November also brings many familiar annual events – the crowning of a new baseball champion, the thrills and spills of midseason football, and an annual pilgrimage to New York City. So, congratulations are in order for the St. Louis Cardinals, mourning is apropos for my once mighty Florida Gators, and anticipation mounts for next week’s interactive, advertising, and technology conference – ad:tech!

For the third year, ad:tech will be held at the Javits Convention Center, so plan your lunch meetings accordingly. Last year, one of my clients gave me a midtown address for a lunch meeting when she actually meant the Chelsea location. It’s also the first time in recent history that ad:tech is not taking place before or during the New York City Marathon, so we won’t be fighting with runners wearing those metallic-heat-reflection-sheet-thingies for hotel elevators.

In addition to thousands of digital marketers descending on the city, ad:tech also offers a heaping helping of great keynote speakers. This year’s keynote is Walter Isaacson, CEO of the Aspen Institute and former chairman of CNN. He is the official biographer and author of “Steve Jobs,” and he will be speaking during Wednesday’s delegate lunch. Other notable keynoters include Christian Oestlien of Google, David Fischer of Facebook, Wendy Clark from Coca-Cola, Marc DeBevoise of CBS Interactive, Mitch Spolan of LivingSocial, and Clara Shih of Hearsay Social and the author of “The Facebook Era.”

ad:tech also populates a plethora of parties to pontificate with people on potential partnerships. (Yes, I minored in alliteration at UF.)  There are a couple events that I’ve been invited to on Tuesday: Evan from Experience Advertising and Hagai from Digital Moses will be rockin’ out in Brooklyn during the ad:tech NYC Rock and Roll Party. Also, XY7 Elite and Mailer Meetup will be holding their Affiliate After Party at Traffic Bar in Midtown East.

Most of the events are taking place on Wednesday.  I’ll definitely be hitting a couple myself, starting off at ultra-chic La Pomme for the event thrown by my friends at AdKnowledge and OpenX. If you’re into music, there is CPA Way’s XPOSURE 2011, featuring Mike Posner, Slick Rick and Naughty By Nature.  This event is co-sponsored by FriendFinder Networks, Adscend Media, Digital Bulldogs, Payvment, OfferVault, Adotas, RushCard, Performance Marketing Insider, CornerBlue, Yippy and Fresh CPA.

I’ll end my night at Clickbooth’s Affiliate Awakening, which has been a great event the last couple shows. This mega-party is sponsored by Clickbooth CPC, Calculated Creativity, Authorise, Optizmo, Brain Host, Molding Box, BeNaughty.com and Click&Flirt.

When you’re in New York City, there might be a thing or two going on outside of the conference as well.  But don’t take my word for it – I’m just a relaxed, slow-moving South Florida transplant.  Allow me introduce this year’s guest author, Jennifer Farrell from AdGent Digital – take it away, Jennie!

JENNIE: Thanks, Warren! Welcome everyone, once again, to the Big Apple! I wish you all successful networking as you celebrate our wonderful industry and the up-and-comers showcased at this year’s ad:tech. If you can manage to slip away from the convention for a few hours, I highly recommend the following for stellar ambiance, great cuisine and people watching:

• The Standard Biergarten: Located right under The Standard Hotel, this is a great group meet up spot to begin a night before heading out in the Meatpacking District or West Village. Throw a few back before heading to Pubmatic’s Nerd:Tech party just upstairs. You may wait in line for about20 minutes, but once in it’s a fun place to have a lot of beers very quickly. Yes, the evening weather may be brisk, but Biergarten is fully equipped with heat lamps to keep everyone toasty.

• Abe & Arthurs: Great New American cuisine — the place to see and be seen. Beautiful crowd so ladies, please dress up, and gentlemen, get ready to pull out your credit cards! The wine list is great as is the food…a great spot for a pre-party client dinner.

• 230 Fifth: A great, heated rooftop bar in lower Midtown with a spectacular view of the city. Good music, good crowd, expensive drinks.

Yes, the Christmas tourists have already arrived. Ahh, tis the season for people walking a mile an hour with their heads permanently up and using their shopping bags as weapons! Leave plenty of time to maneuver around the city as cabs are a rarity in midtown this time of year. Safe travels to you all and I hope to run into you at the Javits Center!

WARREN: Thank you, Jennie!  You know, I always hear that my yearly ad:tech New York article primarily focuses on Manhattan, but there’s much more to the city that never sleeps!  Well, prepared to be schooled by ADOTAS Senior Editor Gavin Dunaway….

GAVIN: This is going to be my last ad:tech as a member of the Adotas team, so I wanted to impart you conference attendees with some insight into my neck of the woods. Whenever you guys come to shows at Javits or in Times Square, you venture as far out as Chelsea or the East Village, but you’re missing out on the far cooler scene across the East River.

