2025 American Advertising Awards Gala
This year’s gala will be held on February 21, 2025 at the Court of De Luna on 116 E Gonzalez St.
This year’s theme: Creative Circus
Dress code: Black tie with a circus twist.
ALL ABOUT THE AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS
The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.
Start Locally To Win Nationally
Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation, the AAF Pensacola American Advertising Awards are the first of a three-tiered national competition. Across the country, local entrants vie for recognition as the very best in their markets. AAF Pensacola’s annual Awards Show honors the advertising work of creative minds in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties. District winners are then forwarded to the national stage of the American Advertising Awards.
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District American Advertising Awards winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards. Entry in your local Ad Club competition is the first step toward winning a national American Advertising Award.
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Entering the American Advertising Awards supports the entire advertising industry as the AAF and its local and district affiliates use the proceeds to enhance advertising through programs such as public service, internships, advocacy groups, advertising education and consumer awareness.
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Selection of the most creative entry in each category is affected by a scoring process in which a panel of judges evaluates all creative dimensions of every entry. A Gold ADDY is recognition of the highest level of creative excellence and is judged to be superior to all other entries in the category. Entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Silver ADDY. The number of awards given in each category is determined by the judges, based on the relative quality of work in that category.
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Submissions from members and non-members alike are welcome. Work can be submitted by individuals or from agencies. Additionally, submissions from freelancers and corporate communications personnel are encouraged.
Entry Information
The entry details for this year’s competition can be found below:
RULES & CATEGORIES
Before entering, be sure to download and read the rules and categories from the links here:
Please remember that everyone needs to register as a new participant even if you have submitted entries in the past.
THINKING OF ENTERING?
Review eligibility requirements and the American Advertising Awards Categories list to find where your work should compete.
AAF National American Advertising Awards Resource Site
*Please note that all entries are digital this year. Before submitting online, be sure to review the categories and rules of entry. Businesses entering the AAF Pensacola American Advertising Awards competition must reside in either Escambia and Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, or Bay counties.
How to Enter: Four Easy Steps
Before submitting online, please review the categories and rules of entry. Businesses entering the AAF Pensacola American Advertising Awards competition must reside in either Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, or Bay counties.
STEP ONE: Review
Review your creative work completed between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024. Work submitted must have been published/broadcast during the 2024 year to be eligible. Select what you feel are your very best projects.
STEP TWO: Collect
Collect the names and titles of all those involved in the works you select (designers, project managers, writers, etc.). Collect the digital assets of your projects (.pdfs,.jpg, .png,.mov or *.mp4, etc.).
Entry Fees
AAF Member Single Entry: $90
Non-AAF Member Single Entry: $170
AAF Member Campaign Entry: $145
Non-AAF Member Campaign Entry: $250
Student Single Entry: $30
Student Campaign Entry: $40
STEP THREE: Submit
Now that you have all your team credits and assets together, visit the online entry portal to enter your work into the American Advertising Awards competition. This year you will only need to upload digital files to the portal along with your entry. In the case of apps DO NOT upload executable files — instead record a brief demo of the app and upload the video file.
Mark Your Calendars
American Advertising Awards Online Entry Opens: Nov 15
American Advertising Awards Online Entry Portal Closes: January 19th at 11:59pm
American Advertising Awards Entry Judging: January 20th-31st
American Advertising Awards Gala: Feb 21
American Advertising Awards Judging Information
Judging: January 20th-31st
While closed to the general public, the judging phase is the most important aspect of the American Advertising Awards. Judges are brought in from all over the country to provide a professional and critical eye when voting on what work they feel is the best of the best. This is the first phase of a three-tier competition.
Location: Not Disclosed
2025 AAF Pensacola American Advertising Awards Sponsorship Opportunities
Our annual gala wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors!
If you’re interested in sponsoring the AAF Pensacola American Advertising Awards, please contact AAF Pensacola at joshua.henderson@cumulus.com for sponsorship opportunities.
Past Sponsorship Categories Included:
PRESENTING SPONSOR
BEST OF SHOW SPONSOR
STUDENT SPONSOR
JUDGES AWARD SPONSOR
IN-KIND SPONSOR