american advertising awards

welcome to awards season

You created great work this year and now it is time to celebrate it. The American Advertising Awards honor the best creative across the country beginning right here on the Space Coast. Win locally, advance to District 4, and then to Nationals. Your work could go all the way.

The mission of the awards is to recognize exceptional creative excellence in advertising. Agencies, designers, photographers, students, production teams, and in house creators are all invited to enter. If you make work that moves people, this show is for you.

With more than one hundred categories across digital, print, video, web, sound, campaigns, and emerging platforms, there is a space for every type of creative. Local entries are now open and we cannot wait to see what you have made.

Join us at our Awards Gala on February 21, 2026 as we celebrate the incredible work being done on the Space Coast.

how to enter

Your guide to getting started –>

Submitting your work is straightforward and designed to walk you through each step. Use the outline below as you prepare your entries.

Step 1. Get Familiar

Review the rules and categories before preparing your entries.

Step 2. Choose Your Categories

Make a list of the categories you plan to enter. Use this time to gather files, prepare supporting materials, and confirm requirements.

3. Plan Your Timeline

Submit early to take advantage of discounted pricing and to give yourself time to finalize your work before deadlines.

4. Join the Community

Members receive discounted entry fees. If you are already a member, thank you. If not, this is a great time to join and connect with the Space Coast creative community.

help and support

If you have questions during submission, reach out anytime at awards@aafspacecoast.org . We also recommend reviewing the American Awards Portal for rules, upload specs, and updates.

common submission mistakes

Tips to Avoid Mistakes –>

A few reminders as you prepare your entries

  1. Not attaching your label correctly This is the most common error.
  2. Entering work in the wrong category. Please double check the rules.
  3. Uploading only a YouTube or Vimeo link instead of the required file.
  4. Uploading only a beauty shot instead of a full multi page PDF for brochures, spreads, invitations, and other multi piece entries.
  5. Entering agency self promotion into a general category instead of Industry Self Promotion.
  6. Including more pieces than the category allows. Each category has a set limit.

If you are unsure, please ask. It is always better to clarify before submitting.

key dates

Important Dates –>

Early Bird Entry Deadline: Thursday, Nov 14, 2025 at 5 PM

Regular Entry Deadline: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Late Entry Deadline: Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Physical Entries Due: January 8, 2026

Awards Gala: Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 at Hilton Melbourne Beach