• by Kelly Samardak , September 22, 2009

Nokia Interactive Advertising Party, The Hudson Hotel Garden, New York
September 21, 2009

Fresh from the OMMA Global Kickoff Cocktail Party last night I gathered some David's about me (Ford and Berkowitz) and headed out to the Hudson Hotel, where in the private garden and library Nokia Interactive Advertising to "experience the future of advertising in the palm of your hand."  Hopefully that future isn't hair.

We walked through Times Square just in time to catch the back view of the Advertising Walk of Fame ceremony.  I had overheard it was going to be a snoozefest, but with The Naked Cowboy in such close proximity and quite possibly the MOST ADORABLE CHARACTERS EVER (M&M's anyone?) in attendance, how could that possibly be a snoozefest?  As we walked behind the risers, the yellow peanut M&M stood so rotund and cute that I just wanted to push it.  But I didn't.  That would have been so satisfying.  What's wrong with me?

After sweating, talking about health code violations, and solving violent neighbor situations, the two Davids and I arrived at what we thought was the correct line.  I didn't think there would be a velvet rope, but still, you never know.  As I changed from flipflops to heels the bouncer urgently and sort of abrasively encouraged me to move my stuff from the building next door or we'd hear about it.  Give a girl a moment. Sheesh.

The escalators to the Garden/Library are jaundiced, but that garden is beautiful.  I have no idea what it looks like on a normal night, but on a Nokia night it's peppered with goblets of blue lit ice cubes and harem style lanterns.  I was only slightly befuddled by the ginormous water can (is that a word?) in the center of the garden, but you know, whatever.

I immediately saw Ethan Simblist, Director of Online Sales for LucidMedia hanging out by some flowers with Timothy Springstead who is apparently my facebook friend.  The fact that I didn't know him at all in person was kind of odd because I'm so strict about who I "friend" on Facebook.  We discussed unfriending, but he's a nice guy so the tide could change.  Again I saw Jim Meskauskas, but also added some newish names to the table like Tim Nolan, Director of Interactive at HUSH (ok Tim's not new), and his wife Nancy Nolan.  They were scoping out the Godiva Chocolate personality reader with David Schwarz, Partner at HUSH.  That's right, there was a Godiva rep that could flesh out your insides with chocolate.

I was doing my usual round of photos when I also ran into David Kohl, Head of US Sales Nokia Interactive, Diana LaGattuta, Head of Global Marketing Nokia Interactive, and Freddie Laker, Director of Digital Strategy at Sapient Interactive.  I forgot to ask them if they knew my pal Anthony Montenegro, but that's probably because as I turned away to snap more pictures all I saw were boobs.  I have no idea if this girl was a waitress or the tarot card reader, or a guest, but she forgot her shirt and pants.  Anyone who was there knows exactly what I'm talking about.

I didn't stay long as what I have tagged the #adwkworm that has afflicted quite a few people started to dig at me again.  For the record, I feel way better today and promise not to mention said worm in future Just An Online Minutes.  Let's hope anyway.

Today I covered MediaPost's Online All Stars Award Show, which was honestly inspiring.  People weren't just saying thank you and have a nice day - there is still a palpable thirst for real shake up and real change and creative innovation, but who's going to do it first? Tonight I'm heading to cover the Social Media Society launch party at 675 Bar, which should be a blast.  If I'm not a total waste of space I'm going to try and hit the Adify party at Jay Z's 40/40 club where no doubt "Empire State of Mind" will be in heavy rotation.

Can you handle that?

Keeping checking the Advertising Week 2009 for updates!

And if you're crazy, keep following @socialmedium on Twitter for weirdness.