2025 Connect Conference with IABC/PRSA and AAF
2025-11-13 08:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
