National Student Advertising Competition
NDSU Memorial Union, Anishinaabe Theater in Fargo, ND
There is no better way to learn about the advertising campaign process than by actually developing a campaign for a real client. The NSAC provides that opportunity for hundreds of students every year.
AAF's National Student Advertising Competition is the nation's premier college advertising competition. It provides more than 3,000 college students with "real-world" experience by requiring a strategic advertising/marketing/media campaign for a corporate sponsor. Schools are selected to present their campaigns to a panel of industry executives at the AAF National Conference held in June.
How the NSAC Works
Each year, a corporate sponsor provides an assignment or case study outlining the history of its product and current advertising situation. The case study is always candid and reflects a real world situation. Students must research the product and its competition, identify potential problem areas and devise a completely integrated communications campaign for the client. Each student team then "pitches" its campaign to a panel of judges.
The Structure of the NSAC Competitions
Regional NSAC competitions are held each spring in 15 districts throughout the U.S. The winning team in each district and possible wild card team then advances to compete on the pre-national level prior the AAF National Conference in May.
The AAF is divided into 15 districts, each containing one to five states. Each district holds a competition in April and the winning team advances to a virtual elimination. From that contest there are eight teams selected as finalists to compete at the National Conference in May. Each district appoints its own coordinator, a local business professional, to handle all details of the local competition. Professionals in the communications industry conduct judging. Judges at the national level are selected from the client and their advertising agencies. Yearly, some districts will have as many as 18 teams competing and nationwide more than 150 colleges and universities take on the NSAC challenge.
The Education Services division and the AAF Academic Committee, a group of advertising educators and practitioners from across the country, who oversee the policies and procedures of the competitions, govern the competition. These members ensure that there is a level playing field and that the competition demonstrates the highest academic and professional standards.
AAF Education Services Program
1101 Vermont Avenue, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 1-800-999-2231 | Fax: (202) 898-0159
2025-2026 District 8 NSAC Coordinator
Thank you to again to our 2026 Judges
Jared Briere
Senior Strategist
72andSunny (NFL)
Los Angeles, CA
Jared Briere is a Senior Strategist at 72andSunny LA, where he helps shape strategy for the NFL. He focuses on creating culturally resonant work that drives both conversation and measurable impact. A former Division I track and field athlete, Jared brings a competitive, disciplined approach to creative problem-solving. He played a key role in the NFL’s “Flag 50” Super Bowl campaign, supporting the rapid growth of girls’ high school flag football, and contributed to the Sports Emmy–winning Super Bowl campaign “Somebody” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which significantly increased mentor sign-ups and reduced the national waitlist.
Raul Rios
Head of Strategy
Los Angeles, CA
Raul Rios is a strategic marketing and consumer insights leader with nearly two decades of experience driving culturally informed, data-driven brand growth. He has led audience, brand, and communications strategy for major entertainment and lifestyle brands, including Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple, and Hilton. Previously, Raul spent over a decade at Walton Isaacson as SVP of Strategy, where he led work for brands such as Lexus, Toyota, McDonald’s, American Airlines, and Pepsi. His work has driven cultural relevance and measurable business impact across entertainment, sports, and live experiences. Raul specializes in translating cultural insight into clear, effective marketing ideas. He currently serves as VP and Events Chair of AAF LA and is committed to mentoring the next generation of marketers.
Joseph Mayernik
Owner and Executive Creative Director
Brandtatorship
Rochester, NY
Joe is the Owner and Executive Creative Director of Brandtatorship, a boutique advertising agency in western New York, where he leads strategic and creative direction for a range of regional and national clients. He focuses on building cohesive, high-impact brand communications that drive measurable results. With more than 25 years of experience, Joe has shaped work for organizations including Tek Experts, Textron, NYSEG/RG&E, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He began his career at JWT in Detroit, contributing to accounts such as Ford Motor Company and White Castle, before continuing his work in Atlanta and Rochester. A past District 2 Governor of the American Advertising Federation, Joe now serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the AAF National Council of Governors, supporting leadership across the organization
