The Advertising Hall of Fame®

• Honors the extraordinary achievements of advertising leaders - from their significant contributions to the advertising industry to their personal commitment to society.
• Educates members of the industry and academia on the history and foundation of advertising, marketing and the creative process.
• Inspires current and attracts future advertising professionals, by providing the standards by which great leaders and accomplishments are measured.

The Advertising Hall of Fame began in 1948 as a result of a proposal by the New York Ad Club and its president, Andrew Haire, to the Advertising Federation of America, the predecessor organization to the American Advertising Federation. The plan provided that the Advertising Hall of Fame be administered by the Advertising Federation of America on behalf of the entire advertising industry. It honors those men and women who have best served the cause of advertising. Since then, 191 extraordinary individuals have been elected to this illustrious group.

The council of judges and its executive committee are appointed each year by the president of the American Advertising Federation and chair of the Advertising Hall of Fame. These distinguished industry executives are chosen from the ranks of advertisers, agencies, media organizations and academic institutions in the United States. The council of judges considers the election of either living or deceased persons whose record of advertising and service must be accomplished in the United States or with an American company abroad. To be eligible, individuals must be retired from their primary careers.

Candidates are judged by the following criteria:

The Advertising Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the most accomplished and legendary figures in advertising, and in doing so inspires the next generation of advertising leaders to reach the highest heights of excellence.

Induction into the Advertising Hall of Fame is reserved for men and women from the United States or abroad who have had exceptionally distinguished and extraordinary careers, have completed their primary careers or have had careers spanning at least 35 years, and who, through and in their professional lives and community involvement, have made outstanding and notable contributions to the profession of advertising and its reputation, have consistently practiced the highest ethical standards, and have contributed substantially to their communities.

The Council of Judges considers the election of those whose record of advertising and service significantly enhanced the advertising industry in the United States.

Upon induction into the Advertising Hall of Fame, each honoree receives a "Golden Ladder" trophy signifying membership in the Advertising Hall of Fame. This trophy, designed by the late Bill Bernbach, carries an inscription created by the late Tom Dillon, both of whom are members of the Hall of Fame.

The inscription, inspired by a quote from Sir Isaac Newton, reads: "If we can see further, it is because we stand on the rungs of a ladder built by those who came before us."

Advertising Hall of Fame is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.