#1 Media Event
Time magazine honors its picks for the world’s most interesting and influential people at the Time 100 Gala. In 2018, the party at Jazz at Lincoln Center recognized celebrities and newsmakers including chef Jose Andres, journalist Ronan Farrow, actor John Krasinski, and San Juan mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz. Airtable, Victor, Citi, and Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker sponsored the event. Next: April 23, 2019
#2 Media Event
A limited guest list of just 500 industry professionals are invited to attend the annual National Magazine Awards, also known as the Ellies. Hosted by the American Society of Magazine Editors in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, the awards recognize excellence in magazine-quality journalism in 22 categories. Now in its 54th year, the event moves to Brooklyn Steel in 2019, with new awards to be given for podcasting, editorial websites, and video content. Next: March 14, 2019
#3 Media Event
Now in its 20th year, the New Yorker Festival draws 20,000 attendees to venues across the city over the course of three days. During the event, the magazine's writers and editors engage in conversations with leaders from a variety of industries, from art and sports to politics and activism. The 2018 festival faced backlash when it was announced that former Trump adviser Steve Bannon would headline the event; after scheduled participants including Judd Apatow and Jim Carrey stated that they would withdraw from the roster, organizers rescinded Bannon’s invitation. Next: Fall 2019
#4 Media Event
Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2019, the National Book Awards recognize the year’s best literary achievements. Nick Offerman hosted the 2018 ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street, which was attended by 900 guests including authors Sigrid Nunez, Margot Lee Shetterly, and Isabel Allende. Next: November 2019
#5 Media Event
Since 1970, the Matrix Awards have honored female leaders in the communications industry. In 2018, 1,000 people attended the ceremony at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, which was emceed by Savannah Guthrie. Last year’s event also included the inaugural Incite Award, which was presented to three Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporters for their coverage of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Next: May 6, 2019
#6 Media Event
Formerly known as BookExpo America, the three-day show is publishing’s leading trade event. Eight thousand authors, publishers, librarians, and retailers flocked to the Jacob K. Javits Center in 2018 to learn about what’s new and next for the industry. In 2019, BookExpo will add UnBound, a marketplace for non-book products that booksellers can stock in their stores. This year’s event will also merge with the New York Rights Fair, a trade and license show for international book rights that launched in 2018. Next: May 29-31, 2019
#7 Media Event
Each year, the prestigious Peabody Awards recognize 30 television, radio, and digital media stories that address society’s most important issues. Vice, CNN, Netflix, and HBO were among last year’s winners, and Carol Burnett, 60 Minutes, and the Fred Rogers Company received special awards for their lasting impact on the industry. As many as 700 guests are expected to attend this year’s gala at Cipriani Wall Street. Next: May 18, 2019
