New York's Digital Advertising Club Honors Leaders in Advertising at Spectacular Gala Event

Celebrating Humanity in Advertising: 212NYC's 2026 Gala

On November 5, 2026, nearly 300 leaders from the advertising sector convened at the iconic Tribeca Rooftop for the 12th Annual Gala Excellence Awards hosted by 212NYC, New York's Digital Advertising Club. This event brought together innovators and trailblazers under the inspiring theme of "Humanity in Action Staying Human in the Age of AI."

The evening highlighted a critical juncture in the advertising industry, where leaders are learning to harness the potential of artificial intelligence while retaining the core values of creativity and human connection. Jay Wolff, the President of 212NYC, opened the gala with a powerful reflection on the importance of embracing humanity even as technology shapes the industry's future. He emphasized, "The leaders we're honoring exemplify the vision, innovation, and human impact that will define the next chapter of advertising."

Each year, the 212NYC Gala serves as a cornerstone event for advertising professionals across media and marketing sectors. It not only celebrates achievements but also fosters connections and conversations about the future landscape of the industry. Ritu Trivedi, Vice President of 212NYC, remarked on the organization's growth alongside the digital advertising sector, stating, "Our community has always been driven by a willingness to embrace change while recognizing the value of human connection."

This year’s gala recognized five exemplary individuals who have made substantial contributions to the industry's development and embody the evening's core theme:
1. Chrissie Hanson, CEO of Dentsu North America Media Practice and Global Brand President of Carat, received the Human-Centered Leadership Award.
2. Todd Kaplan, CMO North America of The Kraft Heinz Company, was honored with the Industry Luminary Award.
3. Jeff Lucas, Chief Revenue Officer of Tubi, received the Breakthrough Leader Award.
4. Kory Marchisotto, President of e.l.f. Brands, was awarded the Human Impact Award.
5. Nick Tran, President and CMO of First Round Collective, earned the Innovation with Impact Award.

The evening featured keynote remarks from Rishad Tobaccowala, the honored recipient of the 2025 Industry Luminary Award. Tobaccowala expressed how AI offers a chance to enhance human creativity and connection rather than replace them, stating, "The real opportunity is to use AI to amplify human imagination, judgment, and connection, not replace them."

Supported by numerous sponsors, including renowned names like Amazon Ads, Google, and The New York Times, the 212NYC Gala was more than an award show; it was a celebration of the people and ideas that drive the advertising field forward amidst rapid technological advancements.

212NYC continues to be the leading organization for the digital advertising community in New York, reaching more than 5,000 professionals. This nonprofit group focuses on education through year-round panels and events designed to foster collaboration and career growth among its members. For more details about their initiatives and upcoming events, visit www.212NYC.org.

Through events like the gala, 212NYC underscores the enduring essence of humanity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, encouraging professionals to innovate thoughtfully while remaining grounded in the connections that elevate their work.