American Advertising Federation

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) acts as a "Unifying Voice for Advertising." It describes itself as "the oldest national advertising trade association, representing 40,000 professionals in the advertising industry. The AAF has a national network of 200 ad clubs located in ad communities across the country. Through its 226 college chapters, the AAF provides 8,000 advertising students with real-world case studies and recruitment connections to corporate America. The AAF also has nearly 100 blue-chip corporate members that are advertisers, agencies and media companies, comprising the nation's leading brands and corporations."

Code of Ethics
In March 1984 the AAF adopted a brief statement of "Advertising Ethics and Principles". Extracts are:
 * Truth - Advertising shall tell the truth, and shall reveal significant facts, the omission of which would mislead the public.
 * Price Claims - Advertising shall avoid price claims which are false or misleading, or saving claims which do not offer provable savings.
 * Testimonials - Advertising containing testimonials shall be limited to those of competent witnesses who are reflecting a real and honest opinion or experience.

Lobbying
AAF spent $163,000 for lobbying in 2009 to attain legislation that it desired.

The AAF website states that it "protects and promotes advertising at all levels of government through grassroots activities. Our nationwide network monitors advertising-related legislation on local, state and federal levels. We put our members face to face with influential lawmakers. We also encourage industry self-regulation as a preemptor to government intervention, when appropriate."

Selected personnel
Staff:
 * James Edmund Datri, president & CEO
 * Constance C. Frazier, chief operating officer

Executive Committee:
 * Chairman Frank Cooper, SVP, Chief Consumer Engagement Officer, PepsiCo Americas Beverages
 * Vice Chair Steve Pacheco, Managing Director, Advertising & Marketing, FedEx

Board of Directors – corporate:
 * Allison Arden, Vice President/Publisher of Advertising Age
 * Tim Armstrong, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, AOL
 * Chris Collins, VP, Multimedia Sales, The Wall Street Journal

Board of Directors – additional members:
 * Academic Committee Vice Chair: Jan Slater, Head of Advertising, University of Illinois
 * Peggy Conlon, President & CEO, Ad Council

Contact details
The American Advertising Federation 1101 Vermont Avenue, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005-6306 Phone: 800-999-2231 Fax: 202-898-0159 E-mail: aaf AT aaf.org Web: http://www.aaf.org

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Advertising industry
 * Advertising Industry Codes of Conduct
 * Australian Association of National Advertisers
 * Coalition for Healthcare Communication
 * Arthur Liebler - former national chairman
 * Laurence Boschetto