Last week we also got to celebrate Michaela Taylor, our AAF Midlands Board Member of the Year! We weren't expecting anything less, but this is such a great accomplishment especially since this was her first year on the board.
Michaela served as this year's Gala Chair and did what many only dream of. She planned and executed a sold-out American Advertising Awards Gala that had everyone talking. From start to finish, the evening was nothing short of exceptional, and the praise it received was a direct reflection of her dedication, creativity, and hard work. Be sure to hire MT Events for your next party 😏
Michaela, thank you for pouring your heart into this event and giving our community a night to remember. What a way to make your mark.
📣 Last chance to register! This Wednesday, we're breaking bread with the founders of one of the South's sharpest creative shops, Wier/Stewart.
Alex Wier and Daniel Stewart have been building beauty-meets-brains brand work out of Augusta since 2005. Now they're sharing what it's really like on the inside.
Lunch is on us. Conversation is priceless.
Free for members / $25 non-members → Link in bio.
Interested in learning about what is coming next in advertising? ADMERICA, AAF's national conference, offers attendees a comprehensive look into the future of the industry through insights from leaders at top advertising, marketing, and media firms.
Beyond the professional development sessions, the conference also features the American Advertising Awards Gala, which recognizes the year’s premier achievements in advertising. The event also hosts the National Student Advertising Competition finals, where the top eight teams present their strategic pitches for the 2026 client: the National Football League.
Interested in learning more? Head to aaf.org/ADMERICA to get registered.
What does it actually take to run an independent creative agency right now? The market is weird. Clients are cautious. Culture is... a lot. And yet some shops are not just surviving — they're doing the best work of their lives.
Alex Wier & Daniel Stewart of @wierstewart are pulling back the curtain at our upcoming members luncheon.
Free for members | $25 for non-members | Lunch included. Link in bio.
🌟 Last night was one for the books. Our Spring Fundraiser brought our community together for a wonderful evening. And while we're grateful for every dollar raised, the highlight was honoring someone who has given so much to this industry.
We are proud to present Megan Telencio with the AAF Silver Medal Award — the equivalent of a lifetime achievement recognition given to those who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and helped raise its standards, creative excellence, and social responsibility.
Megan has served AAF Midlands at every level. From Gala Chair to President, then on to lead at the District 3 level as Governor and Chairman of the Board, and most recently as part of the Eastern Region Executive Committee. In her very first year, her Gala theme "ADDY in Wonderland" earned a Gold ADDY and a Special Judges Award. During her tenure, AAF Midlands was named National Club of the Year three times.
Megan, this award reflects what you've always been to this community: exceptional. Thank you. We could not be more thankful to you, for supporting our club over all these years.
And to everyone who joined us last night — your support makes moments like this possible.
The Marketing Specialist for the @sclottery plays a key role in developing and managing external communication initiatives that enhance our brand and engage our target audience. If you're interested in applying for this position, do so before May 14. More info at link in bio.
🥈 An award. 🍻 An open bar (first round's on us). 🍴 A full spread. All for less than your last dinner out.
AAF Midlands' Spring Fundraiser is TOMORROW, May 6 at Steel Hands Vista — and you do NOT want to miss it.
Bring your team, bring your friends, bring whoever needs a reason to get out on a Wednesday.
📅 Wednesday, May 6 | 5:30–8PM
📍 Steel Hands Vista Distilling & Brewing, Columbia, SC
🎟️ Tickets→ /e/aaf-midlands-spring-fundraiser-tickets-1985947878565?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Funds raised support student scholarships and keep AAF programming free for all members. Come out and make it count. 🥂
Some conversations are worth making time for — and this one definitely is. We're sitting down with Alex Wier and Daniel Stewart of @wierstewart , the Augusta-based strategic creative shop behind brands like Augusta University, TaxSlayer, and Golden Harvest Food Bank — for a candid luncheon conversation you won't want to miss.
🦔 Shaking Hands With The Porcupine: Navigating culture, work, and clients as an independent creative shop in a not-so-normal market.
📅 5.13.26 | 🕛 11:45am-1pm | 📍 Girl Scouts of SC, 1107 Williams Street.
🍽️ Lunch provided | Free for members / $25 non-members
Register now → /e/aaf-midlands-may-lunch-and-learn-tickets-1988365274060?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sip & celebrate another great year of all things AAF! 🍸 Join us for our Spring Fundraiser at @steelhandsvista : featuring a lifestyle auction, Columbia merch, board member of the year recognition & a very special Silver Medal Award Ceremony! 🤩
Tickets start at just $15 for members. Reserve your spot today! Prices increase on Friday. ⏰ Snag your tickets NOW at the link in our bio.
Thank you all who attended Policy & Pints at @bierkellercolumbia ! 🍻👏 Swipe for a little BTS.
Missed this event? Don’t worry! Stay tuned more details on our Spring event. 🍸
Join us for Policy & Pints: The Shift to Streaming. 🍻 We’ll discuss how the move from cable to streaming is impacting local business, media & commerce with industry leaders! Network and talk adverftising & public policy over some classic @bierkellercolumbia pints. Your first one is on us! 😉
Tap the link in our bio for more details!