Lights, Camera, ADDYs! 🎬 2026 Inland Empire American Advertising Awards Goes Hollywood

John McCarthy
Mar 1
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

📅 Save the Date

Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

📍 Ontario International Airport Terminal 1 1940 Moore Way, Ontario, CA 91761

Presented by Crown Connect.

Your exclusive pass to a closed set: Ontario International Airport's historic Terminal 1, where Hollywood comes to film and the Inland Empire comes to celebrate.

The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation is rolling out the red carpet for the most glamorous awards ceremony in our chapter's history. This year, we're taking the 2026 Inland Empire American Advertising Awards somewhere unexpected: Ontario International Airport's historic Terminal 1.

You know, the place where Hollywood shoots movies.

🎥 A Terminal Unlike Any Other

Forget ballrooms.

This year's ADDY Awards Gala happens on an actual film set – a mid-century modern gem that's stood in for airports around the world in blockbuster films and hit television series.

When Steven Spielberg needed an authentic 1960s airport for Catch Me If You Can, he chose Terminal 1.

Leonardo DiCaprio escaped the FBI here in Catch Me If You Can. On March 26, you'll walk the same terminal where Spielberg called "Action!"

When Ben Affleck recreated the tension of the Iranian Revolution for his Oscar-winning Argo, he transformed this space into Tehran's airport.

This Oscar-winning escape scene from Argo was filmed right here at Terminal 1. The only thing you'll be escaping on March 26 is ordinary awards ceremonies.

When Matt Damon and Christian Bale needed a hangar for Carroll Shelby's racing dreams in Ford v Ferrari, they found it here.

This terminal has seen George Clooney (Up in the Air), Brad Pitt (Moneyball), Sophia Vergara (Griselda, set in 1980s Miami), and the casts of HBO's Hacks and Netflix's YOU.

Now it's your turn.

🔒 An Exclusive, Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Here's what makes this truly special: Terminal 1 is not open to the public.

We've received special permission to host the 2026 ADDY Awards Gala in this historic space. Located off the Vineyard Exit from the 10 Freeway, Terminal 1 is the site of the original airport – not the current terminal you see when flying in and out of Ontario today.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside a genuine piece of Hollywood history.

And you don't have to be a competitor to attend. The Awards Gala is open to the general public. Whether you entered the competition or not, you're invited to join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the best creative work in the Inland Empire.

🎞️ From Terminal to Timeless

There's something right about celebrating advertising excellence where storytelling comes to life.

Terminal 1 doesn't welcome commercial flights anymore. But on March 26, it hosts the Inland Empire's most creative minds as they celebrate a year of compelling campaigns, innovative ideas, and award-winning work.

The cameras may not be rolling.

But the spotlight's definitely on you.

✨ Your Night in the Spotlight

Directors choose Terminal 1 because it's got something special. The judges of the 2026 Inland Empire American Advertising Awards saw something special in your work, too.

Gold, Silver, or Finalist – you've already proven you belong among the best creative minds in the Inland Empire.

Here's what's waiting for you on March 26:

🏆 A Hollywood-Worthy Venue: The same architectural elegance that made this terminal a filmmaker's dream since the 1950s
🥇 Gold & Silver ADDY Reveals: Find out which campaigns took home top honors
🎖️ Finalist Recognition: Every company named as a finalist gets honored
🤝 Networking Under the Lights: Connect with the region's top creative professionals on an actual movie set
🌟 An Unforgettable Night: Because where else can you celebrate your work where Leonardo DiCaprio once stood?

Award-worthy cuisine for an award-worthy night. (Vegetarian options available, because even stars have preferences.)

📢 The Plot Twist You Need to Know

Important update: AAF National Office no longer allows us to give Bronze Awards.

So the competition's fiercer. Being named a finalist means more.

If even one of our three judges scored your entry for Gold or Silver, you're a finalist. That's worth celebrating, whether or not your total score secured the award.

Think of it as getting a callback audition in Hollywood. It means somebody saw something exceptional.

🌟 Presented by Crown Connect

The 2026 Inland Empire American Advertising Awards Gala is proudly presented by Crown Connect, our Presenting Sponsor. Crown Connect's support makes this once-in-a-lifetime Hollywood celebration possible.

Learn more about Crown Connect at: https://www.crownconnect.com/

🎫 Get Your Boarding Pass

Ready to claim your seat on set?

Individual Boarding Passes 👤 Claim your solo credit – individual boarding passes available for professionals, students, and the general public.

Professional Member: $110
Student (Member or Non-Member): $60
General Public: 125

Purchase individual boarding passes.

Tables 🪑 Bring your ensemble cast – tables of 10 available for professionals, students, and the general public.

Professional Member: $1,050
Student (Member or Non-Member): $600
General Public: 1,200

Reserve your table or tables.

⭐ AAF Member Exclusive: VIP Treatment (Without the Trailer)

AAF Members get the star treatment with a special discount code. Email Mark@ShowFrontEnd.com with "MEMBER DISCOUNT" in the subject line to receive your exclusive code for individual boarding passes or tables of 10.

💳 Paying by Check?

Make checks payable to AAF Inland Empire Chapter and mail to:

Mark Landon 2534 S Pleasant Ave. Ontario CA 91761

Need an invoice? Contact Mark at the address above or call 📞 909-986-7502

🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities

AAF Inland Empire is accepting sponsorships to help defray costs associated with the Awards Gala. If you're interested in supporting this once-in-a-lifetime event and gaining visibility among the region's top creative professionals, contact John McCarthy.

📞 909-263-0454 | ✉️ HelloJohnMcCarthy@Gmail.com See you on set. 🌟