Are you just going to stand there?

We could use some assistance here. The AAF Triad is dangling precariously and, while
that may be a good premise for a dizzying poster graphic, it's also a painful reality.

If you're tempted to just let the ADDYs drop to its doom, consider what the show stands
for. We all know how much easier it would be to just crank out acceptable but
uninspiring work and get paid for it. But the ADDYs hold up the example of work that not
only achieves marketing goals but actually adds something startling or beautiful to the
sea of media we all swim in. By honoring this work, we're reminding ourselves that the
extra effort is worth it.

Then, too, there is the fact that the show funds enlightening events throughout the year,
and provides a network of support and vital information in these transformative times.

In today's economy, making the commitment to enter the ADDYs is fraught with anxiety.
We urge the agencies of the Triad to remember that the recession is temporary—but
excellence lasts forever.

Download Rules & Category Listing (PDF). Download Expanded Categories (PDF).

With over 50,000 entries annually, the ADDY® Awards are the world's largest and arguably toughest advertising competition. The ADDY® Awards represent the true spirit of creative excellence by recognizing all forms of advertising in all media, by agencies of all sizes and entrants at all levels from anywhere in the world. It is the only creative awards program administered by the advertising industry for the industry. Entering the ADDY® competition supports our entire industry, because the AAF and its local and district affiliates use the proceeds to enhance advertising through programs such as public service, internships, advocacy groups, advertising education and consumer awareness.

Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the local ADDY® Awards is the first of a three-tier, national competition. Concurrently, all across the country, local entrants vie for recognition as the very best in their markets. At the second tier, local winners compete against other winners in one of 14 District competitions. District winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national ADDY® Awards competition. Entry in the local ADDY® competition is the first step toward winning a national ADDY®.

AAF Triad consists of Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem and surrounding North Carolina counties. You must first enter and win either a Silver or Gold ADDY® in the AAF Triad competition to be eligible for the District Three competition, which consists of agencies throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Selection of the most creative entry in each category is determined by a scoring process in which a panel of judges conduct a comprehensive evaluation of every entry. In each category, a gold ADDY® is recognition of the highest level of creative excellence and is judged to be superior to all other entries in the competition. Entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition received 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.

Eligibility Requirements:

All work entered in the ADDY® competition must have first appeared in the media between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. With the exceptions of Public Service Advertising, Advertising for the Arts and Advertising Industry Self-Promotion categories, work entered must have been the result of paid creative services and media placement in the normal course of business. Entries must be submitted in the CBSA, DMA or MSA of the entrant.