5 Trends to Watch at AdTech New York

The advertising and online marketing world will gather next week at AdTech 2011 in New York. Three days of engaging speaking sessions, tchotchkes and giveaways from exhibits, and many meet-and-greet party opportunities. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend this year (maybe in San Francisco in 2012). But here are 5 trends to watch if you are there.

1. Mobile marketing is everything

Mobile marketing, mobile commerce, mobile advertising, iPhone and Android apps… it is the buzz. Mobile is the most important discussion taking place right now. Why? It is the new frontier to make a lot of money. Think back to the tectonic shift that Google created with its search engine. Mobile is a similar game-changer but likely even bigger. To tap into the mobile trend make sure to check out the AdTech Mobile session series.

If you can attend only one session, the mobile marketing session not to miss looks like Tablet Marketing: How We Really Use Them.

2. Google is still about search, not social

There is a Google + session in the social track (Getting Closer to Your Customers on Google+ with Christian Oestlien of Google). I think that Google+ and the +1 button are valuable in social marketing. However, AdTech is an advertising conference first and foremost. Google + has not integrated their ad network. Yet that is. So until they do, stick to making money using what Google does have and does very well. PPC and SEO are still massive. Make sure you spend your time finding out about the latest on the search marketing front more than how to use Google+.

3. True innovation in mashing mobile, local, shopping, and social

I have seen a lot of incredible innovation coming from the companies that eBay has recently acquired – from Where.com local mobile ad network to RedLaser mobile shopping apps to Zong mobile social payments. The mashup of mobile, local, shopping, and social is where the technical innovations are becoming mainstream solutions. Make sure to check out the exhibits from the companies that are listed in AdTech’s special Exhibitor Zones. The zones include Innovation Alley, Mobile Marketing, and Social-Loco specializations.

4. Small advertising networks are not going away

If you browse the Ad Tech exhibitor list, you will see a ton of small advertising and CPA networks. They exist because they can help you make a lot of money online. Find out what they offer and which can boost your revenues. Figure out who can be trusted and who is too good to be true.

5. Agencies – you still need them

You may not be big enough for massive ad agencies like BBDO or McCann. However, agencies should be a key partner in your success. They can get you great results, free up your time and help you scale. To get all that you need to understand how to best work with an agency. Check out the Media Agency session track.

Have fun in New York!

Photos courtesy of Ad:Tech