The Drum Acquires ANA Business Marketing NYC Programs and Launches B2B World Fest Miami

On March 19, 2026, The Drum announced the acquisition of a portfolio of key B2B marketing programs from ANA Business Marketing NYC. This strategic move is part of The Drum’s effort to expand its B2B offerings both in the United States and internationally. The transaction will see The Drum launch a new flagship event, B2B World Fest Miami, scheduled to take place from November 8 to 11, 2026.

As part of this acquisition, The Drum will incorporate the Global ACE Awards, Marketers of the Year, and the Annual Conference | B2B Day into its growing B2B platform. These established awards and event franchises will enhance The Drum’s existing publishing, research, and live events business. The acquisition marks a significant advancement in The Drum’s B2B strategy, which aims to construct a more robust global platform for B2B marketers, agencies, media owners, and technology partners through various avenues such as reporting, recognition, and industry events.

Cathy Smith, who previously served as the executive director and chief growth officer at ANA Business Marketing NYC, will join The Drum as the executive director for B2B in the US. In her new role, she will lead the next phase of growth for The Drum in North America, bringing valuable expertise to the initiative.

In conjunction with the acquisition, The Drum will launch B2B World Fest Miami, an international three-day event tailored for B2B marketing professionals. This event builds upon the foundation of four previous B2B World Fest editions held in London. The Miami event represents an international evolution, uniting a senior-level conference program, leadership forums, and significant industry awards into one global gathering set for November 8-11, 2026. Notably, the Annual Conference will now be integrated into B2B World Fest, ensuring that its established community and programming are included within this new festival framework, solidifying the event as a prominent fixture in the global B2B calendar.

Additionally, The Drum is forming a B2B Strategic Advisory Council, comprised of a select group of senior figures from its B2B community. This council will feature representation from business brands, media, agencies, and technology firms. Among the founder members already confirmed are Bader Rutter, Stein, and Transmission, with further announcements regarding additional members expected in the near future.

Furthermore, the acquisition enhances The Drum’s B2B awards offerings. The Global ACE Awards will be transformed into the Creative track of the newly established Drum Global B2B Awards. The Creative Aces will honour creative excellence across key dimensions such as brand, craft, content, and experience in business marketing. The expanded awards programme will encompass four tracks designed to reflect the full scope of contemporary B2B marketing, including Creative Aces Effectiveness Go-to-Market, focusing on media, communications, and technology industry aspects.

Overall, by consolidating established industry programs, global awards, journalism, research, and significant industry events under one umbrella, The Drum is positioning itself as the global cornerstone for individuals, ideas, and organisations that are shaping the future of B2B marketing. The acquisition of the ANA Business Marketing NYC programs and the launch of B2B World Fest in Miami is a pivotal move for The Drum in its journey to become the 'Beating Heart of B2B'.