Commerce Leaders Mixer
📍 NYC
🕘 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
💲 Free
Hosted by Retail Tech Media Nexus
A curated mixer focused on ecommerce, retail strategy, and digital growth. This event brings together senior leaders across brands and retail for a smaller, more intentional networking environment ahead of The Lead Summit.
Designed to keep the room tight and relevant, the focus is on meaningful conversations across ecommerce, marketing, and digital strategy. Expect a more senior audience, with a mix of brand-side and retail operators connecting in a pre-conference setting.
For senior retail and brand leaders looking to connect with peers, exchange strategies, and build relationships ahead of The Lead Summit.
5/19/26
Creator Economy NYC: Creator Spring Soiree
📍 NYC
🕔 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by Creator Economy NYC
A spring mixer focused on creator economy, content, and industry connection. This event brings together creators, marketers, and founders for a more relaxed, social environment designed to reconnect and meet others across the space.
Positioned as a lighter, more laid-back gathering, the focus is on conversation, community, and staying plugged into the broader creator ecosystem. Expect a curated room with a mix of familiar faces and new connections across content, marketing, and tech.
For creators, marketers, and founders looking to connect with others in the creator economy and build relationships in a more casual, social setting.
The Lead Summit 2026
📍 Pier 36 (NYC)
🕘 Wed 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM ET | Thurs 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💲 Free for brands & retailers via the Meetings Program (approval required)
Free for media (approval required)
$2,075 for general attendee (discounted rate)
$1,915 for sponsors & exhibitors
$1,395 for investors
$995 for brand & retailer paid ticket
Hosted by The Lead
The Lead Summit is built specifically for brands and retailers navigating the next era of commerce, growth, and innovation. Across two high-impact days in New York, senior leaders come together to exchange ideas, pressure-test strategy, and build partnerships that move the industry forward.
The programming spans marketing, ecommerce, retail, customer experience, operations, technology, and AI, with a strong focus on practical execution. Expect real case studies, candid conversations, and frameworks you can actually take back to your team, alongside curated workshops, roundtables, and executive-level networking.
What truly sets The Lead apart is its Meetings Program, which enables thousands of 1:1 connections between brands, retailers, and solution partners, turning the event into a working marketplace rather than just a conference.
For brand and retail leaders across marketing, ecommerce, CX, operations, technology, and strategy shaping the future of commerce and consumer experience.
5/20/26 – 5/22/26
Hamptons Media Retreat
📍 The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages (Shelter Island, NY)
🕔 Multi-day (see agenda)
💲 Invite-only (to apply, reach out to allie@brand-innovators.com)
Hosted by The Pridwin Hotel
An intimate, multi-day retreat centered around media leadership, brand strategy, and high-level industry connection. This experience brings together a curated group of senior media leaders for off-the-record conversations, structured networking, and thought leadership in a more relaxed, high-touch setting.
The retreat blends strategic discussion with elevated experiences, including fireside conversations, sunset activities, and small-group networking designed to foster deeper relationships. Attendance is highly selective, keeping the room focused and aligned at a senior level.
For senior media leaders and executives looking for a more exclusive, relationship-driven environment to exchange ideas and connect with peers.
5/20/26
Retail Open Doors at The Lead Summit
📍 Pier 36 (NYC)
🕔 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
💲 Free (Lead Summit badge required)
Hosted by Retail AI Council
A casual networking session focused on retail, AI, and industry connection. This event brings together senior leaders across retail, brands, and technology for a more open, low-pressure environment on the expo floor of The Lead Summit.
There’s no formal programming, just time to connect with peers, catch up with familiar faces, and meet others operating across retail and emerging technology. Designed as an easy touchpoint within a larger conference, it keeps the focus on conversation and relationship-building.
For retail, brand, and tech leaders attending The Lead Summit who want to connect with peers in a more relaxed, no-agenda setting.
5/20/26
Create Now New York
📍 Lavan Midtown (NYC)
🕔 5:30 PM – 8:15 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by Adobe
A creator-focused event centered around design tools, creative workflows, and visual storytelling. Create Now brings together Adobe experts and working creatives to share updates across tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Firefly, and Express, along with practical tips to improve workflow and output.
The evening includes a mix of live demos, a talk from guest speaker Rich Tu, and open networking with other creatives. Expect a hands-on, inspiration-driven environment with a strong focus on learning and connecting within the creative community.
For designers, content creators, and creative professionals looking to sharpen their skills, explore new tools, and connect with others in the space.
5/20/26
Upscale NYC Brand Happy Hour
📍 NYC
🕔 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by Upscale AI
A casual happy hour focused on DTC brands, ecommerce, and founder/operator connection. This event brings together a curated group of brand leaders for a relaxed evening of conversation and networking.
The format is simple, drinks and conversation, with an emphasis on connecting with others building and operating within the DTC space. Expect a smaller, more focused room with peers across brand and ecommerce.
For DTC founders, operators, and brand leaders looking to connect with others in the space in a low-pressure, social setting.
