FCB, which can trace its roots to 1873 if you count predecessor agency Lord & Thomas, was retired as a brand late last year and its operations folded into BBDO as part of the Omnicom-IPG combination.  

But a group of FCBers are keeping the shop’s legacy and spirit alive through a network that is planning its second alumni gathering in New York next month. 

It’s taking place at the end of Advertising Week New York on October 9 at the Waldorf Astoria, which reopened last year after a massive eight-year renovation. 

Highlights include a panel session with former FCB executives l and a surprise FCB alum keynote speaker.  

Word of the event follows the formation earlier this year of the FCB Alumni Project, designed to reconnect generations of creatives, strategists, and leaders who helped shape the storied ad agency. 

The initiative has several components, including a podcast featuring stories and experiences from FCB alumni that celebrate the agency’s culture, creativity and impact.  

There’s also a community hub where alumni can reconnect, share updates, photos and more at www.fcbalumni.com.  And (as seen below) there’s also a line of FCB-related merch. 

The FCB Alumni Project is led by four longtime FCB veterans—Tony Sharpe, Nii Addo, Ernesto Adduci, and Nathalynne McGinnis.  

“An agency is much more than the building where one goes to work or the sign above the door,” says Addo. “Relationships are at the heart of this industry and that was our inspiration for founding and growing this community. We’ve created a space for FCB alumni, wherever they may be today, to connect and reconnect.” 

Others involved in the alumni project and the reunion plans are Elaine Wong, Laird Stiefvater, Miguel Gonzalez, Brendan Ryan, Jonathan Harries and Mark Paccini. 

The group hosted the first alumni event in Chicago in May at FCB Chicago’s former headquarters. 

Pictured above, attendees at FCB's May alumni event.