Bermuda is girding for an onslaught of advertising executives next month when the American Association of Advertising Agencies holds its annual management conference on the Island.

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the association expects about 374 attendees at the conference, slated to take place in from May 4 through May 6. The figure would mark an increase of about 13 percent over 2004?s total of 331, according to the trade group.

Attendance figures at the event, which is in its 87th year, have matched economic trends of late. In 2001, 318 ad executives and others came to the event. In 2002, the figure fell to 293, and in 2003, it dropped further to 257. Madison Avenue tightened its belt during those years as marketers cut back on advertising in response to a harsh economy.

Presenters at this year?s event include Jack Klues, chief executive of Publicis Groupe?s Starcom MediaVest Group; Andy Berlin, chairman of WPP Group?s Berlin Cameron/Red Cell; and Miles Nidal, president and chief executive of MDC Partners.