If you’ve peered at a map of the five boroughs, you’ve probably noticed that Brooklyn is freakin’ huge, so I’m just going to give you a primer on the Williamsburg area this time around. Once pretty dangerous (it’s where Serpico was shot!), many consider Williamsburg hipster central (depending on when you travel over, you may see a lot of recent graduates in outrageous outfits desperately seeking attention) but massive condo development has actually sent many of the artists further east (such as my “up and coming” neighborhood of Bushwick). Despite its growing yuppie population, Billyburg still has lots of charm and countless activities for visitors.

First on your list of things to do when getting off at the Bedford L stop (yes, it’s best to ride the subway to Williamsburg — I know, so common) should be a quick walk to East River Park at Kent and N. 8th. The view of the Manhattan skyline is fantastic, and if you’re staying the weekend, there is a food market on Saturday and a flea market on Sunday. Right down the street is the Brooklyn Brewery — on Friday nights and Saturday and Sunday days, you can take a tour and hang out in their hall, sampling craft brews and eating pizza (which you bring yourself — I suggest Vinnie’s on Bedford)

Shopping is great fun in Williamsburg: everywhere you turn you’ll see inexpensive vintage clothing shops full of killer threads as well as small designer shopfronts with cool clothes at half the price of the niche stores. You can’t go wrong with any cafe in the ‘burg, but I suggest Verb because their coffee is rich and you’re likely to see some local musicians of some renown — Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio used to work there and still frequents.

As for eats, those visiting on the weekend should brunch it at The Lodge (biscuits and gravy or the chorizo corncakes) or Ella (kielbasa skillet with eggs and potatoes), but roam around as bad brunch in Billyburg is an oxymoron. For dinner, Thai restaurant SEA may get all the hype (its dining room was featured in Zach Braff’s “Garden State”) but I much prefer Tacu Tacu next door, which blends Peruvian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Munch on the plantain chips and Aji Amarillo sauce, but leave room for my favorite dish, the Malaysian-Indian Mee Goring — noodles, meat (or tofu, which is very tasty), potatoes and tomatoes stir fried in a slightly spicy chili sauce. If you’re not feeling Asian, no worries: there’s Peruvian-style roasted chicken as well as numerous other South American specialties.

Also, Southern-style cuisine is quite big at the moment in the neighborhood, and the place that does it best is probably the Brooklyn Star — killer meatloaf in particular. And sure, you’ll find giant mugs of fine German beer at Radegast Hall & Biergarten, but you won’t believe the quality of the sausages and hamburgers cooking on the grill out back. For those that want the starving artist experience common to many Brooklynites, Oasis serves $3 falafel sandwiches that have become near legendary — well, maybe just to musicians who have spent the rest of their paychecks on music gear and booze.

But Gavin, you’re saying, aren’t you a musician? Where do I go to hear the Brooklyn scene? Well, many places. First, I’d check the website ohmyrockness.com to see who is playing, but adventurous types can hit up Spike Hill, Pete’s Candy Store, The Charleston, Trash Bar (free PBR and rail drinks from 8 to 9 if you pay to see the show), Public Assembly, Cameo, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Glasslands Gallery, Death by Audio, Union Pool and probably a few more I am forgetting…

The 2010 Judge’s Award Winner for North America was Future US’s page-disintegration ad  for Ubisoft’s “Rabbids Go Home” video game and the International award went to Digitas and OMD for the Nissan Qashgai 3-D page takeover. The 2010 People’s Choice Awards for North America went to Thnkjam UK and Moxie Interactive for the “Avatar” DVD release while the International winner was the “Despicable Me” YouTube takeover created by Feref UK and MediacomUK.

I chatted up some of MediaMind’s top brass — CEO and cofounder Gal Triffon, Director of Business Development Ross McNab, and Global Director of Media Innovation Dean Donaldson, who fancied himself the evening’s emcee. Of course they had a lot to talk about — the last six months for MediaMind have witnessed an IPO a major rebranding and the launch of version 2.0 of its end-to-end digital advertising platform.

I also ran into kids from YuMe, TagMan, JumpTap, Triggit and Mobile Marketer — it was a helluva gathering, as my hangover will testify…

Or… Is it because the parties freakin’ rule?

ClickBooth’s parties have become such the thing of digital marketing legend that when a rumor floated claiming the affiliate network wouldn’t play host to fun and games this year, ad:tech almost canceled the conference. (No, not really.) Fortunately, the boy and girls at CB proved that was bunk — “Affiliate Apocalypse 2: Return of the Immortals” will be held tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 3) from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Marquee (289 10th Ave. between 26th and 27th Sts.)

