Hold onto your cowboy hats, North Dakota! The American Advertising Federation of North Dakota (AAF-ND) is gearing up for its biggest night of the year: the 2025 American Advertising Awards. This “Grammy-meets-Oscars” for creatives is set to entertain and honor the advertising community’s brightest stars. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s can’t-miss event.
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 28, 2025, and head on down to the Avalon Events Center in Fargo. This year’s theme is “Saddle Up!” so channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and get ready to strut your spurs. It’s a theme party, so dress the part! Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening packed with excitement, accolades, and applause.
Tickets
Tickets include a gourmet dinner, entrance to the awards ceremony, and the chance to mingle with the top creative minds in the state. Whether you’re a seasoned advertising professional, an up-and-coming talent, or a fan of great creative work, this night is for you! Click here to get your ticket today! Don’t wait until the last minute—this event sells out faster than you can say “yippee-ki-yay!”
Pssst!
You didn’t hear it from us—but head to the balcony after the show for some complimentary champagne! Talk about yee-haw!
Did You Know?
An AAF-ND membership has some pretty cool perks, including one ticket to the American Advertising Awards. Plus, in-person or virtual access to all speaker events and meals, discounts on your American Advertising Award entries, and discounted ticket prices on extra events— totaling a $460+ value! Learn more at aaf-nd.org/membership
The Honors
The American Advertising Awards celebrate the best of the best across a ton of different creative categories, from print and digital campaigns to broadcast and beyond. Gold and Silver ADDYs (the physical awards) will be awarded to top entries, which then can advance to compete at the regional and national levels. It’s the ultimate showcase of the region’s skill, creativity, and passion for the art of advertising.
How Does Judging Work?
Judging is no small feat. Entries are evaluated by a panel of esteemed advertising professionals from across the country—meaning no regional bias, and all national opinions! Each submission is reviewed based on creativity, originality, and strategy to make sure every winner earns their ADDY. In short: the competition is fierce, and the recognition is well-deserved.
Beyond the glitz and glam, the American Advertising Awards are a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community. It’s a night to cheer on your peers, draw inspiration, and connect with others who share your passion for making something extraordinary.
So, saddle up and join AAF-ND for a night to remember. Whether you’re there to compete, celebrate, or simply soak up the creative energy, the 2025 American Advertising Awards promises to be an unforgettable experience. See y’all there!
Follow along on socials to keep up to date with AAF-ND’s upcoming events, opportunities, and more!
What To Expect
Guests can look forward to an evening filled with:
Stunning creative displays from the year’s best projects
A lively awards ceremony hosted by AAF-ND’s fan-approved emcee
Delicious food and drink
Networking opportunities galore
Plenty of western-themed surprises to keep the party rolling
Oh, and don’t forget to snap a photo at the themed photo booth—because if you didn’t post it, did it even happen?
What’s Next for AAF-ND?
The awards show is just the tip of the iceberg for AAF-ND’s action-packed calendar for the year. Here’s a quick look at what else is coming up.
Feb 13, 2025: TV Time Out Social Event—Let’s talk Super Bowl commercials!
May 20, 2025: Speaker Event with Timm Chiusano & Season Send-Off Party—Wrap up the year in style with a celebration you won’t forget!