Alright, all you rockstars of the ad world, it’s time to take center stage. You’ve worked hard, your creative genius is ready to be seen and now it’s time to celebrate your success. The spotlight is yours, and we’re here to give you the platform you deserve.
ENTRIES DUE 1/6/2025
This is your moment! Get ready to take the stage at the American Advertising Awards Show.
This isn’t just another night — this is your moment to shine. Whether you’re looking to build connections or get the recognition you’ve earned, the Advertising Awards Show is the place to be. Come for the awards, stay for the inspiration and leave with a crowd of new fans.
Tune into the Rules of the Road
To make sure your submission hits all the right notes, there are a few key guidelines you’ll need to follow. Think of these rules like the structure of a great song — stick to the beat, and you’ll get a standing ovation.
Remember: it’s not just about creativity — it’s about execution. Follow these rules to ensure your entry hits the mark and makes it into the finals.
Entry Fees
- Member Professional entry fees are $80 for a single entry and $90 for a campaign.
- Non-Member Professional entries are $110 for a single entry and $120 for a campaign.
- Student entry fees are $35 for a single entry and $45 for a campaign.
The Show of the Year. Don’t Miss It!
Set the date, tune your creative vibes and prepare to rock the stage. This year’s American Advertising Awards Show is the main event — the moment where your work goes from backstage to front-and-center. You’ve put in the late nights and turned it up to eleven; now it’s time to see if the judges agree. Get ready to bring down the house with your best work and soak up the applause you’ve earned.
February 8, 2025
Noce Jazz & Cabaret
5:30-7PM Cocktail Social
7-9PM Awards Show
What's next? Your encore awaits!
Scored a Gold Excellence Award? Take a bow — you’re headlining at District 9! Your work’s getting the VIP treatment and advancing automatically to the next stage of the show.
For entries that didn’t snag Gold but still brought the heat, don’t fret! You can take the stage at District 9 with a special request and an extra fee. (Because hey, there’s always more than one way to the top.)
And if you make it through District 9? Well, get ready to rock at Nationals — the Grammys® level of advertising awards. That’s where the country’s best of the best gather to bring down the house. Winning there? Let’s just say, it’s the advertising equivalent of going platinum.
So tune up, aim high and get ready to make some noise that echoes nationwide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can I reach out to if I need help with the submission process?
Please reach out to the AAF Des Moines crew at aafdesmoines@gmail.com and we’ll get you back on tour.
Do I have to be an AAF member to submit?
Of course not! While we would love for you to be a member of our organization, any individual or company is able to submit into the awards show. There is an additional cost per entry for non-members, however. Should you wish to receive the AAF member discount, please first sign for a membership and then submit your awards.
Do I need to submit physical entries?
New for 2025: physical entries are no longer required but are encouraged. Judging for all awards will take place virtually, so your digital submission will be more important than ever. Treat it like you would a client presentation to “wow” the judges.
Judges may request to see a physical sample of your entry if available, especially for categories such as packaging and collateral, before submitting their final score. We will also have our entry gallery at the awards show — submitting physical copies of your entries will ensure everyone gets to see your great work!
I didn't win. Can I have my entry back?
The AAF of Des Moines will make reasonable accommodations to return your entries to you, if requested. You must notify the AAF Des Moines team by emailing aafdesmoines@gmail.com by Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
NOTE: Any entry that does win at the local level and moves onto districts will NOT have the opportunity to be returned.
How many awards are given out?
There is no set number of awards given each year. Roughly 20% of all entries will receive an award with the top 10% of those being given gold.
Can I attend the awards show even if I didn't win?
Absolutely! We love to throw a good party and you’re invited. We’ll have everyone’s work on display and look forward to announcing our winners to you.
Who are this year's judges?
We do not release the names of our judges in advance of the show. For the 2025 show, we will have 5 judges with different backgrounds and experience to score your work.
When is judging? Can I be there to explain my entry to the judges?
Judging will take place in early January. Judging will not be open to the public. For some entries, you are able to submit a written explanation of your work. Please refer to the rules for additional information.
Can I see how entries were scored?
We are unable to disclose each entry’s score to the public. If you have questions regarding the score your entry received, you are welcome to contact the AAF Des Moines team at aafdesmoines@gmail.com and we will make reasonable accommodations to provide you your score and any comments, should they be left by judges.
NOTE: Comments are not required to be given by judges.
When will I find out if I won?
The AAF Des Moines team will reach out to you within 1-2 weeks of judging in early January to notify you of any winning entries. You will not be told what level of award you won, however. You must attend the show to find out!
Silver Sponsors
- Studio Iowa
Bronze Sponsors
- Applied Art
- Basis Technologies
- Two Rivers Marketing
Agency of Record & Reel Sponsor
- Trilix
Photobooth Sponsor
- Meyocks
Beer Sponsors
- Basis
- ZLR Ignition
Wine Sponsor
- Basis
In-Kind Sponsors
- Brent Isenberger (Photographer)
Get Involved in AAF
1. Join AAF
Join your local chapter of the American Advertising Federation and get access to a nationwide network of resources, tools, and events.
2. Get Involved
Network with other ad professionals in the central Iowa area and get updates on the latest trends and insights during our monthly AAF luncheon.
3. Grow
Grow your network and skills! Join a board, committee, or volunteer with other advertising professionals.
