Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards 2025—everything you need to know

The Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards heads to Toronto on July 22 and 23, with an agenda poised to give small agencies tools to succeed in the coming year. Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards Join us July 22 & 23 in Toronto Learn more here The two-day conference will explore issues common to small agency owners and operators through hands-on workshops, panels, case studies, fireside chats, peer-to-peer sharing and more. What is the Ad Age Small Agency Conference? Now in its second decade, the multi-day event begins with a half day of workshops conducted by industry experts and a second full day of learning from agency owners and operators, chief marketing officers and others. The event, which is specifically tailored to the needs of shops with fewer than 150 employees, is designed to help indies grow and thrive. The event ends with the Small Agency Awards, in which Ad Age names the best small agencies in the country. Last year’s winners can be found here. Where will it take place and when? This year’s event will be held in Toronto at The Quay. Events begin on July 22 with lunch and end with an opening-night reception. The second-day agenda on July 23 starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m., and includes breakfast, lunch and networking breaks. The awards ceremony starts at 6 p.m. on July 23. Who is speaking at the Ad Age Small Agency Conference? From small agency founders to consultants and legal experts, key industry leaders take the stage for workshops, keynotes, case studies and panels. Last year’s speakers included Bonnie Wan, Goodby Silverstein & Partners’ partner and head of brand strategy and creator of “The Life Brief;” Pete Carter, former P&G executive and founder of Creative Haystack; influencer marketing strategist Lindsey Gamble; Rishad Tobaccowala and Howard Mogg from consultancy Team Uncommon; Marian Leitner-Waldman, founder and CEO of Archer Roose Wines; and principals from Quality Meats, Fig, Mischief @ No Fixed Address, Shadow Lion, Walrus and Bandits & Friends. What’s on the agenda? This year’s discussions will cover essential topics for small agencies, including leveraging AI to streamline operations, legal considerations every agency should know, and behind-the-scenes case studies of standout work from the past year. Experts will also dive into strategies for navigating economic uncertainty, evaluating private equity investment opportunities and pitching new ideas to clients before they even ask. Leaders from top small agencies will take the stage to facilitate workshops, share their insights and best practices and offer actionable advice to help agencies thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Who attends the Ad Age Small Agency Conference? The conference is geared toward owners and operators of small agencies of every kind—advertising, media, PR, consultancies, experiential, B2B and more—and is aimed at giving actionable advice for moving your business forward. Attendees also engage in workshops, peer-to-peer sharing and case studies designed to provide creative inspiration. What do I need to know about travel? If you are a U.S. citizen planning to attend the Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards please review the following guidelines on our travel information page, which includes passport requirements, customs information and other details. How much are tickets? The pre-sale rates are currently $949 per ticket for Ad Age subscribers and $1,149 for non-subscribers. This event often sells out. What about hotels? Ad Age has a special group rate of $339 CAD for conference attendees at the Westin Harbour Castle. Rooms are limited and will sell out; booking will be on a first come, first served basis. Where can I buy tickets and see updates? You can buy tickets and see the latest information, including speakers, topics and other details, at AdAge.com/SACA. Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards Join us July 22 & 23 in Toronto Learn more here

Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards 2025—everything you need to know

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