I’ve read a couple of articles this morning about the coming Network TV Upfronts. Upfront week will start May 13th this year and it always makes me feel nostalgic. I may not have had a Media Director title on the client side, but when I worked at Midas, I functioned as the Media Director so I got to go to the Upfronts in NYC every year.
If you aren’t in the Ad Agency or marketing biz, you probably only ever hear about the Upfronts on the morning news shows or Entertainment tonight – because all the stars of the shows are in New York and they show up on all the entertainment shows plugging their new series that was probably announced at an Upfront event. Or you might have heard about the giant parties – although I understand they aren’t exactly what they used to be these days.
It used to be my favorite week of the year in New York. Imagine a class reunion that goes on for an entire week – that’s what it was for me. Mainly because I worked for Madison Avenue ad agencies for almost 10 years before I went to the client side and know a lot of agency and sales rep people in NYC. Upfront week was always my opportunity to see old friends and reconnect. Days were filled with meetings to hammer out what networks/shows/sports events Midas was interested in buying, reviewing target audience data and strategizing about pricing. But the evenings were just plain fun out playing with old friends. The TV Networks know how to throw a party!
So for all my NYC friends that are still going to the Upfronts – I’ll miss seeing you! And as a shameless plug – if you hear of any good jobs for me in Chicago let me know!
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