212NYC 2026 Gala Awards Spotlight "Humanity in Action: Staying Human in the Age of AI" 

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 300 of the advertising industry's most influential leaders, innovators, and changemakers gathered at Tribeca Rooftop on November 5 for 212NYC's 12th Annual Gala & Excellence Awards.

212NYC, New York's Digital Advertising Club, hosted the evening under the theme "Humanity in Action: Staying Human in the Age of AI," reflecting a pivotal moment for the industry as leaders navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence while keeping human creativity, connection, and impact at the center. Each year, the 212NYC Gala brings together the brightest talent and most influential voices in advertising to celebrate the trailblazers, visionaries, and innovators driving the industry forward and making a lasting impact.

"The 212NYC Gala gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people moving our industry forward," said Jay Wolff, President of 212NYC. "As AI transforms how we work, connect, and create, this year's theme is a powerful reminder that our greatest asset remains our humanity. The leaders we're honoring exemplify the vision, innovation, and human impact that will define the next chapter of advertising."

The 212NYC Annual Gala is a signature gathering for the New York advertising community, bringing together leaders across media, marketing, and advertising to celebrate achievement, strengthen connections, and explore the forces shaping the industry's future.

"Since 2002, 212NYC has grown alongside the digital advertising industry, bringing people together to learn, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships," said Ritu Trivedi, Vice President of 212NYC. "Our community has always been driven by a willingness to embrace change while recognizing the value of human connection. This year's Gala celebrates that spirit and the people who are helping our industry innovate with purpose."

The 2026 Gala recognized five distinguished leaders whose work exemplifies this year's commitment to humanity, innovation, and impact.

The 2026 Honorees:

• Chrissie Hanson, CEO, dentsu North America Media Practice & Global Brand President, Carat (Human-Centered Leadership Award)
• Todd Kaplan, CMO North America, The Kraft Heinz Company (Industry Luminary Award)
• Jeff Lucas, Chief Revenue Officer, Tubi (Breakthrough Leader Award)
• Kory Marchisotto, President, e.l.f. Brands (Human Impact Award)
• Nick Tran, President & CMO, First Round Collective (Innovation with Impact Award)

The evening featured keynote remarks and hosting by Rishad Tobaccowala, 212NYC's 2025 Industry Luminary Award honoree. A respected industry thinker and leader, Tobaccowala returned to this year's event to share his perspective on the evolving advertising landscape and the importance of keeping people at the heart of progress.

"We are living through a period of extraordinary technological change, but technology alone cannot determine the future we create," said Rishad Tobaccowala, keynote speaker and host of the 2026 212NYC Gala. "The real opportunity is to use AI to amplify human imagination, judgment, and connection, not replace them. I'm delighted to return to the 212NYC Gala, where this year's theme invites our industry to think deeply about what it means to innovate while staying human."

The evening was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Acast, Amazon Ads, Channel Factory x Omnicom Media, CÎROC Vodka, dentsu, DoubleVerify, e.l.f. Beauty, Fanatics Advertising, Fetch, Fox, Google, iHeartMedia, Instacart Ads, Integral Ad Science, Kraft Heinz, LoopMe, Media.net, The New York Times, Peer39, Raptive, Roku, Skydance Advertising, Tubi, Vevo, Walmart Connect, WPP Media, and Zynga Ads.

 About 212NYC, New York's Digital Advertising Club

212NYC is New York's leading organization for the digital advertising industry, reaching more than 5,000 professionals across media, marketing, and advertising. 212NYC connects and educates community members through a year-round slate of compelling panels with industry leaders, signature events, and programs that advance learning and drive impact. A nonprofit, volunteer-run organization, 212NYC welcomes advertising professionals throughout the New York area. Learn more at www.212NYC.org.

Press Contact:

Diana Horowitz,
212NYC Marketing Chair
Phone: 646-709-1420
Email: diana.horowitz@gmail.com / Marketing@212nyc.org

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SOURCE 212NYC New York's Digital Advertising Club