Fox has slated two in-person upfront events this spring — one in LA in March, the other in its usual mid-May berth in New York — as the industry looks to emerge from the long shadow of Covid.
On Wednesday, March 23, the Content Drives Commerce Brand Partnership Summit is being held on the Fox lot. On Wednesday, March 23, the Content Drives Commerce Brand Partnership Summit will take place on the Fox lot in Los Angeles. The upfront, which will showcase all entertainment, news, streaming and sports portfolios, will take place on Monday May 16 at Skylight on Vesey in New York.
While a number of events — this month’s Sundance Film Festival, among others — have had to turn virtual due to the Omicron surge, Fox is putting a stake in the ground for gathering live. Given the initial timing of the pandemic, which swept across the U.S. in March 2020, this spring’s upfronts and NewFronts stand to be the first in-person ones since 2019. The definition of TV itself has changed over time due to streaming. It is important that traditional companies look at their business practices in a fresh light.
In recent years, many media companies have shifted to multi-part presentations for advertisers and media. In New York, this year’s venue marks a switch from Fox’s longtime host site, the Beacon Theatre. An after-party was held in Central Park following the annual presentation at this landmark on Upper West Side.
“Fox will showcase how we continue to challenge the status quo across measurement, creativity and innovation to drive impact with partners in 2022,” ad sales chief Marianne Gambelli said. “Our combination of community, accessibility, and creativity, all delivered at massive scale are what sets Fox apart from our peers. As a 100% ad-supported portfolio, staying connected with our valued partners is a huge priority, and we can’t wait to see everyone in person.”