AAF Charleston and Charleston AMA Unify Awards Process
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Charleston and the Charleston American Marketing Association (AMA) announced a strategic partnership to streamline the annual awards submission process, making it easier than ever for local agencies, in-house teams and individuals to earn recognition for their outstanding work.
For the 2025 awards cycle, the organizations have combined the timelines for the prestigious AAF Addy Awards and the AMA Spark Awards into one unified schedule. This collaborative effort is designed to allow creative and marketing teams to focus their energy on selecting and submitting their best work from the past year, rather than navigating separate deadlines.
The unified process offers two distinct opportunities for recognition:
Award Program | Recognition Focus | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
AAF Addy Awards
| Creative Excellence & Advertising Craft
| Winners advance directly to Regional and National judging for the highest level of industry recognition.
|
AMA Spark Awards
| Strategic Results & Marketing Impact
| Celebrates the effectiveness of marketing strategies and tangible business outcomes achieved in the Charleston market. |
The partnership will culminate in a single, sensational celebration in March 2025 (Date TBD) dedicated to honoring all submissions and crowning the best of Charleston’s creative talent. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, view the work that moved the market, and toast to the future of the vibrant industry.
Further details regarding the unified submission schedule and the awards celebration are both available on the AAF Charleston and Charleston AMA websites. For more information on the Addys: https://enter.americanadvertisingawards.com/a/organizations/03-CHS/home.
Presenting Sponsors
Squeeze Marketing
Charleston Radio Group
Gold Sponsors
Private i Printing
Whitney McDuff
Silver Sponsors
Balloon Therapy
Wandering Taps
Nelson Printing
Island Brands USA
Charleston AMA 2024 Spark! Awards Winners
Best Digital Advertising
Winner:
Matchstick Social – Local eats & local beer: A match made in heaven
Best Outdoor Advertising
Winner:
In the Black Marketing – Starling Chevrolet
Best E-Newsletter
Winner:
In The Black Marketing -Hamby Catering and Events
Best Website
Winner:
Squeeze Marketing – Squeeze Marketing Website
Best Logo Design
Winner:
VIP Marketing – McKnight Law Firm
Best Illustration
Winner:
Banks Creative – College of Charleston Pocket Guide
Best Corporate Identity Package
Winner:
Matchstick Social – Opal Aesthetics Branded Material
Best Video Marketing
Winner:
Brandon – Victory Brewing: Monkey Time
Best Blog
Winner:
Matchstick Social – Fig Leaf and Co Interior Design
Best Book Cover
Winner:
Banks Creative – The Deadly Daylight
Best Collateral
Winner:
Banks Creative – Something Terrible May Happen
Best Event Marketing
Winner:
Banks Creative – Art Charleston 2023
Best Social Media Presence
Winner:
Matchstick Social – The Zoo – Locally Owned Health Club
Best Direct Mail Marketing
Winner:
Nelson Strategic Marketing – 2023 End-of-Year Fundraising Campaign
Best Non-Traditional Marketing
Winner:
Rümbo Advertising – Bud Light: Partidazo Panna Tournament
Best Product Marketing
Winner:
Rümbo Advertising – Luray Boiled Peanuts: Display Campaign
Best Public Relations
Winner:
Kayla Hey – Magnolia Plantation
Best Food and Bev Marketing Campaign
Winner:
Squeeze Marketing – Galpão Gaucho Brand Awareness Campaign
Best Social Media Campaign
Winner:
Matchstick Social – HART 2023 Mother’s Day Campaign
Best Podcast
Winner:
VIP Marketing – Going Forward Podcast
Volunteer of the Year
Winner:
Kelli Morse – Trident United Way
Marketer of the Year
Winner:
Amy Heath – City of North Charleston
Undergrad Marketer of the Year
Winner:
Nadelie Rosen – College of Charleston
Professor of the Year
Winner:
David Muray – College of Charleston
The Giving Award
Winner:
Charleston Radio Group – MUSC Children’s Hospital Radiothon
Award Categories
Professional Awards
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
A collection of items, materials, stationery, collateral and/or promotional products designed to make a statement, an impression and/or uniform image of the brand. These items should be a consistent summary of the brand, how it is represented on a range of different mediums and how it best presents itself to the public. No restrictions on media types. Ex: Logo, letterhead, business card, notecard, pen and mug.
