AAF-Akron

Website

Welcome to AAF-Akron, the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

11/02/2026

Meet AAF-Akron’s board member Timothy Baxter, currently serving as Communications Chair.

Q: Why did you join AAF-Akron?

TB: I joined AAF-Akron after I submitted some of my design work for Akron’s Historic Arts District to the ‘25 ADDY Awards. I really enjoyed being surrounded by other creatives in the marketing and advertising fields. Being a business owner and entrepreneur who has done all of my own advertising and design work for my brands over the past 15 years can sometimes feel a bit lonely. I saw AAF-Akron as an opportunity to mingle with my peers coming from a non-traditional background.

Q: What does your professional life look like outside of AAF?

TB: Currently I own Baxter’s Speakeasy in Akron’s Historic Arts District where I also serve as the Communications Director for the block. My next venture is opening a café and event planning company in Akron’s West Hill called “House in the Garden.” My passions in food, beverage and aesthetics comes from building bridges between communities while cultivating safe spaces where people can create, learn, dance, taste, feel and enjoy their surroundings. Building culture and creating experiences is my love language.

Q: What’s your favorite color and why?

TB: Whenever asked this question I usually say the rainbow or black, because it is all-encompassing. I am also very attracted to vintage canary yellow and marigold, peacock blue and greens and India ink blue. I am also partial to earth and copper tones. I draw inspiration from my love of art, vintage fabrics and vintage fashion illustrations.

…..
Are you a self-taught graphic designer, digital illustrator or social media maven from a non-traditional educational background? We would love to meet you and show you why joining AAF-Akron is a great fit for you!

10/28/2026

Save 20% OR earn 50 points when you join/renew 👻 Now through Oct. 31 👻

We're kicking off Halloween with some tricks and treats of our own!

Join or renew your AAF-Akron membership by Halloween and receive a discount of 20% off your annual individual membership (use code AAFWEEN26) OR 50 bonus membership points to go toward earning a free individual membership and more!*
What do you get from an AAF-Akron Membership?

+ Access to a strong and talented network of fellow creatives and advertising professionals at both a local and national level
+ Member of a national organization that advocates and protects your rights
+ Special member rates on programs and events (locally and nationally)
+ Discounts on submissions and attendance to the American Advertising Awards
+ Access to our ADvantage Card and valuable discounts through AAF National

Special thanks to graphic by https://www.instagram.com/konscept.art/

10/26/2026

Meet Alissa Newberry, VP and Education Chair for AAF-Akron.

Q: How did you get involved with AAF? How long have been with AAF-Akron?

A: I attended my first AAF-Akron event in 2024, which happened to be a combined event with AAF-Cleveland. I met so many awesome people and knew I wanted to learn how I could get more involved. After connecting with a few board members, I decided to join the board as Communications Co-Chair that same year! It’s been a rewarding experience ever since.

Q2: What is your favorite part about living and working in Ohio? What inspires you about the Akron area.

A: Growing up in the area and attending UA, Akron has always been a familiar place for me. Now, as a professional, what I’ve come to appreciate most is the variety of people I’ve met along the way. There are so many different personalities and perspectives here, all connected by a shared passion for creativity. I really enjoy being a part of that!

Q: What do you hope to gain from AAF and how has AAF benefited you?

A: I think one of the greatest things about AAF-Akron is that there is always an opportunity to both learn something and contribute. It has helped me grow professionally, develop my leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and explore new opportunities. I hope to continue learning from and being inspired by those around me while sharing my own creativity and enthusiasm.

10/21/2026

See you tomorrow, Akron!

10.22 join us at the Penny & Highfive awards at the AAF-Akron annual meetup at The Akron Civic Theatre !

This is a fantastic way to mingle and network while celebrating our marketing, advertising and communications comrades in the Akron, Ohio and surrounding areas.

Ft. Amuse bouche by
House in the Garden
+ Mandolin Mobile Charcuterie
and Waterloo Restaurant
+ a cash bar

Register here https://www.aafakron.com/events/2026-penny-award/

10/20/2026

Meet Abigail Miller, Marketing Coordinator, for the Better Business Bureau.

The MarComm Award recognizes professionals who have the power to connect with audiences through strategic, creative and impactful communications. Abigail embodies this definition everyday through a thoughtful and innovative approach to marketing, public relations, digital communications and community engagement.

Abigail serves as the driving force behind the organization’s public voice. She strategically manages all social media platforms by creating engaging content, executing targeted messaging campaigns and analyzing performance metrics to continuously improve our reach and impact. Her ability to transform analytics into actionable marketing strategies has strengthened BBB’s visibility among both consumers and businesses throughout our region.

She exemplifies the very best in marketing and communications, demonstrating everyday the power of thoughtful storytelling, strategic outreach and authentic engagement to make a meaningful impact.

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Abigail with the Marcomm Award!

Join us by clicking this link…
https://www.aafakron.com/events/2026-penny-award/

10/16/2026

Meet Intern of the Year Maddie Marquess from the Akron Zoo.

From April through August 2026, Maddie served as the Akron Zoo’s Graphic Design Summer Intern, where she consistently exceeded expectations in every aspect of her role.

From day one, she demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for both graphic design and the Akron Zoo’s mission.

Maddie quickly became an integral part of the Akron Zoo’s creative team. She approached every project with professionalism, creativity, and a willingness to learn, while also contributing fresh ideas and thoughtful design solutions. Her ability to understand project goals, translate them into compelling visual communications, and accept feedback with enthusiasm made her an invaluable team member.

Throughout her internship, Maddie proved herself to be dependable, adaptable, and highly skilled. She embraced new challenges with confidence, collaborated effectively with staff across departments, and consistently produced high-quality work on tight deadlines. She conducted herself with the professionalism of a full-time designer while maintaining the curiosity and drive to continue growing her craft.

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Maddie with the Intern of the Year Award!

Register here…. https://www.aafakron.com/events/2026-penny-award/

10/13/2026

Meet Cydney Parr, Senior Project & Campaign Strategist, from TRIAD.

“Cydney is so amazing in every way! While she’s new to working at an agency (only 1 year in!), you would never know. She handles client relations like an absolute boss and is a lifesaver when it comes to project management.

Cydney has improved almost everything she’s touched since coming to TRIAD, and it is really a joy to work with her. Not only is she such a hard worker, but she is also extremely dependable, AND a really cool person. Cydney is the best!”

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Cydney with the Account Services Award!

Register here and join us for a lovely evening of celebrating the greater Akron marketing community. https://www.facebook.com/share/1KBNwxLShn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Address

259 S Broadway St
Akron, OH
44325-4805

Website

https://linktr.ee/aafakron

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AAF-Akron posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.