Online Entry
& Judging Portal
Don't have an account? Choose an entry category below to begin. Logged in users may also click these to submit additional entries.
Returning Entrants: click here to access your past submissions or select a category from above to make an additional entry.
Judging for the American Advertising Awards will be conducted online.
In some categories, entrants are allowed and/or required to upload additional digital examples of an entry. This is intended to provide more appropriate content for the judges.
Please carefully follow all online submission guidelines provided within the entry system, to ensure that your work is properly represented during all three tiers of the American Advertising Awards competition.
AAF Lexington 2026 American Advertising Awards
The 2026 LIMELIGHT Gala is more than a celebration — it’s a tribute to the ideas, craft, and people who shape Lexington’s creative landscape.
This February, the American Advertising Awards shine a light not only on award-winning work, but on the individuals behind the magic. From bold thinkers to behind-the-scenes problem solvers, from rookies making waves to leaders moving our industry forward—LIMELIGHT honors them all.
Check aaflexington.com for continued updates as we bring the latest on the competition, your judging team, and the gala.
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No Physical Entries Required!
Entries will be judged digitally again this year. Upload any files that you think will help judges understand your work. It may help to think of submissions as portfolio pieces: show all sides of work, submit photos of the finished piece (not flat art files), and so on.
Professional Entries
AAF Member: $90
Non-Member: $120
Rates apply for single entries. Each campaign entry has an additional $20 fee.
Student Entries
AAF Member: $30
Non-Member: $35
No additional charge for student campaign entries.
Deadline
You can submit entries starting December 4, 2025. The last call for entries will be January 23, 2026
Rules & Categories
Both professional and student rules & categories can be found here.
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🦄 Introducing The LEXY Awards — Celebrating Lexington’s Marketing Talent
The LEXY Awards are all about celebrating people — freelance contractors, in-house marketers, agency folks, nonprofit marketers — anyone who works in marketing in the Lexington market (Fayette, Jessamine, Scott, Clark or Woodford counties) qualifies.
Categories range from Account Manager of the Year, Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, PR Executive … to Rising Star (Under 35), Rookie of the Year (Under 25), Nonprofit Marketer, and more.
Self-nominations are allowed (and encouraged) — so you can nominate yourself or your colleagues if you feel someone deserves recognition.
Winners will be announced at the American Advertising Awards LIMELIGHT gala on February 26, 2026.
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LIMELIGHT, American Advertising Awards Gala
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
6pm- 11pm at LEX LIVE
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Cocktails & Heavy Appetizers
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Awards Show
- 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: After Party (Arcade, games, bowling & more fun!)
Sponsors
This event is made possible thanks to a supportive creative and business community. If you are interested in sponsoring this year's American Advertising Awards, please reach out to tracie.miller@aaflexington.com.
