The Chicago Advertising Federation is a true Federation. An ally for our city and people. A not-for-profit industry group, run largely by volunteers from every facet of the industry. We were founded in 1905 and reinvent ourselves daily to unite, enable and serve Chicago's diverse, growing, and innovative marketing and advertising community.
Ultimately, our goal is to create greater opportunities for all by celebrating, educating, guiding and inspiring our members to create the next big ideas.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To connect and celebrate the big thinkers, ideators and doers of the Chicago advertising community to create bigger opportunities for all.
Vision
To make Chicago notorious for being the most vibrant, connected and diverse advertising community on the planet.
Values
Diversity; Boldness; Joy; Opportunity; Humble pride; Fandom for Chicago.
We embrace the true meaning of a Federation, so we champion diversity in all its facets, in our community and in our business, and we commit to creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for people of all backgrounds and identities. We are a “category of one,” and so we move with appropriate boldness, confidence, and courage. We are a people-first enterprise that exists to bring joy and opportunity to our fellow humans. We approach every situation with a humble pride and unshakable fandom for the city of Chicago and its advertising and marketing industry. We believe in Chicago; we believe in Advertising; we believe in the power, the purpose, and the potential of the CAF.
Committees
The Chicago Advertising Federation hosts numerous events and award celebrations throughout the year, each led by dedicated committees.
Rooted in the Windy City
Since our founding in 1905, we're reinventing ourselves daily to celebrate, educate, guide and inspire Chicago's diverse, growing and innovative marketing and advertising community.
Our Powerhouse Board
We've assembled some of the best and brightest marketing and advertising leaders to form a powerhouse of a board.
Giving Back
Being Chicago AF™ means putting in the work to support our communities. See how we make a difference in the city we proudly serve.