Nov. 13: ADDY Workshop

John McCarthy
Oct 2
5 min read

Updated: Nov 9

Ready to showcase your creative brilliance? The Inland Empire's premier advertising competition is calling your name.

Mark your calendars, creative professionals and aspiring students across eastern Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and western Riverside County. The AAF Inland Empire is hosting an exclusive workshop to unlock the secrets of entering the 2026 American Advertising Awards.

Workshop Details

When: November 13th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: Empire Underground 3485 University Ave, Riverside, California 92501 Cost: FREE (with appetizers included!) Workshop Leader: Mark Landon, Awards Chair, AAF Inland Empire

Learn From the Ultimate Authority

This isn't just any workshop—you'll be learning from Mark Landon, who literally wrote the book on the American Advertising Awards. As the original author of the American Advertising Awards manual, Mark possesses unparalleled expertise in competition strategy, category selection, and what makes entries stand out to judges. His deep understanding of the awards program's evolution and judging criteria provides attendees with insider knowledge that cannot be found elsewhere.

Whether you're a seasoned advertising professional, a freelance designer burning the midnight oil, or a college student with fresh ideas, this workshop is your gateway to understanding one of advertising's most prestigious competitions. You'll walk away knowing exactly where to submit your campaigns, how to navigate the entry platform, and what judges are really looking for, all from the person who helped create the framework that guides the entire competition. Get all your questions answered about categories and submission requirements.

The American Advertising Awards isn't just another competition—it's the advertising industry's largest showcase of creative excellence, attracting over 25,000 entries annually. Think of it as the creative world's chance to prove that great ideas can come from anywhere, including right here in the Inland Empire.

The Three-Tier Journey to Glory

Here's how your creative work can reach national recognition:

Tier 1: Local Competition - This is your starting line. Compete against fellow Inland Empire creatives across hundreds of categories, from traditional print and broadcast to cutting-edge digital experiences and branded content.

Tier 2: District Competition - Local Gold ADDY winners advance to compete against winners from other local competitions throughout Southern California and Southern Nevada.

Tier 3: National Stage - District winners compete for the ultimate prize: a National ADDY Award.

More Than Just Awards

Every entry fee supports programs that strengthen our industry: internships that launch careers, advocacy efforts that protect creative freedom, educational initiatives that nurture the next generation, and public service campaigns that make our communities better.

Categories That Celebrate Every Creative Mind

The competition recognizes excellence across an impressive spectrum. And with hundreds of categories, covering just about everything you have created, here is a sample of what is accepted:

Sales & Marketing: From packaging that stops shoppers in their tracks to direct mail that actually gets opened
Print Advertising: Posters, magazine spreads, and newspaper ads that command attention
Digital & Interactive: Websites, social media campaigns, apps, and virtual reality experiences
Film, Video & Sound: Television commercials, online videos, podcasts, and branded entertainment
Out-of-Home & Ambient: Billboards, guerrilla marketing, installations, and events
Integrated Campaigns: Multi-platform strategies that tell cohesive stories across channels
Elements of Advertising: Copywriting, photography, illustration, sound design, and more

Who Should Attend?

Agency Professionals: Account directors, creatives, strategists, and production teams
In-House Marketing Teams: Corporate marketers ready to showcase their work
Freelancers: Independent creatives building their portfolios
College Students: Tomorrow's advertising leaders who are learning the ropes today
Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who've created their own marketing magic
Government agencies: Those who create communications to reach out to their constituents
Other Professionals: Those who specialize in audio and video, illustration, animation, photography, and every specialty that creates advertising

Important note: You don't need to be an AAF member to participate in the American Advertising Awards. This competition celebrates great work, regardless of your affiliation.

What the Judges Seek

Gold ADDY Awards represent the pinnacle of creative excellence, work that stands superior to all other entries in its category. Silver ADDYs recognize outstanding achievement worthy of industry recognition. Judges evaluate every creative dimension: concept, execution, craftsmanship, and effectiveness.

Why Submit to the Inland Empire Chapter?

Strategic Advantage in a Growing Market: The Inland Empire represents one of the fastest-growing creative markets in Southern California, offering a unique competitive landscape where exceptional work truly stands out. Unlike oversaturated metropolitan markets, your creative work competes among a concentrated field of talented professionals, increasing your chances of recognition while maintaining high standards of excellence.

Local Recognition with National Reach: Winning an ADDY in the Inland Empire isn't just about local bragging rights; it's your pathway to district and national recognition. Our chapter has a strong track record of advancing winners to higher levels, with several entries reaching national recognition in recent years. Your work represents not just your agency or company, but the creative spirit of the entire Inland Empire.

Building Your Business: Winning an ADDY Award has been known to help businesses in everything from attracting new customers to attracting better employees.

Industry Networking and Visibility: The Inland Empire creative community is tight-knit but influential. An ADDY win here means recognition among industry leaders who are actively shaping the region's economic development, from Fortune 500 companies relocating operations to startups choosing the IE as their launching pad. These connections often translate into career opportunities and business partnerships.

Competitive Pricing and Value: Our entry fees support local industry development while remaining accessible to agencies of all sizes, freelancers, and students. The investment in entering often pays for itself through the credibility boost, portfolio enhancement, and networking opportunities that come with participation—regardless of whether you win.

Supporting Regional Creative Growth: Every entry fee directly supports programs that strengthen our local advertising ecosystem: student internships at regional universities, professional development workshops, advocacy for creative businesses, and public service campaigns that benefit Inland Empire communities. Your participation helps build the creative infrastructure that benefits everyone in our region.

The Inland Empire Advantage

Our region's creative community punches above its weight. From innovative startups in Riverside to established agencies in San Bernardino, from university campaigns in Claremont to retail promotions in Corona, the Inland Empire produces work that competes nationally.

This workshop gives you the insider knowledge to position your best work for maximum impact. You'll learn submission strategies, category selection tips, and presentation techniques that can make the difference between recognition and missed opportunities.

Your Creative Legacy Starts Here

Every prominent advertising legend started with a single award entry. Every breakthrough campaign began with someone believing their work deserved recognition. Every creative career was built on moments when talent met opportunity.

November 13th could be one of those moments for you.

Ready to transform your creative work into award-winning recognition?

Space is limited, appetizers are included, and your creative future is waiting. Join us at Empire Underground at 3485 University Ave. in Riverside on November 13th and discover how your work can earn the recognition it deserves.

The American Advertising Awards: Where Creative Excellence Meets Recognition