DEADLINE: May 13, 2025
The American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement is the industry’s premier award for outstanding advertising professionals age 40 and under. AAF established this program in 1993 as a way to recognize young advertising professionals who are making a significant impact on the industry through their leadership, career achievements and personal qualities, which also inspire others to excel.
CRITERIA FOR ELECTION:
- Cannot be not be older than age 40 at the time of nomination and must be currently employed in some aspect of the American advertising industry— brand, agency, media, marketing, tech, etc.
- Have outstanding career achievements in the advertising field with measurable results
- Have tangible qualities and accomplishments that motivate others to excel by showing a commitment to mentoring, volunteering, or giving back in some way outside of their professional career.
- If elected, each nominee must be present at the awards ceremony and support the event with a significant company sponsorship contrubution, and provide a comprehensive inviation list for event outreach by the AAF.
NOMINATION SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
Please complete the below submission form and attach a .pdf document that includes the following elements:
- Written overview of major career milestones and achievements
- Description of all volunteer activities and community activism, both within and outside of the advertising industry
- In depth exploration of the qualities possessed by the candidate that make them worthy of this recognition
- A minimum of five (5) recommendation letters that include a variety of testimonials from past clients and employers, mentors/mentees, volunteer organization representatives, alma mater, etc.
- While design is not a factor for selection, it is strongly encouraged to visually reflect the nominees personal brand and personality.
The induction ceremonies and celebratory dinner will be held in New York City in November 2025. Further event details to be announced on aaf.org/ahoa as they are confirmed. If you have any questions, please contact Beatrice at bsantacroce@aaf.org.
NOMINATION FAQs:
Can I submit a nomination for myself?
Yes, self-nominations are permitted.
Does the AAF select the honorees for induction?
No. The AAF coordinates a volunteer group of corporate members and industry representatives to thoroughly review all submissions and vote for the candidates they feel are deserving of induction. The top 12 to 15 semi-finalists then go through an in-person pitch presentation before the volunteer Council of Judges for final selection. The AAF prides itself in this thorough and vetted procedure to ensure the individuals inducted are selected by experienced experts in the advertising industry.
If I am already 40 years old, can I still be nominated?
Yes. The criteria allows for indidviduals who are 40 years or younger at time of nomination, so even if you celebrate your 41st bithday before the ceremonies come around, you are still eligible for consideration into the Hall.
Can I review other nominations before I submit mine?
Yes, sample nominations are available upon request. Please email bsantacroce@aaf.org.
If I previously submitted a nomination and was not selected for induction, can I be nominated again?
Yes, as long as the candidate still meets the listed criteria for consideration. However, it is important to note that nominations do not automatically roll-over and must be re-submitted each time. It is highly reccommended that candidates update the submission prior to sending in to the AAF again.
If selected, what is the fundraising requirement?
The AAF corporate partnerships team will work with each inductee to come up with a customized strategy for fundraising and support outreach. There is no set monetary minumum requirement for induction.