Eddy Herty shares how following his heart shaped his design journey - from Katrina's impact to bold career shifts and discovering a love for OOH. For Eddy, design is more than briefs–it's connection, therapy, and meaning. Sponsored by Media Furrate – Turnkey Video Firm
Lost in Translation: Rethinking Native Phrases and Representation
From casual phrases like “spirit animal” to sports mascots, Native American culture is often misrepresented in language and imagery. Join Eva Foussat, an enrolled member of the San Luis Rey Band of Luiseño Indians, as she explores the origins of many expressions and depictions that you may see and hear every day—highlighting who gets it right and who has a little more research to do. WORKSHOP TO FOLLOW - 1:00-1:30 PM
Behind the Scorecard: What Wins an ADDY?
Join us for a unique luncheon featuring Matt Dawson, founder of Crop, a grassroots creative conference based in Austin that brings together creatives from across the country. Matt will be joined by former AAF-BR President Jonathan Palmisano for an engaging roundtable discussion — with participation from you. Together, they will explore themes of creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of building meaningful communities. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn, contribute, and connect with fellow members over lunch. Matt Dawson: Designer, Illustrator + Founder, Crop Cons Matt Dawson is an Austin-based Creative Director and designer known for bold, polished work across branding, illustration, and typography. He's collaborated with clients like Jeep, Major LeagueBaseball, Pearl Jam, Phish, Toyota, and Disney, bringing a sharp eye and strong visual voice to every project. Over the past […]
“Holiday Branding that Endures: Coca-Cola’s 90+ Years of Christmas Magic” Sarah Gillis (Director, Shopper Marketing & Digital Strategy) & Javier Presas (Manager, Media and Promotions) Coca-Cola A look at how Coca-Cola built one of the longest-running, most emotionally resonant holiday campaigns in advertising history—and what marketers can learn from it today. NOTICE: Our speaker luncheon is on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 (a change from usually a Friday)
"How I Built a Motorcycle Rally as a Creative (Bike Fest's Story & Brand Journey)" G Williams CEO + Founder, Grova Creative Tallahassee Bike Fest (Tally Bike Fest) was built from a creative vision to break away from the typical rally experience. Tired of the same old events, G Williams set out to create something fresh, inclusive, and family-friendly, where brand cohesiveness took center stage in every detail. Unlike many rallies that lack brand control, Tally Bike Fest was intentionally designed with a unified look, feel, and message that carried through every touchpoint. Designed to celebrate the wider community, Tally Bike Fest embraced Tallahassee’s unique landscape and culture. With no local competitors, it quickly stood out as a modern, vibrant, and community-driven alternative, and quickly rose to over 4,000 riders. From the […]
"Brand to Shelf: Leveraging Creativity to Drive Sales" Tyler Murray Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, North America, VML In today's competitive landscape, how do you ensure your brand's story translates into commercial success? VML's Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, Tyler Murray, will lead this session, unpacking the strategy required to bridge this gap. Featuring an exclusive deep dive into SC Johnson's Cannes Lions-winning 'Preserved Promos' Ziploc campaign, you'll discover the secrets behind its success – from the initial creative concept to its profound impact on the bottom line. Learn how to fundamentally shift consumer behavior and boost product off the shelves. You'll leave with a proven framework for transforming ideas into results, harnessing the art and science behind effective campaigns.
