The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition in the United States . The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising .

Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the local phase is the first of a three-tier, national competition . Concurrently, across the country, local entrants vie to win ADDY Awards—recognition as the very best in their markets . At the second tier, local ADDY winners compete with winners from other local chapters in one of 15 district competitions . District ADDY winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards . Entry in your local Ad Chapter competition is the first step toward winning a national ADDY .

Entering the American Advertising Awards supports the entire advertising industry, because the AAF and its local and district affiliates use the proceeds to enhance advertising through programs such as public service, professional development, internships, advocacy groups, advertising education, and consumer awareness .

Selection of the most creative entries is conducted through a scoring process in which a panel of judges—comprised of accomplished advertising creative professionals—evaluates all creative dimensions of every entry . A Gold ADDY is recognition of the highest level of creative excellence and is judged to be superior . Entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Silver ADDY . The number of awards given in each category is determined by the judges, based on the relative quality of work in that category .

The American Advertising Awards Student Division is also a three-tier national competition, which is sponsored by the AAF . Occurring in conjunction with the professional competition, the Student Awards recognize and reward creative excellence by students . Information on entering the American Advertising Awards Student Division may be found at AmericanAdvertisingAwards .com .