Thao Tran, head of social media for ClickBooth, chatted with me about why parties are an important part of the ad:tech experience and why I can never remember how I got home after a ClickBooth event.

ADOTAS: ClickBooth is known for its fantastic ad:tech parties — why does the company pride itself on its parties?

TRAN: Because we work hard and we play hard. Have you seen our campus? Besides, our parties are a great way to get to know everyone outside of their suits and ties. It’s more of getting to know the industry players on a more personal level.

What’s on the menu for this party? How are you upping the game from past parties?

Hehe, that’s a pretty good question. How about having a full PREMIUM open bar? We’ve gotten a lot of RSVPs already. If people don’t get there early, they’re looking at standing in a line that has been known to extend around the block.

Where is it better to party — New York or San Francisco?

New York, definitely! But we reserve the right to re-evaluate that decision before ad:tech San Fran.

Who parties harder — affiliate marketers or search marketers? Can ad network people even hold their liquor?

We know of some search marketers who can throw it down all night and some affiliate marketers who would make the “Jersey Shore” kids look like wusses. Let’s just say that some of our reps have competed against them and have lost. Anyone up for a challenge?

Do we have to fight for our right to party? Who do we have to fight?

No, but you will need to fight your way through day two of ad:tech.

Why does my head always hurt so much the day after one of your parties?

Because that’s when you know you partied like a rockstar! That kind of life ain’t for everyone.

There was this really hot brunette I was chatting up at the last San Fran party, but I totally forgot her name. Could you help a brother out?

That was actually Clicky in a wig. But he’s gotten a haircut since then, so hopefully there won’t be any more confusion. Awkward!

For the second year in a row, ad:tech takes place at the Javits Convention Center, a cab ride from all the hotels we’ve gotten used to over the years, such as the Hilton New York. So for those of you used to rolling out of bed and into the shower thinking you’ll be on the convention floor in 20 minutes, think again if you aren’t on the west side of the City.

ad:tech has a slew of keynote speakers, with the opening presentation by Lauren Zalaznick, President of NBC Universal. Zalaznick, President of Women and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks for NBC Universal, oversees Bravo Media, Oxygen Media, and iVillage. I’m also going to try to catch a conference presentation by Dennis Crowley, cofounder of FourSquare. Yes, I’m going to “check in” as he speaks at “GEO:LOCO @ ad-tech: Engaging the Geo-Local Consumer.”

As far as the industry parties are concerned, those of you who arrive on Tuesday night should hit up Adotas’ shebang at Cipriani at 55 Wall St. (between William St. and Hanover St.), sponsored by those lovely folks at Kitara Media and Digital Media Events. I hear Editor Gavin Dunaway will be working the coat check for tips, serving appetizers and sharing insights on interactive advertising.

The big parties seem to be on Wednesday night. I’m going to guess this is because of the Wednesday/Thursday timing of the show, and the assumption that most people visiting from out of town will be staying Wednesday night. Personally, I’m going to hit the email-marketer-only Mailer Meetup event – although I don’t know if I’ll be reenacting my performance from the Affiliate Summit event. After that, I’m going to check out the Adknowledge party – those guys know how to get down. On Thursday night, nurse your hangover at MediaMind’s 2010 Rich Media Awards (you might have attended the celebration in the past when it was known as the Eyeblaster Awards).

This is the part of my column where I usually turn things over to a New York local who talks about clubs and restaurants and bars and spas and other diversions for the non-locals, but I happen to run across a great email from a non-local – Casey Cummings of South Florida. Casey wrote a lovely piece on where today’s smoker can find nicotine-infused refuge in the Big Apple. Now I’m not a smoker myself, but I was too lazy to find someone else to write this part of the column this time around, so Casey wins. Take it away, Case….

“Living in South Florida, I am a little spoiled. I don’t smoke every day, but if I have a cocktail, I gotta have my nicotine. And being in Florida, I can pretty much smoke anywhere I want since most all restaurants have an outside and every club allows smoking. Heading out to the shows that don’t have a liberal smoking policy like Vegas or aren’t warm weather venues like Miami are a real bummer for me.

“So, I have decided to put together a little smoker’s guide for us. I researched bars and lounges (and strip clubs of course) in NYC that are smoker friendly. Some, I have been to, and others, I called, inspected photos, read reviews, to the point where I think they may be worth a shot. Let me know if I forgot any. Otherwise, I will see you at least at one of these next week:

Smoker-Friendly Bars and Lounges

Circa Tabac – only cigarette bar in the city
32 Watts Street – btwn 6^th Ave and Thompson (two blocks from Canal)

Ajna Bar – formerly Buddha Bar (has a smoking room; restaurant as well
25 Little W 12^th St – between 9th Ave and Washington St.

