Ok I know it’s a bit late but better late than never. ad:tech is an interactive advertising and technology conference and exhibition. This was my first year attending and I really enjoyed the keynote speakers. I think the unofficial theme this year was Social Media. Everyone talked about how important social media is and how it is clear that it is here to stay.

Here are the 10 things that I learned:

1. The Global Director of Digital & Social Media for Pepsi Co, B. Bonin Bough said “Don’t get caught up in the minutia of the social media return on investment. Believe social media will change your business and the way that you connect with your customer.”

2. 3/4 of Americans say they get their news via email or updates on social media sites.

3. Kiip is going to take over the world with their new company. “Real rewards for virtual achievements”. Imagine playing Tiny Wings or Angry Birds and when you unlock an achievement you get a coupon for a new lipstick at Sephora or a pair of Levi’s. Well Kiip is making that dream come true.

4. Twitter’s co-founder Biz Stone describes Twitter as “not a triumph of technology” but a “triumph of humanity.” Adam Stone who was brought on to monetize Twitter says “the 3 keys to monetization of Twitter are humour, huge deals and humanity.”

5. The parties can be the best part of Ad:Tech so make sure you know some cool people ahead of time so you can get invited to cool parties. At Kiip’s party I got to meet MC Hammer. I mean who doesn’t want to meet MC Hammer?

6. Although I hope the quote isn’t true it’s hilarious. “In the future, marketing will be like sex – only the losers will pay for it.”

7. People interest in their community and local news is the new trend. Patch just launched and it’s a website that put, Patch is a new way to find out about, and participate in, what’s going on near you. They’re a community-specific news and information platform that has launched in the US.

8. In a two and half year period, Visa has gone from a 10% Digital Marketing budget to a 36-40% digital marketing budget.

9. Think Farmville is just an annoying game that equally annoying friends pressure you to play? Well in addition to being annoying it is a hugely success game. In fact Manny Anekal, Director of Brand Advertising at Zynga said “if Farmville were a country it would be the 5th largest in the world and 5 new players join the Zygna network every second.”

10. Lastly I learned Ad:Tech is a great way to mingle with people in the advertising and/or technology industry. There is also a lot to learn from the speakers and the seminars throughout the day. If you get a chance to go to an Ad:Tech it’s worth going to.

Have you been to an Ad:Tech? What did you think?