3AF Excellence Awards

 (Includes earned, owned and paid channels)

The 3AF Media Strategy of the Year award honors outstanding strategy, execution and results of a comprehensive campaign across earned, owned and paid media targeting AAPI audiences.

 This award will demonstrate excellence in the utilization or creation of audience/market insights, using innovative marketing and advertising practices that demonstrate strategic thinking and strong storytelling that have the potential or proven impact in positively growing the strategy’s intended AANHPI consumer/audience segment.

 It will also recognize measurable impact that includes exceptional results, outperforming industry standard KPIs that drive business results and/or brand lifting performance.

Winning strategies include a strategic mix of earned, owned and paid media that captured the attention of audiences and consumers.

 (Comprehensive campaign with multiple elements)

Recognizing outstanding creative excellence in a campaign developed to engage one or more AAPI consumer audiences.

The 3AF Campaign of the Year award celebrates campaigns that go beyond traditional marketing — combining bold creative ideas, strategic insight, authentic storytelling, and meaningful audience engagement to inspire communities, shape cultural conversations, and drive impact.

Eligible entries may include integrated marketing campaigns across paid, earned and owned online and offline channels.

Marketing activities range from brand storytelling, social campaigns, event or experiential activations, content-led campaigns, community partnerships, digital experiences, or other creative work that demonstrates excellence in reaching and connecting with audiences.

Winning campaigns will demonstrate excellence across creative concepts, cultural relevance, execution, innovation, community connection, and measurable results — showcasing how brands, agencies, organizations, and creators can authentically reflect AAPI experiences and influence the future of culture, commerce, and media.

Recognizes outstanding achievements in experiential advertising and marketing, including campaigns that create immersive, engaging, and memorable brand experiences through live events, interactive environments, brand activations, digital integrations, or hybrid experiences.

Recognizes an outstanding influencer, creator, and/or social media campaign that demonstrates excellence in engaging AAPI audiences through culturally relevant, innovative, and impactful strategies. Entries should showcase authentic audience connections, creative execution, and measurable impact.

For the first time, non-member agencies are eligible to enter the competition. Showcase your best work, earn industry recognition, and see why the nation’s leading agencies are part of 3AF.

Maximize your investment now by becoming a 3AF member with this package deal. For $4,000, you’ll receive:

• One complimentary award entry
• 1 year of 3AF membership (agency level)
• Member pricing on all additional entries 
• Exclusive year-round membership benefits, including networking, thought leadership, industry visibility, and professional development

Recognizing an outstanding partner whose expertise, collaboration, and innovation have played a critical role in advancing strategies, campaigns that engage AAPI audiences and consumers or enables industry growth of AAPI advertisers.

The 3AF Industry Partner of the Year award celebrates partners who go beyond execution — bringing unique insights, capabilities, technology, platforms, or resources that help brands, agencies, and organizations create more meaningful connections with AAPI communities.

Eligible entrants may include market research firms, media outlets and platforms, enablement partners, technology providers, data and insights companies, or other organizations whose contributions were instrumental in shaping strategy, driving creative excellence, and achieving campaign success.

Winning partners will demonstrate industry leadership, innovation, strategic value, and measurable impact through their commitment to advancing inclusive marketing and audience engagement.

The 3AF Marketer of the Year award recognizes a brand or supporter of the industry that has demonstrated outstanding contributions and investment to growing the AAPI advertising and marketing industry, resulting in an increased public awareness, profile and opportunity for future investment into the segment.

Eligible entrants will have made consecutive, consistent and significant investments into AAPI marketing and advertising initiatives. NOTE: Brands who have just begun to engage in and activate in the Asian American segment should apply for the “3AF New Marketer of the Year” category.

The 3AF New Marketer of the Year award recognizes a brand or supporter of the industry that has demonstrated outstanding contributions and investment to growing the AAPI advertising and marketing industry, resulting in an increased public awareness, profile and opportunity for future investment into the segment.

Eligible entrants will have made their first investment(s) into AAPI marketing and advertising initiatives between June 30 2025 to June 30 2026.