Illustration design for this category should be a decoration, interpretation or visual explanation of text or image designed for integration in print and/or digital published media. Work can be represented in any artistic form whether hand-done or digital art. Completed/final work only; no in-progress work. Ex: Vector icons, digital art for video game, charcoal lettering for print ad, ink character drawings.
The creative designed for a digital or printed book cover. Includes typography, illustration, painting, etc. Ex: Creative designed on book wrap for children’s book.
Descriptions coming soon
The layout, content and final design of an emailed, digital newsletter. E-newsletter must be an active, working template that has or is currently being used. This does not include a printed newsletter. Ex: Monthly company newsletter design sent via Mailchimp.
A live and functioning website with active URL for any brand, business, person or organization. This does not included campaign landing pages. Ex: charlestonama.org
A a regularly updated website or web page on a business or organization’s website that is written for SEO strategy, internal updates, information communication, opinions, topics or latest news source. Must be an active and up to date blog with recent posts. Ex: https://charlestonama.org/blog
A specifically creative video media intended for promotion of a brand, product or service. Any video type is permitted. No length required. Ex: Commercial to promote new law firm in Charleston.
Descriptions coming soon
The exposure from creative storytelling through media relations or news coverage. Digital and/or print coverage. Ex: News article, images, press release, community engagement and testimonials from a PR campaign.
The use of an influencer for a brand or third party promotion to assist the brand in exposure for a period of time. Why the influencer/affiliate was chosen, results and creative must be included in entry. Ex: Charleston Blonde promoting a local clothing brand.
The launch of a product to market. The positioning, messaging, target and creative must be included. Creative packaging design, product displays and product campaigns can be included. Ex: POS at a grocery store, product mailer to influencer.
Descriptions coming soon
This award celebrates a podcast that delivers outstanding content, engages listeners, and provides valuable insight
This award honors a company, program or individual that excels in educating and/or advancing the understanding of AI’s role in marketing.
Descriptions coming soon
This award celebrates a marketing campaign that successfully elevates a food & bev brand or business, demonstrating creativity and measurable success
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
Direct mail or “advertising mail, “mailshot”, “letterbox drop” or “letterboxing” that was a printed promotional or informative piece mailed to recipients via SC postal service. No size restrictions. No timing specifications on run length. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: postcards, invitations, coupons, discounts, circulars, plastic mailers, catalogs, etc.
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
A physical print ad that ran locally that you or your business designed. No size restrictions. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: Full page print ad in Charleston Magazine, discount promotion about your business or services, etc.
A digital-only ad in static or animated form that ran locally. No size restrictions. No timing specifications on run length. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: 250×300 rotating banner on Charleston City Paper homepage.
A print or digital out-of-home advertisement that ran locally to reach audiences while they are on the go. No size restrictions. No timing specifications on run length. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: billboards, wallscapes, bus station posters, car wrap, benches, digital installations, etc.
The layout, content and final design of an emailed, digital newsletter. E-newsletter must be an active, working template that has or is currently being used. This does not include a printed newsletter. Ex: Monthly company newsletter design sent via Mailchimp.
A live and functioning website with active URL for any brand, business, person or organization. This does not included campaign landing pages. Ex: charlestonama.org
A new or rebranded logo for any kind of business, organization, event, program, initiative, campaign, location or personal use. Identity standards not needed for entry, though would help elaborate on the design process and execution of final design. Rebrands before and after are recommended.
Illustration design for this category should be a decoration, interpretation or visual explanation of text or image designed for integration in print and/or digital published media. Work can be represented in any artistic form whether hand-done or digital art. Completed/final work only; no in-progress work. Ex: Vector icons, digital art for video game, charcoal lettering for print ad, ink character drawings.
A collection of items, materials, stationery, collateral and/or promotional products designed to make a statement, an impression and/or uniform image of the brand. These items should be a consistent summary of the brand, how it is represented on a range of different mediums and how it best presents itself to the public. No restrictions on media types. Ex: Logo, letterhead, business card, notecard, pen and mug.
A specifically creative video media intended for promotion of a brand, product or service. Any video type is permitted. No length required. Ex: Commercial to promote new law firm in Charleston.
