About - AAF Baltimore - AAFB

The American Advertising Federation of Baltimore (AAFB) traces its roots back to 1918, originally established as the womens auxiliary to the mens Advertising Club.

In 1920, the women formed their own organization, naming it the Womens Advertising Club of Baltimore. It was affiliated with the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World, the predecessor to the modern-day American Advertising Federation. Through the 40s, 50s, and 60s the club advocated vigorously for Truth in Advertising campaigns and the creation of a College Scholarship Foundation.

In 1973, the Womens Advertising Club pioneered a merger with two other Baltimore advertising groups, The Art Directors Club and the Maryland Industrial Marketers, becoming the Advertising Association of Baltimore. Its doors were open to all. In 1974 the AAB began its Best in Baltimore ADDY awards program for outstanding creativity in advertising.

The ADDY program was and continues to be among the strongest in the country. In 1983 the AAB earned Club of the Year recognition from the AAF. While the names changed over the course of nearly a century, the clubs consistently weathered the tumult of the times.

Depressions and recessions. World wars. Civil rights.

In 2009, the AAB membership voted to change the clubs name from the Advertising Association of Baltimore to the American Advertising Federation of Baltimore, cementing its connection to the American Advertising Federation. However, its mission to serve the professional community and to promote excellence in regional and national advertising continues.