The Drum has successfully acquired a significant portfolio of B2B marketing programs from ANA Business Marketing NYC and is poised to unveil its flagship event, B2B World Fest Miami, further amplifying its B2B offerings both domestically and on an international scale.
This pivotal agreement encompasses the integration of the Global ACE Awards, Marketers of the Year, and the Annual Conference | B2B Day into The Drum’s burgeoning B2B platform.
By assimilating these esteemed awards and event franchises, The Drum enhances its capabilities in publishing, research, and live events.
This initiative represents a monumental advancement in The Drum’s B2B strategy, which is centered on establishing a more robust global network for B2B marketers, agencies, media proprietors, and technological partners, emphasizing reporting, recognition, and essential industry events.
In line with this agreement, Cathy Smith, previously the executive director and chief growth officer at ANA Business Marketing NYC, will transition to The Drum as executive director, B2B US. In her new role, she will spearhead The Drum’s forthcoming phase of growth throughout North America.
A New Flagship Event for B2B Marketers
In conjunction with this acquisition, The Drum has formally announced the inception of B2B World Fest Miami, an innovative three-day international event expressly designed for B2B marketing aficionados.
Building upon four successful editions of B2B World Fest in London, the Miami gathering signifies a significant international advancement, uniting a senior-level conference, leadership forums, and prestigious industry awards in one global convergence scheduled for November 8-11, 2026.
The Annual Conference will now be amalgamated into B2B World Fest, synergizing its established community and program within this new festival framework, thus positioning the event as a pivotal date on the global B2B calendar.
The Drum will establish a new B2B Strategic Advisory Council, comprised of a select cadre of senior representatives from its B2B community, including Business Brands, Media, Agencies, and Technology firms. Initial founder members include Bader Rutter, Stein, and Transmission, with further announcements forthcoming.
Want to Go Deeper? Ask The Drum
The Drum Reshapes Its B2B Awards Offering
This acquisition substantially enriches The Drum’s B2B awards portfolio.
The Global ACE Awards will henceforth serve as the Creative track within The Drum Global B2B Awards. The Creative Aces will celebrate creative excellence across brand innovation, craft, content, and experiential marketing.
An expanded awards program will be methodically organized across four distinct tracks that encapsulate the expansive landscape of contemporary B2B marketing:
- Creative Aces
- Effectiveness
- Go-to-Market, encompassing media, communications, and technology
- Industry
Together, these tracks will illuminate the full spectrum of strategic, creative, and commercial excellence pulsating within the global B2B marketing community.
Expanding The Drum’s B2B Platform
By interlinking established industry programs, international awards, incisive journalism, research, and major industry events into a cohesive platform.
The Drum aspires to become the linchpin for the individuals, ideas, and companies that are instrumental in shaping the future of B2B marketing.
The assimilation of ANA Business Marketing NYC’s programs, coupled with the launch of B2B World Fest in Miami, illustrates a significant leap forward in The Drum’s ambition to solidify its identity as the ‘Beating Heart of B2B.’
Source link: Thedrum.com.
