Cirque des Visionnaires

 

AAF Suncoast is proud to host the American Advertising Awards, which annually honors the best creative projects produced by local professionals and students, on Feb. 22nd – and this year’s theme is cirque du soleil .

Dust off your best tuxedo, dawn your best gown or dress, and join AAF Suncoast at Ringling College Sound Stages for a memorable awards ceremony, delicious food, drinks from the bar and enjoy an amazing show of talent!

We’re excited for you to join us on this special occasion. Reserve your seat today, as we shine the spotlight on our silver screen of creative winners!

2025 Sponsors
Get The Spotlight

Partner with AAF Suncoast and let’s roll out the red carpet, serve up some slow music and make a memorable ceremony for all our local winners – including you.

There are NINE price tiers available with which you can become a valued sponsor – and our chapter has already filled one level! These sponsorship opportunities range from β€œPresenting Sponsor,” where your company can hold the spotlight, to β€œMain Attraction Sponsor,” β€œSpotlight Sponsor,” β€œShowtime Sponsor,” and more.

 

Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

A/V Sponsors

Champagne Sponsor

Signature Drink Sponsor

Centerpiece Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

About Our Venue:
Ringling College Sound Stages


AAF Suncoast is proud to partner with Ringling College Sound Stages for this year’s ADDY Awards ceremony!

It’s your night – and we’re ready to showcase your creativity. See you at Ringling College Sound Stages!

Schedule

5pm - Tours of the Ringling Sound Stages

Start of Check-in/Registration
 Cocktail hour and Champagne Reception

Saturday, February 22th, 2025

6:45pm - Call guests
to their seats



7pm - Buffet opens


7:20pm - Final announcements

Sponsors Presentation


7:30pm - Show starts

Professional Best of Category
announced during presentation


9pm - End of Show

 Judges’ Choice Winners Students
 Best of Show Student
 Judges’ Choice Winners Professional
 Best of Show Professional
 Peoples’ Choice Winner


9:20pm - Winner
Certificate Pick-up

 Winners to take photos in front of Step & repeat


9:30 - Nairn B’ Gillet Incoming President Gavel

 Shawn Noratel will be honored with the Nairn B’ Gillet incoming president gavel


10pm - End of event

 Thank you and congratulations
for winning an ADDY

Our Judges

  • Jane Goldman

    Jane Goldman: Creative Director/Owner at JBG Creative

    Jane Goldman is an award-winning creative leader with 25+ years of experience transforming global brands through strategic storytelling. From crafting celebrated campaigns at top agencies for brands like Dunkin', NFL, and UNICEF, to pioneering in-house creative transformations at Au Bon Pain and Citizens Bank, she consistently delivers work that drives business impact. Goldman remains dedicated to pushing creative boundaries while mentoring emerging talent. A frequent judge for creative awards programs across local, regional, and global stages, she brings both strategic vision and bi-coastal perspective to evaluating groundbreaking work. When not advancing creative excellence, she explores new destinations with her husband Chris and their dog River.

  • Brett Essman

    Brett Essman: Creative Director at Preston Spire

    Brett believes in the power of ideas. It doesn’t matter if it’s TV, print, a social post, event, OOH, or the latest trend on TikTok, all well-crafted campaigns start with a simple idea. He’s worked at agencies both big and small in Minneapolis, Chicago and Portland, Maine making advertising campaigns that don’t seem like advertising. Brett has won Ad Age 2024 Campaign of the Year (which he will receive in a Boston ceremony on July 24). He has also won multiple national and international awards in just the past year for clients such as Change the Ref, MN Alliance on Problem Gambling, and Mass General Brigham Health Plan. He has also created award-winning work for Trolli, Hefty, Klondike, Twin Cities Marathon, Great Clips, the Minnesota Lottery and others

  • Nikhil Ghodke

    Nikhil Ghodke: Professor at Auburn University/Freelance Graphic Designer

    Nikhil teaches graphic design at Auburn University and has a global freelance design practice. His clients include Turner TV (USA), Sky TV (New Zealand), VH1 (India), Comedy Central (India), and ABP News (India). He has previously worked for Y&R (now VMLYR), Colenso BBDO, and Lowe Lintas ad agencies. In the past, he taught at Manhattanville College in New York and Media Design School in New Zealand. He has created projects for Nike, ACI, Hallmark, History Channel, Home Shopping Network, Axcient, and Burger King during the past 15 years, and he has received recognition for his efforts. He lives in Montgomery with his wife and two small children and is a passionate traveler who has been to 25 different countries. He frequently judges for the American Advertising Federation and is a board member for SECAC annual conferences.