AAF Midlands: February Lunch & Learn feat. David Laird & Mary Reaves of Able SC
2025-02-05 11:45 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Girl Scouts-Mountains to Midlands, 1107 Williams Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
AAF Midlands: February Lunch & Learn: Able SC
Join us for our February Lunch & Learn event at Girl Scouts of South Carolina! Get ready to network with fellow advertising enthusiasts and gain valuable insights from industry experts. This in-person event is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded professionals. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, grow, and enjoy a delicious lunch with us!
This month’s guest speakers are David Laird, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Mary Reaves, Director of Community Access with Able SC.
Join us for an accessibility deep dive with Able SC as we discuss what you need to know to be an inclusive marketer.

2025 American Advertising Awards
2025-02-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, 29201, United States
Join us for a radiant night of celebration and recognition at the 2025 American Advertising Awards. Join the brightest advertising, marketing, communications and creative professionals of the Midlands and see the best work shine on this dazzling night of recognition and achievement.
Doors are at 6 p.m. Awards presentation begins at 7:15 p.m.
Ticket prices will increase on Monday, February 17 and all ticket sales will end on Thursday, February 20.

AAF Midlands: October Lunch & Learn with Able SC
2025-10-09 11:45 - 13:00 | Girl Scouts-Mountains to Midlands, 1107 Williams Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we create content, connect with audiences and measure impact. But without intention, AI can reinforce bias and create new barriers, especially for people with disabilities. As marketers and communicators, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to make sure these tools drive equity and accessibility, not exclusion.
That’s why we’re bringing the local marketing and communications community together for a Lunch & Learn with Able SC focused on AI, accessibility and inclusivity. Together, we’ll explore how AI is already being used as a powerful force for innovation and how we can ensure it’s adopted in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and human-centered.

2025 Connect Conference with IABC/PRSA and AAF
2025-11-13 08:30 - 17:00 | South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC, 29223, United States
Join AAF Midlands, IABC/SC and SCPRSA in Columbia Nov. 13 for our one-day statewide conference about current advertising, communications, marketing and public relations trends. This conference will educate new and seasoned professionals on industry-leading tactics and topics, including AP style, artificial intelligence, building a communications department from the ground up, crisis communications, digital accessibility, storytelling, your leadership brand – communicating with clarity and leading with a purpose, and videography.
CONNECT 2025 is open to all members of each organization, non-members and college students interested in attending.

AAF Midlands: December Luncheon with Garnet Trust
2025-12-11 11:45 - 13:00 | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC, 29201
Join the American Advertising Federation Midlands on Wednesday, December 11, for a can’t-miss luncheon featuring Jeremy Smith, Director of Operations at Garnet Trust. Discover how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships are helping brands connect with Gamecock athletes and the community in powerful new ways. Jeremy will share real examples and insights on creating authentic, story-driven collaborations that deliver impact.

About Jeremy:
As Director of Operations and a proud partner of the University of South Carolina, Jeremy helps create Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities that go far beyond traditional sponsorships. Each collaboration is designed to spark real connections between Gamecock student-athletes, brands, and fans, blending passion for sports with the power of storytelling and marketing impact.
With a background in sales, marketing, and executive recruiting, Jeremy brings a relationship-first mindset to every partnership. He ensures that every NIL deal reflects authenticity, integrity, and measurable value — for both the athletes and the brands involved.
A South Carolina native and lifelong Gamecock fan, Jeremy takes pride in helping student-athletes develop the skills, confidence, and professional network that will serve them well beyond college athletics

Annual Jingle Mingle with IABC and SCPRSA
2025-12-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Taco Mundo, 828 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC, 29201
Join advertising, communication, design, marketing and public relation professionals across the Midlands to ring in the holidays.

Ring in the holidays with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. This year’s Jingle Mingle will have a cash bar.
Participating organizations include AAF of the Midlands, IABC/SC and South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

American Advertising Awards Gala
2026-02-20 18:00 - 22:00 | Stone River, 121 Alexander Rd., West Columbia, SC, 29169
Join us for a radiant night of celebration and recognition at the American Advertising Awards. Join the brightest advertising, marketing, communications and creative professionals of the Midlands and see the best work shine on this dazzling night of recognition and achievement.

Event Schedule
5:30 – Future Champions Networking Hour
Join us early to meet and mingle with the students behind the award-winning work. Student networking hour sponsored by the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications.
6:30 – Victory Toast Cocktail Hour
7:30 – Awards Begin

Ticket prices will increase on Monday, February 16 and all ticket sales will end on Wednesday, February 18.
