The agency I work for was one of the exhibitors at the second LeBook Connections event in New York last week, which is basically a ‘tradeshow’ for agencies (for the purpose of this event, largely focused on photography and illustration), showing portfolios to potential clients (photo editors, art buyers, art directors and so forth). It was held at the always lovely Puck Building in Soho.

The event last year was successful, though with it being the first one I don’t think people (both client and agency) really knew what to expect. This time around, following successive showings in London and Paris, the event felt much more cohesive and purposeful. More than anything it’s great to put names to faces and to show the clients that not all agents are that bad! (And vice versa…)

Some highlights included meeting the Head of Art Buying from JWT Poland, the Head of Art Buying from Publicis London and a lively contingent of agencies from Dallas. Definitely a good turn out this year. Many thanks and congratulations to the LeBook staff.

(Morning set up in the front room. I believe the lady is the Martel in Stockland Martel)

(The second, largest room. I am not sure if it was entirely coincidental but most of the agencies were in the exact same place as they were last year.)

(LeBook introduced a happy hour after 6pm this year, as you can see, it definitely drew the crowds. The gentleman in the waistcoat is the Stockland in Stockland Martel)

(On the first evening LeBook held a party in the Skylight room, with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and music.)

(I must say the purple and red lighting threw me off a bit, but all in all a decent party.)