about the event.

who.

The event is designed for professionals in the fields of marketing and communications. Attendees are from every level in branding, advertising and PR agencies, tech companies, startups, media outlets, and corporate communications units working in and around Washington, DC.

what.

ADWKDC provides opportunities for networking along with keynotes, workshops and panels on relevant topics presented by proven industry talent.

The event has taken many different forms since its launch more than 10 years ago and has continued to evolve to best meet the needs of the region.

why.

Unlike conferences of similar size and scope across the country, ADWKDC takes a more unique focus on the local DC market and places a stronger emphasis on diversity of thought and the melding of various disciplines. We encourage our participants to step out of their comfort zones and gain insights in all areas of communications to become more well-rounded at what they do.

the story behind the design.

Technology and trends come and go, but at its root, innovation in advertising is always about “the big idea” whether we work in media, strategy, account or creative. Our clients, partners, coworkers, and colleagues realize that they all must evolve, or else—and it is incumbent upon our profession to help visualize the future of this business, in radical, exciting (and even uncomfortable) new ways.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Exclusive Outdoor Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Newseum

Breakout Session Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Become a Sponsor

We are expected to reach nearly 400 attendees over the course of the week, most influencers and tastemakers, directing hundreds of millions of dollars for themselves and their clients on media placements, technology, staffing and resources. As a sponsor to ADWKDC, you gain direct access to this engaged audience and are able to share your products or services and help support the heartbeat of the industry.

If you are interested, please contact us at: [email protected]

Inov8 DC

Join us for the main event! Innov8 DC features keynotes, panels and interactive sessions focused on emerging trends and challenges to old paradigms in the marketing and communications field.

When:
Wednesday, October 4, 2017. See session page for full agenda.

Where:
FHI 360 Conference Center
1825 Connecticut Avenue NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009

Dupont Circle nearest metro

Other Events

Throughout the week there will be a variety of hosted sessions, mixers and parties. Be sure to check the Session page for more information. New events will be added over the coming months.

Conference Photography by Tim Lundin.

Sound good? Then let's get you registered.

Meet the duo behind this year’s ADWKDC creative campaign called INOV8.

Meet the creative director behind this year’s ADWKDC/INOV8 campaign:

Jim Schmidt

Jim Schmidt is senior creative director at Burson-Marsteller in Washington, D.C. where he provides strategic guidance on brand identity and integrated campaigns. Jim is also responsible for guiding and inspiring teams of writers, art directors and designers throughout the creative development process for the agency’s diverse client base.

Jim’s experience spans a range of categories, including advertising, public relations and crisis management. His work includes: rebranding the Hack Harassment coalition alongside Vox Media, Intel and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation; changing opinions in the wake of a crisis with the “I Am Susan G. Komen for the Cure” campaign; and turning wounded warriors into role models with the “Unstoppable” campaign for Paralyzed Veterans of America.

After several years of leading diverse creative initiatives, Jim believes that the most innovative solutions happen when small groups of smart people are working just outside the boundaries of what is considered possible.

Meet the illustrator behind this year’s ADWKDC and INOV8 creative campaign:

Loren Klein

With a passion for typography and lettering, Loren works with a variety of clients and agencies on design projects ranging from logo design to food packaging to event posters. He began his career in the DC area with jobs at the Newseum, Discovery, and Pappas Group, and now freelances in Denver, where he also finds time for hiking, snowboarding, and photography. Loren earned a BFA for Graphic Design at the Rhode Island School of Design.