American Advertising Awards 2026 - American Advertising Federation of Des Moines

American Advertising Awards | Entries due January 9, 2026

Killer work deserves the spotlight.

Step into the mansion. The night’s electric. Every suspect’s in the room; every clue’s led to this. You’ve put in the late nights and sharpened your craft, and now the spotlight swings your way. This is where the year’s most brilliant work steps out of the shadows and into the light.

This isn’t just another night — it’s your moment. Whether you’re here to make connections, claim the gold, or just soak up the scene, the American Advertising Awards is where every storyline converges. Come for the recognition. Stay for the thrill.

Follow the rules.
Crack the case.

Before you step into the mansion, make sure your entry is airtight. A few critical guidelines will keep your submission from raising suspicion and help it stand out under the spotlight. Think of them as the structure behind the scene of the crime: clean, deliberate, and impossible to ignore.

Creativity matters. But execution seals the verdict. Follow these rules and give your work the best chance to take home the gold.

Entry Fees

Professional Member: Single $85, Campaign $95
Professional Non-Member: Single $115, Campaign $125
Student: Single $35, Campaign $45

Professional Rules

Student Rules

Professional Entries

Student Entries

Don’t miss the biggest case of the year.

The clues are collected. The suspects are gathered. Now, the doors open for a night inside Rollins Mansion — where the year’s sharpest ideas and boldest executions take center stage. The American Advertising Awards Show is where killer work is revealed and celebrated.

Step into the mansion. Soak in the atmosphere.
This is the moment when creativity shines.

February 21, 2026
Rollins Mansion
5:30-7pm Cocktail Social
7-9pm Awards Show

Ticket link coming soon!

The investigation continues in District 9.

If you’ve struck Gold, the investigation doesn’t end here. Your work advances to District 9, where the best of the best face a new round of scrutiny under sharper lights. Consider it a new chapter in the mystery, and your entry is already on the guest list.

Didn’t snag gold but came close? Don’t disappear into the shadows. You can still move on to District 9 with a special request and an extra fee — because in this game, there’s always another way in.

And if your work makes it through District 9? The stakes get higher. It’s off to Nationals, where the country’s sharpest campaigns gather for one final showdown. The spotlight is brighter. The clues are tighter. And only the most killer work rises to the top.

So stay alert, keep your evidence solid, and prepare for the next stage of the investigation.

View past years' winners here

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 team at aafdesmoines@gmail.com — we’ll help you get to the bottom of things.

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?

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!

Physical entries can be submitted to either of the following locations by Friday, January 9, along with a printed copy of your entry form.

Flynn Wright:
ATTN: Chantelle Cadek
1408 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309

Studio Iowa
ATTN: Scott Horton
2737 99th St.
Urbandale, IA 50322

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. Please notify the AAF Des Moines team at aafdesmoines@gmail.com by Friday, February 13, 2026.

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 2026 competition, we will have 4-5 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 January 12-24, 2026. 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 the week of January 26, 2026, 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!