AAF - Wichita Falls - What Is In It For Me?

The American Advertising Federation:

What’s In It For Me?

First, a brief history on the American Advertising Federation:

AAF - Wichita Falls is a part of the American Advertising Federation. We are in the 10th District, made up of clubs in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The AAF is the only national grassroots trade association that encompasses all segments of the advertising industry: agencies, corporate marketing departments, broadcast and print media companies, industry suppliers, college chapters, national trade associations, even advertisers themselves all engaged in various advertising pursuits.

The local clubs sponsor a variety of programs, including meetings featuring industry-related speakers, professional development workshops, educational seminars, scholarships, public service initiatives, social events and local award competitions recognizing excellence in advertising.

The very first ad club was formed in 1905 as practitioners became concerned with assuring high business standards and protecting the industry’s interests as legislators tried to regulate the business. Then, as now, advertising professionals identified the need to join together to protect and promote their trade.

This took place independently on both coasts of the United States. On the East coast as the Advertising Federation of America, and on the West coast as the Advertising Association of the West.

Both associations worked to raise the standards of advertising through education and self-regulation. In fact, it was the Advertising Federation of America on the East coast that launched the "truth in advertising" movement in 1911. An event which eventually led to the formation of the Better Business Bureaus. The Advertising Agency of the West became involved in this area in 1912.

Following World War II, as the ability to travel increased and communications capabilities advanced, the two associations worked cooperatively in dealing with the federal government.

In February of 1967, the AFA and the AAW officially joined forces and became what is today known as the American Advertising Federation.

The American Advertising Federation is comprised of 15 districts in three regions. We are in the central region. Each member of a local chapter is also a member of the district/regional and national American Advertising Federation organization. Together we are approximately 50,000 strong with a powerful voice in local, regional and national government, and make up the oldest trade organization in the United States.

So, what does all of this mean to you?

It means that membership in AAF - Wichita Falls makes you a member of the American Advertising Federation on a local, district and national level.

On the local level you’ll be involved in regular luncheon events with speakers on varying topics that relate directly to the advertising industry. At these events you’ll also get to know some of your counterparts and business associates that would otherwise be only a faceless voice on the telephone or e-mail correspondence. You’ll be invited to participate in other events like our Annual Golf Scramble and attempt to break the world record for the Fastest Round of Golf. It is through your dues and the funds raised at other events that we are able to bring in presenters from outside our local area for luncheons and perhaps even a workshop or two.

You’ll be invited to participate in the local level of the ADDY competition with the Gold ADDY winners being forwarded on to the District level and perhaps even the National level.

At the District level you’ll be invited to participate in two District Conferences and one District Annual Convention every year. At these events you’ll not only find workshops on personal and professional development, but you’ll find yourself in the company of the creative forces for major national advertising campaigns ranging from the guys who came up with the creepy Burger King spots to the people who are now marketing New Orleans to a national, even worldwide, audience. You’ll also rub shoulders with District officers of the American Advertising Federation and fellow club members from around the district and have the chance to discuss various challenges you’re facing and tap into their insight and resources.

At the National level you’ll be invited to the National Annual Convention and everything that goes on there.

To recap:

Your membership in the American Advertising Federation through AAF - Wichita Falls can stimulate your intellect, creativity, and networking in your local working environment. It gives you access to relevant ideas and concepts from far beyond the Wichita Falls area. It gives you a voice in how the state and federal governments treat our industry. And it can be a lot of fun.

Just like any other personal endeavor, you get out of it what you put into it. So, join today, and find a committee or event to be a part of, and enjoy your time with the American Advertising Federation.

AAF-Wichita Falls

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