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What are the benefits of AAF membership?

What kind of opportunities are available to AAF members?

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a professional, the benefits you gain from becoming a member of the AAF can be astronomical for your career. If based in or near the Des Moines metro, members can take advantage of:

  • Professional development at local, monthly programs
  • Networking opportunities (such as monthly luncheons)
  • The support of the local and national advertising industry
  • A mentoring opportunity with college students
  • Chances to give back to the community with our annual non-profit campaign
  • The American Advertising Awards program and recognition
  • Social events throughout the year
  • A job board to find your next opportunity or post job openings to

While national members may not be able to participate in some of the above opportunities without frequent travel, there are many discounted resources readily available to all members, regardless of location.

What discounts and resources are available to AAF members?

The AAF researches and selectively adds new products and services that can provide meaningful benefits to our membership.

AAF Career Center – The Career Center puts you directly in front of job seekers or employers in your industry. If you are looking to jump-start your career or are seeking channels to identify and recruit new talent, the AAF Job Bank can help! If you’re an employer, you receive discounted rates on job postings!

AAF SmartBrief – The SmartBrief is an opt-in email news service that delivers the most essential advertising news of the day. By hand-selecting only the critical industry news from hundreds of media sources and condensing it into a succinct, easy-to-read email, the AAF SmartBrief will save you time and keep you informed. Nearly 30,000 readers rave about this must-have news source.

Ad Age – Ad Age is the leading global source of news, intelligence, and conversation for the marketing and media community. This 85-year-old media brand also produces industry rankings including the 200 Leading National Advertisers report, Agency A-List and the annual Agency Report. Save 25% on your AdAge subscription with the AAF’s special member discount. Members enjoy a member-only price on renewals and subscriptions of $74.00 (a $25.00 savings on the published subscription price of $99.00).

API – With over 50 years in business, Associated Posters, Inc. delivers quality, on-time production of Out-of-Home materials and a full array of customized Point-of-Purchase styles. As an AAF member, you and your clients deserve printing of the highest quality, with 5% price savings and turn-around times that meet your production requirements. API prints Out-of-Home vinyl (billboards & transit ads), banners, flyers, and a full array of customized Point-of-Purchase styles (including window or floor graphics, posters, menu boards, backlit signs, and trade show and sidewalk displays).

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance – Focus more on your pet’s care and less on how much it costs. You can save 10% on your base-plan premium with a multiple-pet discount! ASPCA Pet Health Insurance furthers the mission of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) by helping pet owners afford quality veterinary care so their pets can live longer, healthier lives.

The Award Group – The Award Group is the official awards company of the AAF. We design and manufacture the National ADDY Award (the official award of the American Advertising Awards competition). As a member of the AAF, you gain access to The Award Group’s services, including 20 different types of awards, allowing you to create a tier system that recognizes different achievement requirements; custom awards to fit your budget and aesthetic requirements; and replicating an existing award.

Brooks Brothers – All American Advertising Federation members have the opportunity to enroll for a complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card. As a Brooks Brothers Corporate Member, you will receive an everyday 15% Savings* on full-price merchandise at Brooks Brothers U.S. and Canadian stores, by phone and online at BrooksBrothers.com.

Communo – Are you a freelancer looking for a new opportunity? Are you an agency looking to add to your team? With Communo, you have the opportunity to do the kind of work you most desire, collaborate with industry experts, and grow your team and your business. Communo unites great brands, agencies, and people by reinventing the way marketing talent is sourced, evaluated, and hired.

Constant Contact – Constant Contact’s email marketing and online survey tools help small businesses and organizations connect to customers quickly, easily, and affordably and build stronger relationships. AAF Members receive an additional 10% off the standard prepay discounts. That’s 20% off six months, or 25% off the full year! Pre-payment is required for these member exclusive savings.

eCornell – eCornell, Cornell University’s external education unit, provides online professional and executive development to students around the world. Created by Ivy League faculty and offered 100% online, AAF Members have access to the 100+ award-winning professional certificate programs that span a wide variety of disciplines, including Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion Certificate. To learn about the many programs offered at deeply discounted prices to AAF members, visit our partner site to view the full course catalog.

Experian Marketing Services – Experian is the leading provider of customizable mailing lists, market research reports, and online print and mailing services that help small businesses target and engage with more than 200 million consumers, 100 million households, and 14 million active U.S. businesses—so you can attract the customers most likely to buy your products and services. All members of the AAF receive a 15% discount on direct marketing data and services from Experian.

GE Appliances – GE Appliances, the leader in premium finish choices, is offering discounts on their entire product line of high-quality appliances. Save up to 25% off MSRP every day on the latest in high quality appliances. Shop your favorite GE, GE Profile Series, Café, HotPoint, Haier, and Monogram appliance brands. Sign up for the GE Appliances Store e-newsletter and be the first to know about special offers and national rebates.

Hertz – Hertz is one of the largest worldwide airport general-use rental companies. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Ultimate Choice, Carfirmations, Mobile WiFi, and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Green, and Prestige Collections set Hertz apart. AAF Members save up to 20% off Hertz car rental base rates at participating locations all year (taxes, fees, and other options excluded, additional terms apply). Plus, members can take advantage of additional program benefits, including bonus savings and free travel perks.

HotelPlanner – AAF Members receive up to 65% off when booking travel online through HotelPlanner. Whether booking personal or group travel, a hotel, flight, or much needed event space, HotelPlanner is the best destination for optimal choices and tremendous savings. Put your mind at ease and prepare to plan the perfect getaway or event with AAF’s affinity partner by beginning your search here and now.