5/20/26
For the Firsts: May Meetup
📍 Fabrik (NYC)
🕔 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
💲 Free (approval required)
Hosted by For the Firsts
A purpose-driven meetup centered around identity, intentional career paths, and deeper human connection. This gathering brings together professionals, creatives, and founders who are building their lives and careers without a traditional blueprint.
The format blends guided networking with open conversation, designed to move beyond surface-level intros and into more meaningful dialogue. Expect structured moments of connection alongside a relaxed mixer environment, with an emphasis on shared experiences and personal perspective.
For professionals, creatives, and founders looking for more intentional connection and conversations that go beyond job titles and into purpose and identity.
5/20/26
The ANDY Awards 2026
📍 ARTECHOUSE NYC (NYC)
🕔 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
💲 $395
Hosted by The Advertising Club
A flagship awards event focused on creative excellence, advertising, and industry-leading work. The ANDY Awards brings together top creatives, agencies, and brand leaders to recognize the ideas and campaigns shaping the year in advertising.
Known for its rigorous judging process, the event highlights standout work across craft, creativity, and innovation, with the winners revealed live during the evening. Expect a high-energy, industry-forward environment with a mix of celebration and connection.
For creatives, marketers, and advertising leaders looking to stay close to the work defining the industry and connect with others at the top of the field.
5/21/26
Gen Z NYC Founder & Creator Mixer
📍 109 3rd Ave (NYC)
🕕 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by GenZtea
A high-energy networking mixer focused on Gen Z founders, creators, startups, and internet culture. This event brings together young builders across AI, fintech, ecommerce, healthtech, media, and creator-led businesses for an evening built around connection and collaboration.
The community has hosted large-scale mixers featuring founders, operators, creators, and investors from major startups and companies like Meta and Morgan Stanley, with a strong emphasis on community-building and peer connection. Expect a fast-paced, social environment with a highly ambitious, creator-first crowd.
For Gen Z founders, creators, and startup operators looking to meet collaborators, build community, and connect with other young people building ambitious things.
5/21/26
NYC Commerce Club Champions Dinner
📍 NYC
🕔 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by NYC Commerce Club
A private dinner experience focused on DTC growth, ecommerce strategy, and peer-level operator conversation. This gathering brings together senior leaders from 8+ figure brands for a more intimate evening centered around candid discussion and meaningful connection.
Rather than panels or formal programming, the night is designed around open conversation on the topics brand leaders are actively navigating, including retention, merchandising, operations, customer experience, and emerging technology. Expect a smaller, high-level room with operators sharing what’s actually working behind the scenes.
For senior ecommerce and DTC operators looking for deeper conversation, strategic perspective, and connection with peers building and scaling modern consumer brands.
5/26/26
The Retail Strategy Exchange for Re:Plan (PI Apparel)
📍 NYC
🕔 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
💲 Free
Hosted by Retail Tech Media Nexus
An intimate gathering focused on retail strategy, consumer brands, and executive-level industry discussion. This event brings together senior retail leaders for a more private, peer-driven environment designed around candid conversation and relationship-building.
Held alongside the Re:Plan (PI Apparel) conference, the evening extends conference conversations into a more relaxed setting centered on strategy, emerging trends, and the future of retail. Expect a curated room of decision-makers across retail and consumer brands, with an emphasis on meaningful dialogue over formal programming.
For senior retail and consumer brand leaders looking to exchange ideas, connect with peers, and stay close to the strategies shaping the future of the industry.
5/28/26
IAB Tech Lab Summit 2026
📍 Convene, 117 West 46th Street (NYC)
🕘 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
💲Free for qualified brands and agencies
Members: $599 (super early bird)
Non members: $799 (super early bird)
Hosted by IAB Tech Lab
The IAB Tech Lab Summit is a full day conference focused on the technical foundations powering the digital advertising ecosystem as it enters its next phase.
The agenda centers on open standards, interoperability, and real-world technology solutions, with candid discussion around privacy, addressability, efficiency, and scale. Expect hard-hitting conversations and practical debate on how the industry can build smarter, more connected infrastructure that supports both innovation and commercial growth.
This is a technical, forward-looking room designed for people who want to understand not just what’s changing, but how the underlying systems actually need to evolve to support it.
For brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, data, and engineering leaders focused on the future of digital advertising infrastructure and standards.
5/28/26
Roster Radio LIVE: The Beauty-Fication of Alternative Categories
📍 NYC
🕔 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
💲 $50
Hosted by Roster Radio
A panel and networking event focused on beauty brand strategy, adjacent categories, and modern consumer branding. This session explores how industries like pet care, sexual wellness, and cognitive wellness are adopting the aesthetics, storytelling, and emotional positioning traditionally associated with beauty brands.
The evening features conversations with founders and operators including Alexandra Pauly (Biche) and Jane Kate Wong (Noon World), alongside networking designed to foster genuine connection within the beauty industry community. Expect a thoughtful but social environment with a strong mix of founders, strategists, marketers, and creatives.
For beauty industry professionals, founders, and brand builders interested in how beauty principles are influencing adjacent consumer categories and shaping modern brand strategy.
