AAF Happy Hour Event
Stop by after work for a beer (or NA bevvy) to meet new creatives from around town! AAF Charlotte members will receive one complimentary drink ticket.
This is a FREE event!
Stop by after work for a beer (or NA bevvy) to meet new creatives from around town! AAF Charlotte members will receive one complimentary drink ticket.
This is a FREE event!
Nikki Villagomez is a nationally recognized speaker on typography. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a BFA in Graphic Design. After working as a designer in New York City, she moved to her home state of South Carolina where she became a full time freelancer. Nikki is the founder and former president of the South Carolina chapter of AIGA. She has been an educator teaching Graphic Design and Typography at the University of South Carolina and the University of Akron. Currently, Nikki lives in Charlotte, NC and serves as Chief Marketing Officer for BRC, a CPA and advisory firm based in Greensboro, NC. She has maintained her blog, culture+typography, for over 13 years.
AAF District 3 is hosting a day of professional development sessions to help energize you and your team as you think about what’s next. From artificial intelligence to branding to creating an inclusive workplace, there’s something for everyone.
Tickets are just $75 and include every session, lunch and access to the District 3 American Advertising Awards showcase.
Learn more and get your tickets: aafdistrict3.org/leadership-conference
Join us at our gala celebration for the AAF Charlotte 2024 American Advertising Awards on March 7th at Big Chill.
We look forward to this event every year, to see the creative community come together to honor a year's worth of hard work amongst peers. We can’t wait to spend an amazing evening celebrating the Charlotte advertising community.
We will have a cocktail hour from 6-7 pm and the show will begin shortly after 7. The bar will be open until 10 pm so you can mingle with fellow creatives and advertisers. Attire is business/cocktail. Visit our Facebook page to see photos from previous galas.
Tickets are now on sale! If you have any questions, please reach out to charlotteaaawards@gmail.com.
ATTENTION: Unless you purchased a table, seats will be first come, first serve.
PARKING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE
Stop by after work for a beer (or NA bevvy) and some pre-award mingling, bowling, and shuffleboard with your fellow ad-lovers! We will be hosting at El-Thrifty from 6-8pm on Thursday Feb 22nd.
Our semi-private room includes 2 bowling lanes, shuffleboard and couch seating. Access to the bar along with servers taking care of our event.
This is a free event! All members will receive one complimentary drink ticket.
Entries submitted after during the deadline extension period will incure a $10 upcharge. See below a breakdown of member and non-member pricing for this extension for the 2024 AAF Charlotte American Advertising Awards.
Deadline: Wednesday, January 10, 2024, by 11:59 pm
Members: Single Entry is $110 / Campaign Entry is $125
Non-Members: Single Entry is $135 / Campaign Entry is $155
See below a breakdown of member and non-member pricing for the 2024 AAF Charlotte American Advertising Awards.
Deadline: Friday, January 5, 2024, by 11:59 pm
Members: Single Entry is $100 / Campaign Entry is $115
Non-Members: Single Entry is $125 / Campaign Entry is $145
Wendy Hickey, a seasoned advertising professional who founded ArtPop Street Gallery, will join AAF Charlotte to discuss her experience in the industry and how ArtPop came to be what it is today. From transitioning out of the corporate world into the nonprofit sector, Wendy will share how her extensive OOH career prepared her to launch ArtPop, the mission and impact of the organization in Charlotte, and its transformative approach to OOH advertising.
Members can attend this event for FREE. Be on the lookout for an email with a code you can use at checkout. For additional questions, please reach out to contact.aafclt@gmail.com
All non-members can purchase tickets HERE
Early Bird pricing for the 2024 AAF Charlotte American Advertising Awards entries includes a $10 discount. See below for a breakdown of member and non-member pricing.