Lenovo – Lenovo, a global leader in the PC marketplace, is offering discounts on their entire product line of PC products. Save up to 30% off the everyday public web price of laptops, tablets, desktops, all-in-ones, workstations, servers, accessories, and more! Free ground shipping on all web orders; monthly limited time special offers; access to energy-efficient green technologies; and award-winning service and support before, during, and after your purchase.

Mercury Shipping – AAF members save 10% off current shipping prices with no contract or added fees and discounts that don’t expire. Use Mercury for your time-sensitive shipments including express, same day, and trade shows. Mercury offers personal attention with quick responses to meet your project deadlines, customized invoices to easily allocate your shipping costs, and no 1-800 number. Contact us: 617-723-5205 or support@shipmercury.com.

Mosaic Center SmartBrief – The AAF has partnered with SmartBrief to produce AAF’s Mosaic Center on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion SmartBrief, a weekly email newsletter which brings the most important and timely news stories about diversity and inclusion in the advertising and marketing industry directly to subscribers’ inboxes.

Office Depot – Office Depot is a leading global provider of products, services, and solutions for every workplace, whether your workplace is an office, home, school, or car. Members of the AAF can save up to 80% on preferred products and receive free next-day delivery on online orders over $50.

Sharp Spring – Sharp Spring is an all-in-one revenue growth platform that can help you fuel agency and business growth with its end-to-end sales, marketing automation, and CRM features. If you’re looking to generate leads, increase sales and revenue, and optimize marketing and sales funnels, AAF membership offers 50% off onboarding and your first month FREE!

SoFi – SoFi is offering members special discounts on student loan refinancing and personal loans. The AAF has partnered with SoFi to help members get their money right. SoFi is offering members special discounts on student loan refinancing and personal loans through SoFi.com/AAF. SoFi evaluates borrowers holistically to offer low rates that ultimately can save borrowers thousands. Get rid of your high interest debt today and see how much you can save.

UPS – Let AAF help improve your bottom line with competitive rates on UPS shipping services. Save up to 34% on a broad portfolio of shipping services including air, international, ground, and freight services. Plus, get 50%* off UPS Next Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver, UPS Worldwide Express export, UPS Worldwide Saver export, and UPS Worldwide Expedited export shipments for up to four weeks after you enroll. You can receive these discounts even if you already have a UPS account. Remember, the more you ship, the more you can save with UPS!

WordStream – WordStream’s easy-to-use software allows for more effective paid search and social campaigns for online advertisers. Their software features a customized workflow that guides marketers through steps that can greatly improve their Google Ads, Bing, and Facebook campaigns. AAF members get a FREE report on your overall Google Ads performance, plus a discount when you sign up for the “12-Month” or “Annual Prepay” plans!

How else can I benefit from becoming a member?

Taking part in the AAF allows members to spearhead advancements in advertising and either be on the front lines of developments or kept in the loop of this ever-changing industry. Moreover, membership with us gives you the chance to directly affect the future of advertising on both the local and national level.

If you want to impact the world of advertising, get access to countless events and opportunities, and receive discounts, consider becoming a member of AAF today.

For full benefit details, visit aaf.org/benefits.

Join AAF

2021 DMAD Recap

2021 DMAD Recap

The 2021 Des Moines Ad Day conference was nothing short of inspiring. After having to take 2020 off due to COVID, DMAD returned with high-caliber speakers and our highest attendance to date of both students and professionals excited to further their career. The event was held at the Science Center of Iowa on Friday, October 15, 2021. This year’s speakers included Von Glitschka, Diane Gibbs, Hank Washington, and Morgan and Mason McGrew. 

Ad Day was focused on all of the creative aspects of advertising. Our keynote speakers were full of expert advice, and attendees heard the thought process behind some of the best ad campaigns around. This conference was a chance for attendees to step back from their day-to-day work, re-energize their knowledge base, and gain a new perspective to take back to their team.

‘Hank’ Washington is the owner of Hank Designs Studio based in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the last eight years, Hank has provided creative services for brands such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, TGI Friday’s, and Marriott, and has worked as the Art Director for Sociallyin, a social media advertising agency. Hank and his work have been featured in multiple publications, including Jet Magazine, Dribbble, and Adobe Live.

Diane Gibbs has been a designer for over 20 years and has more than 24 national and international design awards. She is an entrepreneur with her own design firm, Little Bird Communications. She coaches professional design entrepreneurs from all over the United States through growing their businesses. Diane has taught graphic design at the University of South Alabama since 2003. She is the host of a video podcast called Design Recharge, interviewing creatives and industry leaders from around the globe. Diane has appeared as a guest on many other podcasts, spoken at four national conferences, emceed AIGA events, and facilitated workshops. 

Morgan McGrew and his brother, Mason McGrew, released a full-length, stop motion remake of Pixar’s Toy Story 3 in 2020. With over 13 million views and counting, “Toy Story 3 In Real Life” has been recognized by numerous media outlets, including Good Morning America, MTV, and Buzzfeed.

Von is the creative director of Glitschka Studios, a small, two-person boutique design firm located in the Pacific Northwest. Their diverse range of illustrative design is sought after by some of the most respected brands in the world. They creatively collaborate with ad agencies, design firms, in-house corporate art departments, and small businesses to produce engaging visual narratives.

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