A a regularly updated website or web page on a business or organization’s website that is written for SEO strategy, internal updates, information communication, opinions, topics or latest news source. Must be an active and up to date blog with recent posts. Ex: https://charlestonama.org/blog
The creative designed for a digital or printed book cover. Includes typography, illustration, painting, etc. Ex: Creative designed on book wrap for children’s book.
Printed marketing material used to communicate or promote your company’s brand message, products or services. Marketing collateral in this category includes a variety of formats. No size restrictions. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: printed brochures, point-of-sale posters, restaurant menus, rack cards, trade show display, event/sales materials, one-page PDFs, printed annual reports, etc.
This award celebrates a podcast that delivers outstanding content, engages listeners, and provides valuable insight
This award honors a company, program or individual that excels in educating and/or advancing the understanding of AI’s role in marketing.
Student Awards
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
Descriptions coming soon
The promotion and marketing of any kind of event. Promotional materials can be of any medium or media type. Results of event not required for submission but would help for context and success of marketing efforts. Ex: Printed invitation or ticket design.
The visibility the brand has on social media platforms and the connection it has built with its community. In addition, the look and feel of the content, graphics and design and how it aligns with the brand as a whole. Ex: The Instagram feed of Charleston AMA and specific posts.
The coordinated marketing effort to reinforce or assist with a business goal using one or more social media platforms. Campaign design, copy, run length, platforms used, audience and results must be included in entry. Ex: The Facebook and Instagram ads for a local pet shelter to get people to adopt.
Direct mail or “advertising mail, “mailshot”, “letterbox drop” or “letterboxing” that was a printed promotional or informative piece mailed to recipients via SC postal service. No size restrictions. No timing specifications on run length. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: postcards, invitations, coupons, discounts, circulars, plastic mailers, catalogs, etc.
Do you have something awesome, but it doesn’t fit the mold? Tell us here!
The launch of a product to market. The positioning, messaging, target and creative must be included. Creative packaging design, product displays and product campaigns can be included. Ex: POS at a grocery store, product mailer to influencer.
The use of an influencer for a brand or third party promotion to assist the brand in exposure for a period of time. Why the influencer/affiliate was chosen, results and creative must be included in entry. Ex: Charleston Blonde promoting a local clothing brand.
The exposure from creative storytelling through media relations or news coverage. Digital and/or print coverage. Ex: News article, images, press release, community engagement and testimonials from a PR campaign.
This award recognizes a standout marketing campaign that has significantly enhanced awareness and customer engagement within the hospitality industry
This award celebrates a marketing campaign that successfully elevates a food & bev brand or business, demonstrating creativity and measurable success
Charleston AMA Special Awards
No cost to nominate
This award recognizes a volunteer of the Charleston chapter of the AMA who has gone above and beyond in their role of volunteer to contribute to the chapter’s success. Nominate someone and in 100 words or less, please explain why the nominee should be considered for this award, including examples of chapter service and volunteerism. Only Charleston AMA members in good standing will be considered for this award.
This award honors a marketer in the greater Charleston area who enhances the marketing community. Nominate someone and in 100 words or less, explain why your nominee should be considered for this award, including examples of marketing excellence in his/her job and contributions to the overall marketing industry in Charleston. Nominees do not have to be members of the Charleston AMA to be considered for this award.
The Giving Award will recognize the work of any individual or company based in the tri-county area that has donated a marketing service to a nonprofit organization. Submission should include 1-5 examples demonstrating donated marketing services. These may align with any project or campaign category or may encompass an overall marketing campaign.
This award celebrates exceptional creativity, strategic thinking and impactful execution. This category honors an undergraduate student whose marketing project demonstrates outstanding innovation, effectiveness, and potential to real-world marketing success. It serves as a platform to recognize and encourage the future leaders of the marketing industry!
This award recognizes an educator who has made significant contributions to the field of marketing through exceptional teaching, innovative curriculum development and mentorship. This category honors a professor whose dedication and expertise have inspired students and advanced the practice of marketing. It aims to celebrate those who shape the future of marketing through their outstanding commitment to education!
Sales & Marketing
Product or Service Sales Promotion Printed promotional materials for products and services whose distribution comes from means other than traditional mass media.
