The American Advertising Federation (AAF) brought more than 500 agency leaders, marketers, media execs, and students together earlier this month for its annual ADMERICA National Conference, held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. The four-day event celebrated leadership, creative innovation, volunteer service, and student excellence—all while looking ahead to the industry’s evolving future.
Below are some of the biggest moments and milestones from this year’s ADMERICA.
AAF Names 2025–26 Board Leadership
Jacki Kelley, EVP and Chief Client Officer and Chief Business Officer at Interpublic Group, has been named AAF Board Chair for the 2025–26 fiscal year. A well-respected veteran and self-described lifelong student of the industry, Kelley succeeds outgoing Chair Jack Bamberger.
Joining her is Carmen Graf, Global VP of Marketing, Advertising, Media and Events at Indeed, who will serve as Vice Chair. Graf brings a cross-disciplinary background that aligns closely with AAF’s wide-ranging membership, which spans agencies, brands, media, tech, and education.
“I want to thank our outgoing Chair, Jack Bamberger, for his leadership this past year, and for setting the stage for the celebratory year ahead which includes the 75th Anniversary of the Advertising Hall of Fame,” said Steve Pacheco, AAF President and CEO. “And I want to welcome Jacki and Carmen to their new roles. We couldn’t ask for two more accomplished or unifying individuals to help guide us forward.”
Their appointments go into effect July 1, 2025.
Texas State Wins National Student Advertising Competition
In one of the most anticipated moments of the conference, Texas State University took first place in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), a rigorous challenge that gives more than 2,000 students real-world experience developing campaigns for major brands. This year’s client was AT&T.
The University of Minnesota and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill finished second and third, respectively.
“What we’ve received from these collegiate teams and the process is unbelievable,” said Dawn Reeves, EVP, Member Services and Programs at AAF. “These students are going to impact great change in the advertising industry.”
Mosaic 10 Awards: Google Pixel Campaign Tops the List
The Mosaic 10 Awards, which honor campaigns that reflect the authentic voice of contemporary culture, named “Javier in Frame”—created by Gut Miami and Google Creative Lab for Google Pixel—as the No. 1 most authentic ad campaign of the year.
The runner-up spot went to “Traditions Shared” from Panda Express and The Many. Winners were selected by public vote, reinforcing the awards’ focus on cultural relevance and public resonance. Click here to view all of this year’s Mosaic 10.
Scott Hamula Honored with AAF’s Highest Volunteer Service Award
The Barton A. Cummings Gold Medal Award, the highest honor the AAF gives for volunteer service, was awarded to Scott Hamula, Professor and Chair of Strategic Communications at Ithaca College. This year marked the 30th presentation of the award.
“Scott’s motto is ‘Get things done and make a difference,’” said Ann C. Iverson, Chair of the Barton A. Cummings Award Committee. “He’s been a long-term advocate for AAF volunteer service. Volunteerism is in his blood. His many years of service at the AAF local, regional, and national levels made him uniquely qualified and deserving of this award. Bart would be most proud of this year’s Gold Medal recipient.”
Looking Ahead
The next ADMERICA National Conference is scheduled for May 28–31, 2026, in Austin, Texas.
“This past year was an amazing backdrop for so many outstanding accomplishments for the AAF,” said Steve Pacheco in closing. “I am so excited to have been able to celebrate the people and their achievements in person at ADMERICA.”
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