2026 American Advertising Awards - Fire & Ice

The American Advertising Awards are the advertising and marketing industry's largest and most recognized competition. 

Join us on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at the MSUFCU HQ2 location at 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 as we celebrate the winners, view the work and acknowledge the hard work of our creative community.

The theme for Lansing's American Advertising Awards Show this year is Fire & Ice, and we're upping the ante with prizes for our best dressed participants. 

Event Schedule:

• 6:00 p.m. Gallery open. Hors d'oeuvres and alcohol service.

• 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Professional and Student award presentation. Live voting for best dressed contest.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: What format does my physical display need to be submitted in? 

A: Gold and Silver winners are expected to submit physical versions of their work for display at the awards (with exceptions for digital only works like video and website submissions, which will be displayed on the projector). Bronze winners may also submit physical displays for the awards. Your work must be reproduced for display no smaller than 11x17 and no larger than 20x30, mounted on black presentation board with your piece's information included. Mounting can be accomplished with spray mount, tape, or pins. Below are links to download templates for students and professionals to use for the submission tags. Please drop off physical display entries to InVerve Marketing at 1035 N. Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906 during the business hours of 9am-5pm. Please have entries dropped off no later than 5pm on Tuesday, February 11 for inclusion in the show.

Q: Can I bring a guest? 

A: Yes! Of course. All tickets you purchase for your group can be purchased at the same price you will pay for your ticket (so if you are a member, your guests will pay member prices, non-members will have their guests pay the non-member price). Make sure to indicate your guests' names when completing your purchase so there are no issues admitting them to the event.  

Q: What is the dress code for the event? 

A: Business to Semi-Formal  

Q: Where should I park? 

A: Parking is available on-site off of Coolidge Rd.

Q: Where do I go within the MSUFCU building? 

A: Enter through the main entrance and take the stairs or the elevator down. There will be signage to wayfind you to the room.

Q: How does the best dressed contest work?

A: We'll choose the finalists during the event and have live audience voting based on the best dressed in two categories: Best dressed for fire, and best dressed for ice. We encourage everyone to have fun with their awards show outfits based on the theme. Your outfit could be as simple as a white sweater, or it could be as out there as a full Snow Queen outfit. Always dreamed of wearing a head-to-toe red suit? This is your chance.