Stationery Package (Single or Multiple Pieces), Printed Annual Report, Printed Newsletter, Brochure, Publication Design, Special Event Materials
Anything that is mailed via USPS or delivered via special courier (private, FedEx, etc.) with the purpose of eliciting, provoking, or effecting a consumer reaction (response card, phone number to call, order form, sale/ event dates, etc.) should be entered in the appropriate direct marketing categories
Apparel, Other Merchandise (Specialty and/or promotional products with advertising messages) Campaign
Print Advertising
Advertising that appears in periodic (annually, bi-annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, etc.) publications. Circulation/ distribution can be intended for the general public (Consumer) or an industry target audience (Trade).
Advertising that is placed/run in publications whose primary purpose is to inform the public about current events or issues on a daily or weekly schedule.
Branded content is original entertainment content that is funded or produced by an advertiser. It showcases a brand’s value without being a direct promotional pitch. It drives engagement, increases brand awareness, and improves brand loyalty by generating positive brand perceptions without overtly mentioning anything about the brand or the product. Sales videos or product brochures are not branded content.
Out-of-Home & Ambient Media
Guerrilla Marketing, Installations, Events
Posters, Outdoor Board, Large Venues, Campaigns
Online/Interactive
Consumer, B-to-B, Microsites
Single execution, campaigns
Apps must advertise a product or service. Apps and Virtual Reality entries will be judged using a digital (video) summary of 3 minutes or less, which must be digitally uploaded by the entrant (not via URL). This summary should describe and demonstrate the design and functionality of the entry as well as the most important user benefits and attributes of the entry. Judges will not be given access to the app itself or headsets for virtual judging.
Web banners, campaigns, emails
Blogs, digital publications, campaigns
Original content that may or may not directly promote the brand or product but is created on behalf of the brand. Branded Content or Branded Entertainment for any online/interactive category, excluding Online Film, Video & Sound, which should be entered in Category 036
Film, Video & Sound
Audio/Radio advertising is defined as commercial audio (only) messages conveyed to the prospective/target consumer public by the seller of a product or service via mass media transmission. Commercial messages which appear on digital streaming or satellite radio services such as Pandora, Spotify or SiriusXM should be entered in the Regional/National Radio categories. Within the audio/radio category, commercials aired on stations in more than one market or “metro” (even if placed on only one station in each of two “metros”) do not qualify as “local.” Any time a commercial extends past one “metro” (two or more), it is defined as regional/ national and must be entered accordingly. 2–4 commercials for the same client, with a common theme that are placed in one market only (no more than one “metro”) are considered a campaign. If placed in two different markets, they do not qualify as a local campaign.
A single TV commercial that is broadcast on the station(s) of one market (no more than one DMA). TV commercials broadcast on stations in more than one DMA (even if placed on only one station in each of two DMAs) do not qualify as “local.” If no competition exists in a DMA, the District will direct entrants of correct entry procedure.
Any commercial that is created to run on the Internet. Broadcast commercials that also receive Internet runs are not eligible in this category unless there is a change in content (see “New Creative” under “Eligibility” above). Entry must be submitted as an online video using its URL, not as a digital upload.
Original content that may or may not directly promote the brand or product but is created on behalf of the brand. All forms of audio/ visual branded content and/or branded entertainment created for and distributed via online and interactive channels.
Movie trailers, in-theater commercials or slides
Any advertising, promotional and/ or marketing message that is conveyed via audio and/or video method usually designed for and directed to specific and/or limited audiences. Entry must be edited to no more than five minutes in length for judging purposes.
A short film integrating a song and imagery created for the purpose of promoting, marketing and/or advertising the music, performance, or artist. Must be edited to a maximum length of 5 minutes.
Cross Platform
An integrated campaign is defined as a campaign or series of ads, commercials or executions that utilize more than one medium. The American Advertising Awards allows entries in all Integrated Campaign categories to submit up to ten executions for judging. Integrated Campaign entries may be accompanied by a written or digital (video) summary not to exceed 250 words (written) or 3 minutes (digital). Digital summaries must be submitted by uploading the video file during the online entry process. Failure to adhere to these limitations may result in a portion or all of the noncompliant entry to be removed from judging.
Up to 10 pieces may be submitted from work that qualifies in categories 021-028 and/or 033-035. (See full list for details)
Elements of Advertising
Copywriting for any advertising medium.
