AAF Columbus Announces Second Annual Silver Series Awards Honoring Creative Excellence; Bret Icenhower to Receive 2025 Silver Medal Career Achievement Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025
CONTACT
Tonnisha English-Amaoo
Vice President, AAF Columbus
communications@aafcolumbus.org
COLUMBUS, OH — On Thursday, May 22, 2025, AAF Columbus will host our second annual Silver Series Awards from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dawson Careers (1114 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215). This signature event celebrates the trailblazers, storytellers, and visionaries shaping the future of advertising in Columbus and beyond.
The Silver Series Awards serve as a beacon of inspiration, spotlighting individuals and teams who have pushed boundaries, shattered expectations, and continue to push our industry to new heights. Each award winner was nominated and voted on by 2,400+ of their industry peers.
Award categories include:
Account-Side Hero
Agency to Watch
Best Printing Company
Best Production House
Creative Champion
David Schirtzinger Student to Watch
Mosaic Award
Rising Star
Unsung Hero
Vendor Vanguard
The heart of the evening is recognizing an individual who has made outstanding contributions to our industry throughout the course of their career by presenting them with the Silver Medal Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s honoree is Bret Icenhower, President of Brainstorm Media, a full-service media production company.
With more than 40 years of experience, Bret is known for his collaborative leadership style and deep respect for the creative process. A dedicated supporter of AAF Columbus, he served as President from 2002–2004 and has chaired numerous committees, including Membership, Fundraising, Programs, Education, and the local and district American Advertising Awards.
The event will also recognize Columbus-based creatives who earned honors at the District-level American Advertising Awards, showcasing regional excellence. Honorees include:
2Tall Animation
Ologie
Saatchi & Saatchi X
Ohio State University, Department of Design
The Silver Series is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and creative excellence. It offers professionals a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and draw inspiration from some of the most dynamic minds in the industry.
Tickets are available now at AAFColumbus.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and be inspired!
AAF Columbus is one of 120+ chapters of the American Advertising Federation, which serve as touchpoints in communities across the country. The organization provides a powerful voice in local businesses, educational institutions, and state legislatures. AAF Columbus sponsors a variety of programs including educational seminars, industry-related speaking events, professional development workshops, public service initiatives, social events, and local award competitions recognizing excellence in advertising.
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