AAF's ADMERICA Conference 2025: A Bridge for Advertising Community Growth

Highlights from AAF's ADMERICA National Conference 2025

The American Advertising Federation (AAF), recognized as "The Unifying Voice for Advertising," recently held its annual ADMERICA National Conference at the Westin Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. This significant event, which took place over four days, drew over 500 attendees, including key figures from advertising agencies, marketers, media firms, tech companies, educational institutions, and suppliers from across the nation. It was an opportunity to enhance professional skills and foster personal growth in the advertising sector.

New Leadership Announcements

One of the conference highlights was the announcement of new leadership for the AAF Board. Jacki Kelley, who serves as EVP and Chief Client Officer at Interpublic Group, was appointed as the 2025-26 Board Chair, following her previous role as Vice Chair. Kelley is well-known in the industry as a lifelong learner and advocate for attracting top talent to advance the future of advertising. Joining her as Vice Chair is Carmen Graf, Global VP at Indeed, known for her extensive expertise across various marketing and advertising disciplines. AAF President and CEO, Steve Pacheco, expressed gratitude to outgoing Chair Jack Bamberger and welcomed the new leadership, emphasizing their capability to guide AAF forward during a pivotal year.

National Student Advertising Competition Success

The National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), an integral part of the conference, showcases college students' capabilities in creating strategic advertising campaigns for real corporate clients. This year, AT&T was the client, and the winning team hailed from Texas State University, with the University of Minnesota and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill grabbing the second and third spots, respectively. Dawn Reeves, AAF's EVP of Member Services and Programs, praised the impactful contributions of these students, hinting at their potential to bring about significant changes within the industry.

The Mosaic 10 Awards

The Mosaic 10 Awards recognized exemplary campaigns that resonate with today’s audiences, determined by public voting. The campaign "Javier in Frame" by Gut Miami and Google Creative Lab for Google Pixel claimed the top spot. Panda Express's collaborative effort, "Traditions Shared," secured the second position. The awards celebrate creativity and innovation within the advertising landscape, acknowledging campaigns that connect authentically with consumers.

The Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal

A notable moment at the conference was the presentation of the Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal Award, the highest honor from AAF for volunteer service. This year’s recipient, Scott Hamula, Professor and Chair of Strategic Communications at Ithaca College, was acknowledged for his lifelong commitment to supporting AAF's educational initiatives and volunteerism. Ann C. Iverson, Chair of the award committee, highlighted Hamula's dedication and impact on the advertising community, marking his contributions as truly commendable.

Looking Ahead

The conference emphasized that the next ADMERICA event is scheduled for May 28-31, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Steve Pacheco noted the significant achievements of the AAF over the past year and expressed enthusiasm for celebrating the upcoming milestones, including the 75th Anniversary of the Advertising Hall of Fame. The event served as a testament to the collective power of the advertising community, showcasing resilience, creativity, and a commitment to building a brighter future for the industry.

About AAF

Founded in 1905, the AAF serves as a comprehensive association guiding over 35,000 professional members, 4,000 students, and numerous corporate members in the advertising space. AAF’s initiatives include the prestigious Advertising Hall of Fame and various educational programs, striving to foster excellence and inclusivity in the advertising profession. For further information, visit AAF's official site.