Awards | AAF Baltimore

AAF BALTIMORE AWARDS

Nominations due by April 20.

Hall of Fame

Recipients of our Legacy Awards are inducted into AAF Baltimore’s Hall of Fame, joining an esteemed group of leaders whose impact has helped shape Baltimore’s creative community.

Lifetime Achievement Award

AAF Baltimore’s premier legacy honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an industry leader whose career-long contributions have helped build the foundation of a strong and enduring Baltimore creative community.

This award honors those whose leadership, vision, and dedication have set the standard for excellence and inspired others throughout their careers.

Eligibility: Open to professionals across all sectors of the industry, including agency, freelance, client-side, media, production, and creative partners. Membership is not required.

Katherine Mahool Iconoclast Award

Established in 2020 and named in honor of Katherine Mahool, the first president of the organization that would eventually become AAF Baltimore, the Iconoclast Award celebrates bold women leaders who have redefined industries, defied expectations, and created pathways for others to follow.

In recognition of our club’s century-long legacy, this award honors women in advertising, marketing, design, business, and communications whose leadership continues to challenge convention and move our industry forward.

Eligibility: Open to women leaders across the Baltimore creative community. Membership is not required.

Silver Medal Award

Established in 1959, the Silver Medal Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advertising while advancing industry standards, creative excellence, and responsibility in areas of social impact.

As one of AAF’s most respected honors, this award celebrates professionals whose influence extends beyond their work and into the betterment of the broader creative community.

Eligibility: Open to members and nonmembers across the Baltimore advertising, marketing, and communications industries.

Hall of Achievement

With new awards introduced in 2026, the Hall of Achievement celebrates the people and organizations shaping Baltimore’s creative future right now.

From rising stars and mid-career leaders to bold agencies, community changemakers, and innovative thinkers, these honors recognize exceptional impact in the present moment and the momentum building what’s next.

District 2 Crystal Prism

The District 2 Crystal Prism Award recognizes the unsung hero — the individual whose leadership, service, and behind-the-scenes contributions have made a meaningful impact on AAF Baltimore and the broader creative community.

Whether through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, or steadfast support, this award celebrates those who elevate others and strengthen the industry through generosity and action.

Eligibility: Open to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the AAF Baltimore.

Good Works Award

The Good Works Award recognizes a person, agency, nonprofit, or organization whose work has created meaningful positive impact in Baltimore. From advocacy and public service to mission-driven campaigns and community partnerships, this award celebrates creativity in service of the greater good.

Eligibility: Open to individuals, nonprofits, brands, agencies, and organizations whose work directly benefits the Baltimore community.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Nominations due by April 20.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Katherine Mahool Iconoclast Award

Silver Medal Award

District 2 Crystal Prism

Game Changer Award

NextGen Award

Breakthrough Agency Award

Bold Thinking Award

Good Works Award