Silver Medal Award

The Silver Medal Award program was created in 1983 to recognize a distinguished member of the Chicago advertising community for their contributions to the advertising profession, mentorship, support for the broader community, and their accomplishments.

Advertising Woman of the Year

The Advertising Woman of the Year Award (AWOY) has recognized outstanding leadership by a Woman in the Chicago Marketing Community since 1958. One of the oldest and most prestigious annual awards celebrated by the Chicago Advertising Federation, the AWOY recipient has made innovative contributions to the Advertising profession, worked towards raising the standards of the advertising profession, and supported others in the industry through professional, civic and community activities.

Rising Stars

The CAF Rising Stars Award recognizes the talents and contributions of four, next generation women, coming up in the marketing, sales, media, and advertising industries. They are the creators and innovators bringing fresh thinking, ideas, and execution to the communications industry, their company, and the Chicagoland community. Rising Star awardees are the difference makers propelling our industry forward. 2020 proved to be a challenging year for everyone. With contributions being made by women across our great city, within our Industry, and to their communities the decision was made to use this time to introduce our membership to CAF’s Rising Stars. Nominations are open for the 2025 Rising Stars. Learn more about the process here.

American Advertising Awards

Recognizing and rewarding the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising, the American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest competition, attracting nearly 35,000 entries every year. Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the local Ad Club phase is the first of a three-tier national competition. Concurrently, across the country, local entrants vie to win a local Addy Award, which recognizes the very best in their local market. At the second tier, local Addy winners compete with winners from other local clubs in one of 16 district competitions. District winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards. Entry in the Chicago Advertising Federation Award Competition is the first step toward winning a national Award.

Diversity Mixer

The CAF Diversity Thought Leaders’ Council hosts an annual summer mixer to bring together diverse and diverse-minded Chicago marketing professionals in a fun, casual environment. This premiere summer event serves as an opportunity to connect, network and engage with other professionals with similar interests around diversity. Past Diversity Summer Mixer attendees include major leading brands, agencies, media companies and more.

Hot Seat Panel Series

Hot Seat is one of CAF’s key thought leadership events. It brings together industry leaders from all sides of the table to inspire, inform and engage Chicago’s advertising and marketing community by discussing hot topics currently facing the industry. Created in 2018, Hot Seat now attracts a broad range of media, marketing, advertising pros who want to stay up-to-date on topics of the day. It is also one of the rare occasions for senior Chicago-based Client, Agency and Media execs to connect and learn, share and problem-solve with each other.

GenNext Events

CAF’s GenNext is a vibrant and active group that offers a variety of events including Coffee Chats, OTSC Trivia Night, thought leadership panel discussions, membership mixers, and philanthropic volunteer opportunities. Connect with your peers, enjoy lively discussion and networking, and attend an upcoming CAF GN event!

Career Day

The Chicago Advertising Federation's Career Day attracts over 300 students and young professionals looking to start a career in advertising. This all day event is an educational program focused on an in-depth look at the advertising industry and how to find a job in Chicago's competitive market. Attendees experience multiple panel discussions, a networking lunch, and an ability to meet the sponsoring agencies.

Innovation Showcase