Entries Are Open - Submit Today /
Entries Are Open - Submit Today /
Submit Your Work
for the 2026 ADDYs
Celebrating Kansas City's brightest creative minds. Submit your best work for a chance to be recognized.
The 2026 American Advertising Awards are right around the corner, and it's time to get your best work in the spotlight! Whether you’re a seasoned agency or a rising creative star, the ADDYs offer an exciting opportunity to showcase your talents and earn the recognition you deserve. Ready to make your mark? Start your submission now and join us for a night of celebration and creative excellence.
Entry Deadline
January 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM
$95
KC Ad Club Member Price
$150
Non-Member Price
$45
Student Submission
2026 Rules & Categories
Our local competition will be virtual judging this year! Judging of all entries for the American Advertising Awards will be done online, using the digital content provided during the online entry process.
Physical submissions are NOT REQUIRED.
All winners may have 2 credits listed on the trophy and up to 10 credits listed on the program/presentation. PLEASE ensure you place 2 credits you wish on trophy as spots 1 and 2.
All entries that are submitted incorrectly will be assessed a $25/entry fee for re-submission. All entry fees are non-refundable. Please ensure you enter correctly as a member or non-member, based on your membership with KC Ad Club.
Entry Information
How to Enter (Step-by-Step Process)
Submitting your work for the 2026 ADDYs is simple and straightforward.
Just follow these easy steps:
1. Review the Categories
Choose the category that best represents your work. We have a range of options, from Design to Digital to Student and more.
2. Create an Account
Log in or create a new account via OpenWater, our submission platform.
3. Submit Your Work
Complete the submission form, upload your project details, and include any supporting documents. Make sure your files are in the correct format (PDF, JPG, MP4, etc.).
4. Make Your Payment
Pay your submission fee. Review whether you are a KC Ad Club member, Non-member, or Student.
5. Submit and Confirm
After your payment is processed, hit submit, and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
6. Submit Multiple Entries
The more work that is submitted, the better your chances are at securing an ADDY.
Entry Categories
The 2026 ADDYs feature a variety of categories designed to showcase your best work. From digital to print to student projects, there’s a place for every type of creative work.
(Print, Digital, Visual Design)
DESIGN
(TV, Radio, Billboards, Social Media Campaigns)
ADVERTISING
DIGITAL
(Websites, Mobile Apps, Social Media)
STUDENT
(Creative Work from Students)
(Specialty categories, Interactive Campaigns, etc.)
OTHER
Entry Guidelines
Eligibility: Entries must have been created in the past year (check the submission period dates).
Professional vs. Student: Make sure you submit your work in the appropriate category. Students are eligible for specific awards that celebrate emerging talent.
File Formats: We accept files in JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4, and other formats. Please refer to the guidelines for specifics on each category.
Number of Entries: You can submit multiple entries, but each entry must be submitted separately.
Work Samples: Make sure your work is presented in the best possible light — high-quality images and videos are essential!
What You Need to Know Before You Enter
Entry Tips and Tricks
Make Your Submission Stand Out
Be Clear and Concise: Write a strong description of your work. Focus on how you solved a problem, innovated, and pushed creative boundaries.
High-Quality Visuals: Make sure your work is presented professionally — high-res images and videos will make a strong impression.
Tell the Story: What was the challenge, and how did your work deliver results? Highlight the impact your work had on the client or audience.
Know What Judges Want: Judges are looking for creativity, execution, and originality. Ensure your submission is as polished and complete as possible.
American Advertising Award Entry FAQ’s
At the KC Ad Club, we know how many individuals and companies worked hard this year to create inspiring, humorous, thoughtful, and eye-catching campaigns for your clients.
We know you want to take home that sweet, sweet victory at the 2026 American Advertising Awards as much as anyone else. Because of that, we’ve put together our curated entry tips and tricks to properly showcase your work in all its glory. See the full list below.
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No, the ADDYs are open to all professionals, students, and agencies in the Kansas City area. However, KC Ad Club members do receive a $55 discount on entry submissions. Depending on how many entries you’re submitting being a member could be a major cost-saving advantage. If you’re interested you can learn more about our individual member and corporate membership opportunities.
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Upload media files for video, audio and still images. We support a wide range of popular media file formats. Examples include .JPG, .PDF, .3GP, AAC, .WAV, .MP3, AVI, FLV, MP4 and MPEG-2. Quicktime files ending in .mov are also generally accepted, however, .mov files using proprietary codecs such as Apple Pro-Res, RED, ARRI or Avid will not be transcoded and therefore are not accepted. Maximum file size is 1gb.
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Judging of all entries for the American Advertising Awards will be done online, using the digital content provided via URL or media files during the online entry process. Physical submissions are NO LONGER REQUIRED.
Award winners will be notified after judging and asked to drop off a sample of their work for the show gallery. All entry samples become the property of KC Ad Club and will not be returned. Do NOT send original or irreplaceable artwork. It will NOT be returned.
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No. Rather than re-entering all that information, you can select multiple categories for your entry to be submitted into. You can then continue editing your entry and change what needs changed for each entry (i.e. Entry Name, specific entry information). Finally, you’ll submit both entries together as separate entries for the categories chosen.
To do this, complete choosing your first category for the entry. Then, select “Add Another Category” to open another set of dropdowns to choose another category for the entry.
Why Submit?
The Benefits of Entering in the American Advertising Awards.
Recognition: Get recognized by your peers, clients, and the industry.
Career Advancement: Winning an ADDY can help elevate careers and open new doors.
Networking: The ADDYs offer incredible networking opportunities with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners.
Team Morale: Your team deserves to be celebrated! The ADDYs help recognize the collaborative effort that goes into every project.
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Submit Your Work Today
Ready to Enter? Submit Your Best Work Now!
Entries Now Open - Submit an Entry /
Entries Now Open - Submit an Entry /