230 5^th Ave Rooftop Bar (restaurant as well)
230 5^Th Ave

Karma – hookah lounge that allows cigarette smoking
51 1st Ave between 3^rd and 4^th Sts.

The Carnegie Club
156 W 56^th St between 6^th Ave. and 7^th Ave.

B Bar and Grill – heated patio (is a restaurant as well)
40 E 4^th St between Lafayette and Bowery (two blocks from Broadway)

Hustler Club – has a rooftop cigar lounge
641 W 51^st St – corner of 12^th Ave (West Side Highway).

Sutton Place – has a heated rooftop bar (restaurant as well)
234 E 54^th St.

Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel (rooftop with heated floors; restaurant as well)
145 E 50^th St between Lexington Ave and 3^rd Ave.

Kazuza – hookah bar that allows smoking (restaurant as well)
107 Ave A (corner of Ave A and 7th St) – profile says it is the Israeli Jersey Shore.

Crystal Room – Dream Hotel rooftop set up for cold weather
210 W 55^th St near Broadway.

Well, *cough*, thank you Casey – as Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin rolls over in her grave…errr… bed. Last thing everyone – we’re looking at highs in the mid-50s and lows in the high-30s, so come prepared. Congratulations to my San Franciscan friends, safe travels to all and have a productive ad:tech!

Today, most of us are probably filling in empty slots for meetings, finalizing client lunches and dinners, and shopping for appropriate clothing for the conference – it should be dipping into the low 40s and even high 30s toward the middle of the week. However, aside from all the business, there are plenty of diversions during the conference. Take some time to network with clients in a more informal setting – or even take a break from the business talk entirely. Here are some suggestions to make your busy ad:tech week more bearable.

On Sunday at 4:15pm, most of the free world will be somewhere watching the wicked good Tom Brady and his New England Patriots take on their AFC rivals the Indianapolis Colts in what could be a preview to the AFC Championship game in January. For those that don’t follow pro football, this is the first time in history that two undefeated teams have played against each other this late in the season. It’s already being billed “The Game of the Year”, “The Game of the Century”, yada yada yada. Hopefully the game lives up to all the hype.

Most of the ad:tech parties begin on Sunday evening – please be aware that some of these parties are public with RSVP or tickets, some are private and invite-only, and some won’t even let you in if you have a Y chromosome! The “Cocktails in the City” event is one such party – it’s held by the Glam Interactive Group, a female-only networking group. Sorry fellas! Hell, I wouldn’t mind donning a wig to get in that event! For those not attending the Glam event, you can get some free drinks at XY7.com’s “No Bull Party”. This event takes place Sunday night at Johnny Utah’s, who boasts the only mechanical bull in the city. Text “NOBULL” to 313131 to get directions and for more info on the party.

Monday promises to be the busiest night of the conference. Partners Edge is hosting an evening of food, drinks, and laughter at the famous Laugh Factory – hors d’ouevres and cocktails at 6:30pm, with the comedy show starting at 7:30. After that, there’s a slew of events going on: Datran and Lead Flash kick the night off at 8pm with their “Outperformance Party” at Marquee. Starting at 8:30pm, MediaWhiz hosts their ever-popular Poker Tournament at Club Strata. The winner of this tournament gets an entry into the World Poker Tour’s “Battle for the Season Pass II”. This MediaWhiz event is always a fun time for both the participants and those in attendance to watch and cheer their favorite participant on.

The night’s biggest bash, “The Money Makers Party”, goes from 9pm until 2am at Pacha. This event boasts 3 floors, with Kool DJ Red Alert spinning on the main floor. Rob Base will be performing his hits “It Takes Two” and “Joy and Pain”, and Turbo from the movies “Breakin” and “Breakin 2” will be hosting a breakdance contest. This Headlines & Heroes mega-party is brought to you by Jamster, ClickBooth, XY7, Options Media, Rocket Profit, Zanox, Pepperjam, EDebit Pay, CPA Paradise, Vayan, The BizOpp Network, Grey Goose, Active Response Group, Corzo, and Ybrant. Anybody else want to jump in? Please be aware that all of these events require you to RSVP – nothing is worse than waiting in line in the cold only to find yourself turned away at the door. If you are not already working with the sponsors of these events, maybe you should be!

As always, there is a lot to do after a long day of meetings, but remember – there’s another long day of business on Tuesday!  Don’t overindulge on Monday night or pay the consequences on Tuesday morning – or do as the experienced ad:tech alumni do, and schedule your meeting accordingly.  Have a safe, enjoyable, and productive conference, and I’ll see you in New York!