Early Bird Deadline: Friday, December 22, 2023, by 11:59 pm
Members: Single Entry is $90 / Campaign Entry is $105
Non-Members: Single Entry is $115 / Campaign Entry is $135
It's that time again! Join us October 19th at VBGB Beer Hall & Garden for dodgeball, drinks and some Halloween fun! Whether you're signing up with your coworkers or want to participate as an individual, we've got a spot for you in this year's tournament. Teams of 6-10 people are allowed and will play 2-3 rounds. Winners will receive a special prize.
There will be a costume contest as well so come dressed to impress and ready to play! Spectator tickets are also availbe for those who would prefer to watch from the sidelines with the AAF Charlotte Board.
Event tickets include one drink ticket per person 🍻 (NA beverages available)
Purchase Tickets Below:
Join us for our first event in the AAF Ad HYPE series: Networking Bingo! Ad HYPE events are an opportunity for young professionals to network, learn about the industry, and enjoy some awesome guest speakers. Not a young professional? That's okay! These events are open to everyone, because it's never too late to learn more about the industry.
For this event: Get the chance to talk to industry professionals one-on-one and learn about their experiences and how they’ve led them to where they are in their careers now. The industry has undergone many changes over the past few years, and our seasoned professionals will talk you through what you need to know to be a successful young professional in advertising, design, production and creative.
Enjoy a free drink on us — drink tickets will be available when you arrive.
Bringing business cards is encouraged but if you do not have one, we will have a station to create your own at the event.
AAF Charlotte & UNCC Charlotte welcome Aaron Draplin to Charlotte, NC for 2 big events; Speaking & Workshop. You may have seen his Ted Talks, Logos, Band Posters, and design weaved throughout pop culture over the last few decades, but have you seen Aaron up close and personal? Now is your chance. Spend the evening, spend the day, or spend both with Aaron.
Tips, Tricks, Techniques, Tales, Threats, Tragedies and Triumphs from the DDC. -
Space is very limited for the Workshop. Keeping it cozy so you have all the one-on-one time you desire. Aaron is known to hang around with enthusiastic attendees for as long as they want.
Get the inside scoop with Aaron Draplin of Draplin Design Co. and learn what goes on behind the scenes at the DDC! He’ll give an in-depth walk through of some of his existing projects and answer questions in an intimate setting. He'll show you the finer points of his logo making process, from sketch to iterations to finalizing. Feel the power of pencil on paper! Unlock something in your hands and in your mind! Adobe Illustrator tips, tricks and techniques will be offered up from our questionable existence! Questions answered. Riddles solved. Enigmas discussed. Don’t miss out!. You will leave with a pdf of every trick and tip shown and a bag of merch. Workshop may go longer if people want to stay and work longer.
Tickets are $150 per person (includes lunch, hands on workshop, and DDC merch swag bag). Only 25 spots available.
The workshop will take place in classrooms Macy 106 A & B and parking will be validated.
AAF Charlotte & The One Club welcome Aaron Draplin to Charlotte, NC for 2 big events; Speaking & Workshop. You may have seen his Ted Talks, Logos, Band Posters, and design weaved throughout pop culture over the last few decades, but have you seen Aaron up close and personal? Now is your chance. Spend the evening, spend the day, or spend both with Aaron.
Aaron James Draplin of the Draplin Design Co. lives and works in Portland, Oregon. He makes stuff for rock bands, comedians, restaurants, sporting goods and leftie politicians. He’s traveled the world telling his story, with over 470 speaking fiascos under his belt. He co-created Field Notes with Jim Coudal, and their memo books are sold worldwide. His seven Skillshare classes are raging along, teaching design enthusiasts of all ages. He recently released his first two typefaces on ddcfonts.com. His first book titled “Pretty Much Everything” came out on May 17, 2016 on Abrams Books, which incredibly, is in its twelfth printing. The roster of DDC Merch is up to 320 products and growing! You’ll find those goodies at DDC merch tables from coast to coast or in the DDC online shop.
Cocktail Hour 6-7 Your chance to network with folks from all over the Southeast as Aaron draws a crowd. Check out the brand new RSVP nighlife destination event space and settle in for a very special evening.
