Facebook confirms big upcoming advertising announcement

Representatives from Facebook confirmed to CNET News.com on Wednesday morning that the company will be making a significant advertising-related announcement in two weeks. This coincides with the AdTech new-media marketing conference.

"Facebook has invited some of its closest advertisers to an event on November 6 in New York," a statement from the company read. "As part of it, Facebook executives will discuss new approaches for advertising online. We are not sharing any further details."

Invitees to the event were asked to be discreet about details, but at least one person leaked the information to AllFacebook.com blogger Nick O'Neill, who promptly posted it with the observation that November 6 is one day after the rumored date of the much-discussed "Google platform" launch. Additionally, O'Neill wrote, Facebook trademarked the word "SocialAds" in September.

Radar Online, an unusual player in the tech gossip field, went one step further and published a reported list of "Landmark Partners" in Facebook's new ad strategy--allegedly, this list consists of Apple, CBS, Chase, Coca-Cola, Conde Nast, General Motors, Nike, Sony and Verizon. According to Radar Online, being a "Landmark Partner" with Facebook came with a price tag of at least $300,000.

At the same time, speculation over whether Microsoft or Google will acquire a significant stake in Facebook has reached a fever pitch. On Wednesday, New York Post reporter Peter Lauria said multiple sources had indicated a down-to-the-wire battle for the coveted deal, and that we may see results within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Facebook representatives said they have not yet issued a statement on that.