Membership

Your membership is important, as AAF-Black Hills membership dues fund programs, club communications, and community events. Without you, there is no Black Hills Chapter of the American Advertising Federation—which is why, unlike other networking memberships, we treat you like royalty.

We’d like you to just take our word for it when we say our membership is the best bang for your buck, but we know that you know that we know how to market ourselves (at least we should since it is an advertising federation) and have been able to come up with a long laundry list of membership benefits below that explain the value of our memberships.

How to Join:

To become a member of AAF-Black Hills, complete the application form and either mail it along with your payment to the address on the form or email it to info@aafblackhills.com. You can even pick one up and fill it out at one of our many events. Please direct your membership questions to our Executive Director, Lane Shull, or give her a call at 605-863-2186.

Paying for your annual membership is easy! You can pay by Master Card, VISA or check. See the membership application for more details.

Annual Membership Dues:

Individual Membership        $180

Membership for any single individual who buys, sells, or creates advertising, publicity or public relations, and also supports the objectives of the American Advertising Federation. Includes all of the membership benefits listed below.

Corporate Membership        $160

All the benefits of the Individual Membership for three or more individuals within your organization. Additional employees from the same organization are welcome to attend any monthly luncheon programs for $20 each with an RSVP. A Corporate Membership also includes a business spotlight for your organization in one issue of our eNewsletter during the year.

Non-Profit Membership        $120

All the benefits of the Individual Membership for non-profit organizations. A copy of the non-profit status is required.

Student Membership         $80

All the benefits of the Individual Membership at a discount for post-secondary students. Must provide student ID.

Executive Board Membership    $90

All the benefits of the Individual Membership for AAF-Black Hills Board of Directors.

Non Member Luncheon Guests            $30

Includes one luncheon program and meal with networking opportunities for non-members.

Replacement Membership

If a member discontinues their membership which is paid for by the member’s organization, another member from the same organization may be proposed by that company to continue the membership, provided the membership dues have been paid.

Dues are payable in advance and membership renewal takes place every September.  Dues for newly accepted members after the month of September will be pro-rated. Please call 605-863-2186 for more information.

Your membership includes many benefits:

Monthly Programming & Lunch is on us!

AAF-Black Hills members are invited to enjoy eight monthly speaker programs, from September thru May, that include a featured speaker AND a delicious catered lunch buffet. All we kindly ask is that you RSVP 3 business days prior to the monthly program so that we have enough food prepared. The monthly programs are generally held the third Tuesday of the month from 11:30am to 1pm but make sure to check our EVENTS page for an updated schedule.

Share the Love

If you are unable to make it to one of the luncheon programs, invite a co-worker or friend to RSVP in your place, so they might enjoy the presentation and perhaps they’d like to become a member themselves! You rarely find this with other organizations.

AAF-Black Hills Special Event Discounts

Your membership entitles you to our member pricing for special events like the ADDY® Awards Show & entries, Rapid Connect Events, Socials, Educational Seminars and more—saving you nearly half of the non-member rate.

Networking

Making contacts and building personal relationships is the basis for professional and personal growth. AAF-Black Hills is a prime opportunity to meet new friends and establish professional ties.

Awards & Recognition

The ADDY® Awards and the Silver Medal Award recognition programs have been designed to notice and give credit where credit is due. Nationally, The ADDY® Awards are the largest creative advertising competition. Enter at the local level and watch your work climb to the top at the national ADDY® Awards competition. Membership provides discounted rates for ADDY® submission. The Silver Medal Award recognizes one of our own for not only their advertising contributions but their contributions to the community and for upholding advertising ethics. Step forward and be a part of AAF-Black Hills. There could be many awards in your future.

Email updates and the best-looking newsletter in town

With your membership you are automatically entered into our mailing list to receive email updates and our eNewsletter. Don’t worry we will only hound you with important information regarding our programs and events, plus personally invite you to our meetings, and our list is not for sale.

Industry Educational Opportunities

We will keep you on top of new topics and issues in our ever-changing industry. AAF-Black Hills offers a broad reaching program schedule aimed to keep you that one step ahead of the rest.

Student Opportunities – Building for the Future

AAF-Black Hills will be developing an easy way to initiate communication with area college students via our Annual Student Summit. Students can add greatly to your businesses and you can add to their education, building a stronger future in the advertising industry.

Hands-On Experience

The best opportunities come from serving on one of our committees. Help network by recruiting members, coordinate fundraising events, work on a public service campaign for a local non-profit, and more!

American Advertising Federation Membership

Your membership to the AAF-Black Hills connects you to the entire AAF advertising community—over 50,000 members. AAF membership allows members access to discounts on the tools that are needed to stay current and successful in the industry.

AAF Member Discount Programs

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) offers discounts on many products and services including rental cars, magazine subscriptions, overnight delivery, travel assistance, and no-fee credit cards. Visit the AAF Discounts and Benefits page for more information and details on national membership benefits.

Industry Events and Conference Meetings

Members of local AAF affiliates are eligible to attend District and National Conferences at a discounted rate. Visit with any AAF-Black Hills Board Member for details. AAF members are also eligible for discounts at other industry events and conferences. Click here for more information.

AAF Job Bank

If you are looking to jump-start your career or are seeking channels to identify and recruit new talent, the AAF can help! The AAF Job Bank, part of the Marketing Career Network, is a valuable benefit of your AAF membership, putting you directly in front of job seekers or employers in your industry. As an AAF member, you receive discounted rates using the AAF Job Bank. To get started, simply visit the AAF Job Bank.

Legislative Updates

At the National level, AAF is on top of legislative issues facing the advertising industry. An effective AAF lobbying coalition informs and represents you on legislative issues. Efforts have successfully opposed taxes and restrictions on advertising.

Are YOU ready to join?

If you are here at the end and reading this you deserve to become a member of the AAF-Black Hills. Click here to download our membership form and join us today!