Speaking 7-8 AAF Charlotte & One Club Members Free
$20 for non-AAF members (includes a drink ticket and entry)
Can't make it in person? Sign up for $10 to get a live broadcast link. Link will be emailed day of event.
Light apps during cocktail and networking hour on a first come first serve basis. Additional food and drinks are available for purchase through the duration of the event.
Aaron will have a merch table set up at the event be sure to stop by!
Tough Talk About Generations: Generational Differences, Misconceptions, and Waning Usefulness in Targeting and the Workplace
Boomers, Millennials, Generation X, Generation Z… Generations have gone from handy birth-year segmentation to massive descriptors of entire populations - that are often completely wrong. In this session we will use Dean and Feedback’s behavioral research, graduate studies, personal anecdotes and pop culture to explore each generation’s unique roles. However we will also challenge the notion that generations are effective or even helpful ways to segment audiences.
About Dean
Dean Browell leads Feedback’s research as resident PhD with a passion for how generations interact online. His work can be seen across many industries including tourism, automotive, retail, healthcare, and education. Dean served for six years as a Board Member of the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) and sits on the boards of The Poe Museum and University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy. A co-author of the book Don't You Forget About Gen X, Dean teaches Social Media Research at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business and is a co-founder of the cultural education project Hidden In Plain Site.
Join us at our gala celebration for the AAF Charlotte 2023 American Advertising Awards on February 23th at The Terrace at Cedar Hill.
We look forward to this event every year, to see the creative community come together to honor a year's worth of hard work amongst peers. We can’t wait to spend an amazing evening celebrating the Charlotte advertising community.
We will have a cocktail hour from 6-7 pm and the show will begin shortly after 7. The bar will be open until 11 pm so you can mingle with fellow creatives and advertisers. Attire is business/cocktail. Visit our Facebook page to see photos from previous galas.
Gala tickets are now available for purchase. We will have a limited number of tables available to reserve (for a total of 10 seats). If you have any questions, please reach out to charlotteaaawards@gmail.com.
See below a breakdown of member and non-member pricing for the 2023 AAF Charlotte American Advertising Awards.
Deadline: Friday, January 6, 2023, by 11:59 pm
Members: Single Entry is $90 / Campaign Entry is $105
Non-Members: Single Entry is $115 / Campaign Entry is $135
This holiday season, we're giving back by creating school supply kits for Classroom Central. These kits will be distributed to students through Classroom Central's Free Store program. 📚
Join us on Thursday, December 8 at The Fairwood 226 as we come together to assemble the kits and enjoy one free drink on us as thanks! 🍻 You do not have to be an AAF Charlotte member to attend this event, but please RSVP.
Parking info: There is free street parking on Youngblood Street and free parking in the lot at 2923 Youngblood Street.
Early Bird pricing for the 2023 AAF Charlotte American Advertising Awards entries includes a $10 discount. See below for a breakdown of member and non-member pricing.
Early Bird Deadline: Friday, December 16, 2022, by 11:59 pm
Members: Single Entry is $80 / Campaign Entry is $95
Non-Members: Single Entry is $105 / Campaign Entry is $125
DODGEBALL IS BACK! Join us October 27th at VBGB Beer Hall & Garden for dodgeball, drinks, and some Halloween fun! Whether you're signing up with your coworkers or want to participate as an individual, we've got a spot for you in this year's tournament. Teams of 6-10 people are allowed and will play 2-3 rounds. To participate, you must register here. Winners will receive a special prize.
There will be a costume contest as well so come dressed to impress and ready to play!
Join us for a drink and help kick-off our year! Learn about the American Advertising Federation and what the Charlotte chapter has to offer in the upcoming months.
We’re wrapping up the 2021-2022 season with our first-ever soccer tailgate! Join us in Uptown on Saturday, May 14th at the Gōl CLT tailgate for the Charlotte FC vs. CF Montréal match. We will have a private section at the tailgate for AAF members and friends.
