AAF member clubs bestow this honor upon outstanding members of the local advertising community.
Established in 1959, the Silver Medal Award Program recognizes persons who have made outstanding contributions to advertising, and been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and social responsibility.
Awarding the AAF Silver Medal is the highlight of the year for many local clubs. It enhances the image of advertising by recognizing a locally well-known person for their advertising and community involvement.

A panel of judges from each local club selects its recipients according to a set of criteria:

• Contribution to His/Her Company – success in one of the following areas: advertising agency, advertiser, media or advertising service
• Creative Ability – a consistent, high degree of original thinking in their field.
• Contributions to the General Advancement of Advertising – worked to increase the stature and raise the standards of the advertising profession.
• Contributions to the Community – active in civic, religious, or other groups dedicated to human or social welfare.

Recipients are presented with a Silver Medal Medallion or a Silver Medal plaque. Some clubs chose to give their recipients both items.