Press Release - March 2026
The Drum acquires ANA Business Marketing NYC programs and launches B2B World Fest Miami
The Drum has acquired a portfolio of key B2B marketing programs from ANA Business Marketing NYC and will launch a new flagship event, B2B World Fest Miami, as it expands its B2B offering in the US and internationally.
The Drum has inked an agreement to bring the Global ACE Awards, the Marketers of the Year Award, and the Annual Conference | B2B Day into The Drum's growing B2B platform, adding established awards and event franchises to its publishing, research, and live events business.
It marks a significant step in The Drum's B2B strategy, which is focused on building a stronger global platform for B2B marketers, agencies, media owners, and technology partners through reporting, recognition, and industry events.
As part of the agreement, Cathy Smith, formerly Executive Director and Chief Growth Officer at ANA Business Marketing NYC, will join The Drum as Executive Director, B2B US, where she will help lead the next phase of its North American growth.
A new flagship event for B2B marketers
Alongside the acquisition, The Drum has confirmed the launch of B2B World Fest Miami, a new three-day international event dedicated to B2B marketing.
Building on four previous B2B World Fest editions in London, the Miami event marks a new international evolution, bringing together a senior-level conference program, leadership forums, and major industry awards in one global gathering in November 2026.
The Annual Conference will now be integrated into B2B World Fest, bringing its established community and program into the new festival positioning the event as a major new date in the global B2B calendar.
The Drum will form a new B2B Strategic Advisory Council, including a select group of senior figures from The Drum's B2B community with representation from Business Brands, Media, Agencies and Technology companies. Already signed up as founder members are Bader Rutter, Stein and Transmission, with further announcements to follow.
The Drum reshapes its B2B awards offering
The acquisition also strengthens The Drum's B2B awards portfolio.
The Global ACE Awards will now become the Creative track within The Drum Global B2B Awards. The Creative Aces will recognize creative excellence across brand, craft, content, and experience in business marketing.
An expanded awards program will be organized across four tracks designed to reflect the breadth of modern B2B marketing:
- Creative Aces
- Effectiveness
- Go-to-Market, including media, communications, and technology
- Industry
Together, these tracks will recognize the full spectrum of strategic, creative, and commercial excellence across the global B2B marketing community.
Expanding The Drum's B2B platform
Bringing together established industry programs, global awards, journalism, research, and major industry events under one platform, The Drum will become the global center of gravity for the people, ideas, and companies shaping the future of B2B marketing.
The acquisition of the ANA Business Marketing NYC programs and the launch of B2B World Fest in Miami mark a significant step in The Drum's position as the 'Beating Heart of B2B'.
For more information contact
B2B@thedrum.com