.png)
Your Best Work Deserves a Proof. The 2027 American Advertising Awards Are Open.
Every job gets a proof before it runs. Your best work deserves one after.
The 2027 American Advertising Awards are officially open, and we'd love to see what you've created.
Known as the ADDYs, the American Advertising Awards recognize outstanding work in advertising, marketing, and design. It's one of the industry's largest creative competitions, and it starts right here in the Inland Empire.
Created a logo? Designed a website? Produced a video, launched a campaign, or developed a standout class project? Your work could be eligible.
You don't need to work at a big agency. You don't need to have entered before.
Last year, the Inland Empire competition received 136 professional entries and 95 student entries, awarding 83 ADDYs to creative work from across our region.
One student class project even went on to win a national ADDY. And it all started with a local entry.
How the competition works
The American Advertising Awards begin at the local level. Entries are evaluated by judges from outside the Inland Empire, giving your work a fresh perspective from industry professionals.
Gold winners advance to District 15, with the AAF Inland Empire chapter covering the forwarding fee. District winners have the opportunity to advance to the national competition.
An ADDY is more than a trophy. It's recognition for your portfolio, your business, and the people who helped bring your work to life.
Whether you're entering for the first time or returning with another year of creative work, this is your opportunity to see how your work measures up.
The essentials
Eligible work must have first appeared in 2026 and been created in San Bernardino County, western Riverside County or eastern Los Angeles County.
Early deadline is Friday, January 22, 2027. Enter by then to avoid the $10 per-entry late fee.
Final deadline is Friday, January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. PT. This deadline cannot be extended.
Used AI? Disclose it on your entry form. Work that's more than 50% AI-generated belongs in the Artificial Intelligence categories. Watch for our November 10 post explaining AI entry requirements.
Entry fees, member pricing, and the complete category list are available on our 2027 awards page.
Before submitting, review the official competition rules and categories.
Yes, you can enter.
Great creative work comes from all kinds of teams, businesses and classrooms. The ADDYs recognize the work itself, whether it came from a large agency or a student working on a class assignment.
Professionals
If you work at an advertising agency, on an in-house or government marketing team, or independently as a freelancer, your work is welcome.
Every entry identifies the people who created it, so recognition extends beyond the person submitting the work to the team behind it.
Students
If you attend an Inland Empire college or university, your class projects may qualify. And you'll compete only against other students, not established agencies or working professionals.
Last year's national ADDY-winning class project is proof that student work from our region can compete at the highest level.
Check with your professor before entering, since some classes submit projects together.
Professors
You can submit student work as a faculty advisor. Winning entries recognize the students, their school and their advisor.
Want to introduce the competition to your class? Email John McCarthy for an educator flyer and a one-page handout you can share with students.
Bring your questions to coffee
Not sure what to enter, which category fits, or how to submit your work? That's what our Press Check coffee events are for.
Stop by, meet fellow creatives, and get help with the entry process. We'll have printed category booklets, answers to your questions, and a gift card drawing.
First time entering? You're especially welcome.
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, November 12 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. Back to the Grind 3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Thursday, November 19 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. Panera Bread 8055 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Can't join us in person or need additional support? Join an online Proofing Session to get answers about categories, eligibility, and the entry process. Whether you're entering for the first time or just need a little guidance, we're here to help.
Choose a session and register below.
Wednesday, November 18 | Register for Zoom
Wednesday, December 16 | Register for Zoom
Tuesday, January 19 | Register for Zoom
Ready to enter?
You've put in the hours, worked through the revisions, and brought your ideas to life. Now give that work a chance to be recognized.
We'll celebrate the winners at the 2027 American Advertising Awards Gala in March. We'd love to see your work among them.
Your work starts local. How far it goes is up to the judges.
Questions about eligibility, categories, or the entry process? Email John McCarthy, Awards Co-Chair, at HelloJohnMcCarthy@Gmail.com.
AAF members: Ask John for your member discount code before you check out.
Comments