The ADDY Winners Have Been Decided

And now we wait. 

Earlier this month, we wrangled some of the biggest names in the ad biz to fly out and judge our hundreds of American Advertising Awards submissions. Over a full weekend, they poured over some of the most amazing work we've seen so far and gave their brutally honest critiques on what the area's brightest had to offer. 

Check out some of our pics from the weekend and join us on March 5 to see who they've deemed the best in advertising in our region. 

Special thanks to our judges: Kat Gordon, Mike Roe, Howie Ronay, Jon Ruby and Emily Starolis.

After Hours: Hacker Agency Recap

We recently teamed up with HackerAgency as they invited us into their "home" for After Hours. The successful event included Agency BINGO to help break the ice for the attendees and asked them to get signatures of people who were the oldest, Ambidextrous, were Sounders season ticket holders and even asked people who were Carolina Panthers fans (that one might have gone blank the whole night) among other ice breakers on their BINGO card.

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“I thought that their Agency BINGO activity, which was designed to facilitate conversation, was super engaging and well developed," said Charlotte Boutz-Connell, VP & Programs Director of AAF Seattle. "What a thoughtful way to welcome guests, by teeing them up for...not just small talk but actually interesting introductions and interactions!”

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The folks over at HackerAgency—a direct marketing agency located in the heart of downtown Seattle—recommends that future hosts should start planning early. “I had an internal committee at Hacker to help me plan, " said Michelle Nolte, Art Director at HackerAgency. "I couldn’t have done it without them. And start planning early!” 

Nolte also hopes that the group met great people and was exposed to what Hacker does. For more information on HackerAgency you can visit their website at hal2l.com.

The next After Hour events will be held on May 14 at Digital Kitchen.

Article by Brooke Saul  |  Photos by Scott Iwata

Art Bash 2014 Recap

Our ninth annual Art Bash was held on November 20 at 415 Westlake in South Lake Union, with artists contributing pieces interpreting the theme “Throwback Thursday.” The money we raised fully funded our Western Washington University diversity scholarship program with a surplus that will allow us to make a greater commitment to the program next year. 

Much appreciation to the agencies and individual artists who contributed their time and talent to making it a gorgeous, clever, compelling show this year. Special thanks to our guest artist Danielle Champagne. Shout out to photographer David Speranza, and DJ Chris Carter, Strategy Director at Y&RG Seattle.

Of course, extra love goes to our sponsors The Seattle Times, TCG, Print NW, Hand Crank Films, Tag Creative, What Now? Exactly!, and Local Craft Tours.

Mark your calendars now for Art Bash 2015 on Thursday, November 12. If you have an idea for the 2015 Art Bash theme, let us know by emailing communications@aafseattle.com.

Mentorship Program Launching Soon

The brand new AAF Education Committee has launched, bringing together young professionals from agencies, corporate jobs and a couple freelancers to help get students into the advertising industry. They have successfully partnered with students at the University of Washington from various disciplines to support their local Ad Club and give it the AAF treatment, offering resources, curriculum, and networking opportunities to sign guest speakers and tours for the club.

Photo by David Speranza 

Down the road in 2015, the committee plans to launch a mentorship program that pairs members of the student Ad Club with talented professionals in AAF Seattle to give them one-on-one expertise, and help them thrive and graduate to the larger club. The committee will also be expanding its efforts into other local universities.

For more information about the mentorship program or to get involved, email Nik at education@aafseattle.com.

Current Volunteer Positions

We couldn't make AAF Seattle operate without the help of volunteers. Whether you're looking to network, puff up your portfolio and resume, or fulfill your court ordered volunteer hours, we've got plenty of open spots to feed your ulterior motives. 

Check out our positions and if you're interested, send us an email with the following:

1. Your name
2. Your job title
3. The volunteer position you're inquiring about
4. Qualifications or experience you may have that relate to the position

Photo by David Speranza

Communications Committee

Copywriter

Write snappy copy for event communications, blog posts, social media posts and other communication needs. Apply now

Art Designer

Design graphics and logos, and choose images for event communications. Layout newsletters and other advertisements. Apply now

Events Committee

Events Volunteer Coordinator

A key member of the Programs Committee, this position works directly with event producers on the team to ensure that an appropriate number of volunteers with necessary skill sets is secured for each event produced by AAF Seattle.

An ideal Event Volunteer Coordinator will be caring and proactive when interacting with current and prospective volunteers, and will ensure that the relationship with AAF Seattle is mutually beneficial and enjoyable.

In addition, this role is key for the overall organizational health as a facilitator of club engagement through volunteer service, and as an early point in potential leadership succession planning.

Basic responsibilities include:

• Manage and maintain an accurate database of past and current volunteers with key information.

• Collaborate with each event's lead producer to develop a plan for volunteer staffing needs, secure appropriate volunteers, attend the events to manage the volunteer team, and provide coverage as necessary.

• Have a good understanding of each volunteer's qualities, strengths, interests and availability to ensure the best fit for the event and the volunteer.

• Continually seek opportunities for event volunteers to deepen their engagement with AAF Seattle, including recommendations to join committees and/or the board of directors.

• Continually recruit new volunteers through professional and social channels to ensure an ongoing pool of event volunteer.

• Be an active and creative participant in the Programs Committee, influencing the events produced by AAF Seattle on an ongoing basis.

As an active participant and member of the Programs Committee, this role is expected to:

• Attend Programs Committee meetings to report on progress (meetings are scheduled approximately every other month based on needs and team availability, most often a Sunday brunch format)

• Provide ongoing support to teammates as they produce other programs throughout the year

• Maintain updated information relevant to the role on AAF Seattle’s Google Drive

• Advocate for the club's mission and activities including supporting promotional efforts through own social media and professional networks

• AAF Seattle membership encouraged but not required for committee members

Apply now

EVENT Day VOLUNTEER

This position works directly with Executive Director to assist with on-site registration, set-up and take-down. Apply now