Charleston’s creative powerhouses honored at the 2026 Spark + American Advertising Awards gala
March 24, 2026
The Charleston Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Charleston Chapter announced the official winners of the 2026 Spark + AAF Awards. Following a sold out Gala on March 12th at The Harbor Entrepreneur Center, the Lowcountry’s top marketing and advertising talent has been officially recognized for excellence in strategy and creativity.
“The talent this year was seriously impressive and a clear sign of how far the Charleston market has come,” AMA President Mike Compton remarked. “Partnering with AAF let us celebrate not just the creative, but the kind of work that’s actually moving the needle for our local economy.”
The evening was emceed by Emilie Zuhowski of Live 5 News’ Palmetto Life and brought together over 150 industry professionals to celebrate the winners across dozens of categories, ranging from digital transformation to integrated branding campaigns.
“As a young chapter, AAF Charleston is thrilled with the success of our second year hosting the American Advertising Awards,” added AAF Charleston President Genna Shelnutt. “This collaboration with the AMA has solidified our mission to protect and promote the interests of advertising while celebrating the incredible work of our peers.”
SEE FULL LIST OF WINNERS BELOW.
Spark Award Winners:
Best Website
Lowcountry Food Bank
Best TV / OTT / Film Marketing
More Time In Their Prime
Brandon
Best Corporate Identity Package
Adrenaline Research Labs
Unruled
Best Public Relations
Finding The “World’s Favorite Missing Person”
Chernoff Newman
Best Social Media
Blushing Alpacas
Outside Center Consulting
Best Print Collateral
2024–25 Year In Review
College of Charleston School of Business
Best Student Film
First Gen
Jakob Highducheck
Best Cross Platform / Integrated Campaign
Earn Your Strikes
Unruled
Best Photographer
Hi Chew Getaway
Drew Somerville Photography
Best Promotional Collateral
2024–25 Year In Review
College of Charleston School of Business
Best Influencer / Affiliate Marketing
Blue Haven Pools & Spas
In The Black Marketing & Consulting
Best Non-Traditional Marketing
She’s The Veteran App
Stingray Branding
Best Out Of Home / Ambient Marketing
The Reduction Effect
Rmbo
Best Podcast
Going Forward
VIP Marketing
Best Social Media Campaign
North Charleston Chamber of Commerce
Stingray Branding
Best Audio / Radio / Sound Design
Unhavoc Your Holidays
Chernoff Newman
Best Book Cover
The Relationship Revolution
Forst Imaginative Group LLC
Best Branded Content
Lowcountry Food Bank Brand Elements
Lowcountry Food Bank
Best Direct Marketing
Greetings From Your Parks
Nelson Strategic Marketing
Best E-Newsletter
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center
Social ABCs
Best Event Marketing
Charleston Greek Festival
Stingray Branding
Best Illustration
Seabrook Island Real Estate
Matchstick Social
Best Online / Interactive Marketing
Just Plain Killers: Refreshed To Rescue
Chernoff Newman
Best Product or Service Sales Marketing
The Future of Fitting Rooms
Abby Oakley & Ellie Rodrigues
Best Media Presence
The Refinery
Matchstick Social
Best Student Influencer
Come With Me To Splash Car Wash
Isabella Fallon
Best In AI
Playing By New Rules
Crimson Park Digital
Best Video Marketing
Chesterfield Auto Parts – Wishlist
Broad St Video LLC
The Giving Award
Camp Happy Days
Wild Things Gala
Spark Awards 2026
Marketer of The Year
Eric Elliott
Spark Awards 2026
Chapter Volunteer of The Year
Roland Spear
Spark Awards 2026
Best Marketing Professor
Kelley Cours Anderson
Spark Awards 2026
Student Marketer of The Year
Bronwyn Bruder
American Advertising Federation Award Winners:
Silver Award- “Call Nines” Music Video by Craft Creative
Gold Award- Specialty Advertising Campaign: The Archive Merchandise Suite by
Matchstick Social
Buffalo Groupe
Gold Award – Harvest Hosts: Camp Dysfunction 2.0- Regional/National Television Commercial,
Gold Award- Visit Jackson County, NC Logo Design,
Gold Award- Campaign Cinematography, Spyderco: Daily Use Shorts Series
Silver Award- USTA Red Ball National Event Series- Out-Of-Home Advertising,
Brandon.
Gold Award- “More Time In Their Prime” Campaign- Integrated Advertising Campaign on the Regional/National level for Consumer
Gold Award- “More Time In Their Prime” Videos- Internet Commercial Campaign
Gold Award- Unruled Rebrand- Integrated Media Campaign,
Silver Award- Defeat the Peak. Bank the Saving- Integrated Advertising Campaign on the local level for Consumer
(3) Silver Awards- Internet Commercial, “Little Lamby”, “Rope Beast” & “Cat Tree”
(2) Silver Award- Local Television Commercial Campaign, “This one time in..” & “This one time in Scranton”
Silver Award Integrated Brand Identity Campaign, Revelre Branding
Best in Show: “More Time In Their Prime”
For more information on the winning entries or to learn about the 2027 call for entries, visit charlestonama.org or aafcharleston.com.
About AAF Charleston
The American Advertising Federation Charleston is the unifying voice for advertising in the Lowcountry, promoting and protecting the interests of advertising. AAF Charleston is committed to professional development, networking, and celebrating creative excellence through the American Advertising Awards. Visit aafcharleston.com for more information.
About Charleston AMA
The Charleston American Marketing Association offers networking and educational events that enable Charleston marketers to enhance their knowledge, refine their skills and advance their careers. For more information, visit charlestonama.org or follow @charleston_ama on social media.