There are only 30 spots available, so register today! You will receive a wristband on arrival, which includes two drinks on us. 🍻 Food from Bodega Food Wagon will be available on-site but is not included in admission.
Join AAF Charlotte, BooneOakley and The One Club Carolinas at Brewers at 4001 Yancey as Rick Boyko presents the premiere screenings of Dan Wieden’s Inspiration followed by his partner David Kennedy who passed in December. Attendees of the Raleigh and Charlotte screenings will be the first to view these Inspiration Series and are invited to join us for a special Q&A with Rick afterward.🍻
Join us for our March Hare Mingle — a follow-up event to our Awards Gala. Our magical partners will be there to meet and mingle with AAF Charlotte members and friends. Bonus: Winners Books will be available! First round is on us 🍻
Join us for ADDYs in Wonderland, our gala celebration for the Charlotte 2021 American Advertising Awards on February 24th at The Terrace at Cedar Hill.
We look forward to this event every year, to see the creative community come together to honor a year's worth of hard work amongst peers. We can’t wait to spend an amazing evening reconnecting with and celebrating the Charlotte advertising community.
We will have a cocktail hour from 6-7 pm and the show will begin shortly after 7. The bar will be open until 11 pm so please stay and indulge in Wonderland with us — we’ve missed you!
A virtual panel with a candidate, two recruiters, and a hiring manager.
We are all living and working in a world that no one has experienced before. The pandemic accelerated the work-from-home model and put candidates in the driver’s seat. Employees are now more concerned with lifestyle, mental health, satisfaction at home, making more money, and more flexibility. How can employers entice employees to stay and new ones to join? How do candidates navigate finding a job in this environment? Learn insights from our panelists as we dive into the experience.
Host:
Kyle Boyd - VP, Group Account Director at Mythic
Moderator:
Laurie Donato - Co-Founder & Creative Director at nez&pez
Panelists:
Kristen Rosselli - Managing Director, NC + TN at Creative Circle
Ashley Porto - Assistant Vice President, Practice Director at Robert Half, Marketing & Creative Marketing & Creative
Brady Bone - Freelance Creative + Design Director
Sara Garces Roselli - EVP, HR & Operations at Mythic
» Through Friday, Jan 7th, 2022 by 11:59 pm
» Membership Entry Fee: Single: $90 | Campaign: $105
» Non-Member Entry Fee: Single: $125 | Campaign: $145
» VIRTUAL ONLY! See below COVID-19 changes.
» Email charlotteaaawards@gmail.com if you have any questions about your entries.
To learn more about the 2021-2022 Charlotte American Advertising Awards drop-off dates and entry rules and guidelines click here.
The American Advertising Awards competition rules, categories and entry procedures for 2021-2022 have been modified to allow for virtual judging.
This year all entries WILL NOT require a physical submission as part of the entry process. All entries can be handled online in the OpenWater software. This means the judges will not require a physical printout or physical sample of the entry to judge.
In all categories where a physical printout is typically needed, entrants are allowed to upload a written description, video, photography and/or any digital examples of the entry to help with judging.
With this in mind, there WILL NOT be a physical entry drop-off location this year. If a check needs to be mailed please send it to, 5970 Fairview Rd. Suite 610, Charlotte, NC 28210 (Attn: AAF Charlotte).
Join us for beer, wine and snacks on us while browsing SOCO Gallery’s latest art exhibit by Damian Stamer and shopping at Tabor on Providence Rd.
» Early Bird $10 off on each entry
» Through Friday, Dec 17th, 2021 by 11:59 pm
» Membership Entry Fee: Single: $80 | Campaign: $95
» Non-Member Entry Fee: Single: $115 | Campaign: $135
» VIRTUAL ONLY! See below COVID-19 changes.
» Email charlotteaaawards@gmail.com if you have any questions about your entries.
To learn more about the 2021-2022 Charlotte American Advertising Awards drop-off dates and entry rules and guidelines click here.
