The American Advertising Awards are the industry’s largest and most prestigious creative competition, recognizing the boldest, brightest, and most impactful advertising work from professionals and students across the country. Each year, over 25,000 entries are submitted through local AAF clubs—including right here in Baltimore.
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This is where your ideas are celebrated, where your craft is judged by peers and pros, and where local names claim national recognition.
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This is the journey. This is the recognition.
This is how you win an ADDY.
How it Works
Think of it like March Madness—but for advertising. The AAAs are a three-tiered competition, giving your work the chance to shine at every level:
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Local Stage: You enter right here with AAF Baltimore. If your work brings the wow, you could win a local ADDY.
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District Stage: Winners compete regionally in AAF District 2 alongside top talent from New York, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
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National Stage: Win there, and you’re off to the big leagues: the National American Advertising Awards. Cue the confetti.
Your work is judged by a panel of industry pros—creative directors, strategists, designers—people who get great work and love to celebrate it.
Gold ADDY = the highest standard of creative excellence
Silver ADDY = outstanding work worthy of recognition
Why It Matters
Winning an ADDY is more than an accolade—it’s a celebration of vision, strategy, and heart, and every entry helps power AAF initiatives that strengthen the advertising industry through education, mentorship, public service, and advocacy.
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​So when you submit, you’re not just showing off your best ideas—you’re investing in the next generation of great ones.
Local entries for the 2026 American Advertising Awards open in October 2025.
Start gathering your strongest work now—and get ready to take the stage.