Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Celebrate Birmingham’s most creative minds at this exciting gala
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The countdown is officially on for one of Birmingham’s most anticipated creative nights of the year.
The 2026 Birmingham American Advertising Awards are taking place on Friday, February 20, bringing together the city’s advertising, marketing, public relations and design communities for an evening dedicated to celebrating bold ideas and standout creative work.
Read on for all the details about this amazing event.
A night celebrating Birmingham’s best creative work
Hosted by AAF Birmingham, the Birmingham American Advertising Awards are the organization’s most anticipated event and part of the American Advertising Federation’s three-tiered competition. Winning locally is the first step toward regional and national recognition—making this awards show a meaningful milestone for both seasoned professionals and rising creative talent.
Now in its 68th year, the Birmingham American Advertising Awards recognize smart, well-crafted advertising across a wide range of categories. From agency leaders and in-house marketers to students just beginning their careers, the event highlights the work and people shaping the future of Birmingham’s creative industry.
This year’s celebration is especially notable, as the awards return to The Club after a decade. Attendees can also expect the return of the iconic I-beam trophy, officially known as the ADDY—the coveted symbol of creative excellence in the advertising world.
Know before you go
The evening will begin with a pre-show cocktail reception, followed by the awards program, offering plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate and be inspired.
- Where: The Club | 1 Robert S Smith Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209
- Event Date: Friday, February 20
- Doors open @ 5:45PM
- Cocktails begin @ 6PM
- Awards show starts @ 7PM
- Attire: Attire for the evening should be black tie or cocktail
- Admission:
- Single Ticket (Member): $100
- Table of 8 (Member): $800 (Reserves eight seats)
- Student Ticket: $50
- Tickets
Why you should attend
The Birmingham American Advertising Awards are more than just a trophy presentation—they’re a celebration of community and creativity. Attendees will have the chance to:
- Celebrate the best creative work from Birmingham’s advertising industry
- Network with professionals across advertising, marketing, PR + design
- Support and connect with emerging and student talent
- Be part of one of the city’s most exciting creative events of the year
Whether you submitted work for judging or simply appreciate great creativity, this is a night that brings the entire industry together under one roof.
About the American Advertising Awards
Presented annually by the American Advertising Federation, the American Advertising Awards are one of the largest and most prestigious creative competitions in the industry, attracting more than 40,000 entries nationwide each year. Locally, the Birmingham competition recognizes excellence while advancing winning work to district and national levels.
The program honors outstanding work across categories such as film, video and sound, online + interactive media, out-of-home advertising, print, public service, sales + marketing and more.
Whether you’re a longtime industry professional or new to the world of advertising, the 2026 Birmingham American Advertising Awards promise an unforgettable night of connection and inspiration.
Have questions? Contact addys@aafbirmingham.com—and we’ll see you at The Club.
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