The American Advertising Awards competition rules, categories and entry procedures for 2021-2022 have been modified to allow for virtual judging.
This year all entries WILL NOT require a physical submission as part of the entry process. All entries can be handled online in the OpenWater software. This means the judges will not require a physical printout or physical sample of the entry to judge.
In all categories where a physical printout is typically needed, entrants are allowed to upload a written description, video, photography and/or any digital examples of the entry to help with judging.
With this in mind, there WILL NOT be a physical entry drop-off location this year. If a check needs to be mailed please send it to, 5970 Fairview Rd. Suite 610, Charlotte, NC 28210 (Attn: AAF Charlotte).
Rishad Tobaccowala is a Senior Advisor to the Publicis Groupe, most recently serving as the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategist of the Groupe. Tobaccowala was named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders for his pioneering innovation and TIME magazine dubbed him one of five “Marketing Innovators”. He is in the Ad Age Interactive Hall of Fame and has received a lifetime achievement silver medal award from the Chicago Ad Federation.
Rishad will review the big changes around us (globalization, demographics, tech and COVID-19), speak about how we can thrive and remain relevant in a transformed marketing landscape, and share a simple framework called the ABCDE of marketing, then we will move into Q&A.
Rishad is also the author of “Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in The Age of Data” which helps people think, feel and see differently about how to grow their companies, their teams and themselves to remain relevant in transformational times.
Rishad is also the Chairman of The Tobaccowala Foundation which helps 10,000 people in India gain better healthcare and education. Rishad has a BS in Mathematics from the University of Bombay and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.
The first 25 people to register will receive a signed copy of Rishad's book: Restoring the Soul of Business!
Join us for this in-person event with Tim as he’ll be calling us via Zoom from Berkeley, CA. Having spent much of his career in agencies, Tim made the move to creative leadership roles on the client-side, serving as ECD for in-house agencies, including his current role at Away. Tim will speak about the opportunities and challenges in making that shift, what it takes to be successful on both agency- and client-side, and how the work is evolving at Away. You can learn more about Tim below or feel free to review his impressive credentials on LinkedIn.
Happy hour starts at 5:30pm with the presentation beginning at 6pm.
This event is free to our members using the membership promo code. All ticket buyers will also receive a free drink from NoDa Brewing.
I was an advertising account guy for a long time. I started and sold a garden design business. I’ve been in two rock and/or roll bands. I was a writer/performer on a sketch comedy TV show. I started the catchphrase “that shit is kodak”. it hasn’t caught on yet. but that’s neither here nor there. I make advertising. and I've been lucky to make some great things, as well as a few mistakes, at FCB NY, Mullen NC, BBDO NY, and Wieden+Kennedy Portland before going in-house at Lyft and, now, at Away. If i may be so bold, I’ve been recognized by some very nice organizations: ADC, Addy, Archive, Cannes, Clio, D&AD, Directory, Echo, Epica, London International, Mercury, NY Festivals, Obie, One Show, Webby. I currently live on a cloud with my wife Vicki, son Lincoln and daughter Harriet.
Join us for our first in-person event! We'll safely enjoy a beer on the outside patio of Town Brewing. This is a chance to network with like-minded career professionals. We look forward to seeing you and catching up after a year of couch beers. The first drink is on us, cheers!
With great strategy, comes great creativity. Find out how these awards winning strategists use effective product assessment, market definition, media analysis, and budgetary choices to result in a strategic marketing plan—which is never the perfect plan but somehow works.
This will be a panel discussion hosted by Taylor Bryant with strategists from local and regional companies. If you feel uncomfortable with public speaking please feel free to email your questions to contact.aafclt@gmail.com and Taylor will ask them.
Marketing, Advertising and Branding Executive at Mythic
VP Strategic Insights at
Wray Ward
Global Brand Strategy at Lenovo and formerly Chief Strategy Officer at MullenLowe
Director of Strategy & Experiences at Union
SVP Strategy & Planning at Mythic
SVP, Director of Strategy at LGA