Icons, infographics, illustrations, photography, art direction
Cinematography, animations, SFX, motion graphics, CGI, video editing
Interactive & navigation, augmented reality, mobile interaction, user experience, data driven media, innovation
A physical print ad that ran locally that you or your business designed. No size restrictions. Media outlet cannot have created it. Does not have to be a part of a campaign. Ex: Full page print ad in Charleston Magazine, discount promotion about your business or services, etc.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Collaterals (brand elements, annual reports, brochures), Marketing and Specialty Advertising (Single unit, campaign)
Advertising in any print medium (single units, campaigns)
Out-of-home (posters, out-of-home ads, campaigns), Ambient Media (Single, Campaigns), Social Responsibility campaigns
Online/interactive film, video and sound
TV ads, Radio, Film, Video & Sound, Non-broadcast audio/visual, campaigns
Public Service
Collateral (brand elements, annual reports, brochures), Specialty advertising (single, campaigns)
Public service advertisement placed in any print medium.
Public service out-of-home (poster, out-of-home, campaigns), public service ambient media (single, campaigns)
Public service online/interactive single, Public service online/interactive campaign
Public service tv, radio, film, video & sound, non-broadcast audio/visual, campaigns
Advertising Industry Self-Promotion
Brand elements, direct marketing and specialty ads, specialty events
Any advertisement which appears in a magazine, promoting that magazine.
Any advertisement which appears in a newspaper, promoting that newspaper
Advertising for an out of home company appearing on that company’s out-of-home media.
Any advertising industry selfpromotion ambient media, including guerrilla marketing, installations, and events
Single Advertising Industry SelfPromotion entries for Online/ Interactive/ Virtual Reality—excluding Online Film, Video & Sound, which should be entered in Category 107.
Any advertisement which appears on a audio/radio station or outlet, promoting that station.
Any advertisement which appears on a local TV station, promoting that TV station.
Any film, video or sound content created as self-promotion material by a member of the advertising industry, regardless of the intended medium. Includes online video, television, radio, and demo reels. Single occurrence—any length.
Any advertising created by, or for, an advertising or marketing club that advances the organization’s cause (membership, programs, education, awards, events, parties, etc.). All advertising and promotional materials done by, or for, an ad club can be entered only in this category. Please Note: All advertising, marketing, or communications clubs and organizations are eligible to enter this category regardless of their AAF affiliation. For AAF clubs entering American Advertising 37 americanadvertisingawards.com Awards-related materials, all campaign elements should be entered in the competition year following the year they promote, regardless of usage date.
Single medium campaigns, integrated media campaign
HOW TO ENTER
Entry Process & Information
NOTE: YOU CANNOT SAVE THE PROGRESS ON YOUR SUBMISSION AND RETURN LATER. PLEASE HAVE ALL OF YOUR SUBMISSION MATERIALS PREPARED BEFORE FILLING OUT YOUR ENTRY.
(1) project title, (2) project synopsis that describes mission, goals and results (3) and LINK to assets.
All submissions for the 2025 Spark! Awards must be from projects/campaigns completed from January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.
For all award categories, submit ONE URL that links to assets to showcase your work. This may be a Dropbox link, Google Drive link, your own URL, etc. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR LINK HAS PUBLIC ACCESS. Links without public access will not be considered.
All submissions must be made online through the digital submission platform. Submissions will not be accepted via email or mail.
Entry fees are as follows:
- Charleston AMA Members: First entry is FREE; each additional entry $40
- Non-Members: Each entry $50
- Award decisions are final. No refunds for entry fees.
Submissions Are Due 1/23/2025
Entry Process & Information
To nominate an individual or an organization, please select one of the buttons below and fill out the form. There is no cost to nominate an individual or organization for these awards.
Entry Process & Information
Why Submit for an ADDY?
The AAF Addy Awards represent the industry’s most comprehensive and rigorous competition, designed to recognize and reward creative excellence across all media. Submitting your work to the AAF Charleston Addy Awards is the essential first step toward earning national recognition, as winning immediately qualifies your entry to advance to the District and then the National Addy Awards—the highest achievement in American advertising. This process offers unparalleled visibility for your agency and validates your team’s hard work against the best creative minds in the country.
Celebration Awaits
Join us this March (Date TBD!) for a sensational night dedicated to celebrating all submissions and crowning the best of Charleston’s creative talent.
Get ready to connect with industry leaders, see the work that moved our market, and toast to the future of our vibrant industry.
SEE YOU AT THE AWARDS!
The spark awards are over!
Congratulations to the winners, we’ll see you next year!
