Contributed by: Shana Boyd, AAF Nebraska Board Member & Community Outreach Co-Chair
This fall, the AAF Nebraska Community Outreach Team did an outstanding job connecting high school and college students with advertising professionals, sparking enthusiasm for the industry and showcasing the vibrant ad community we have right here in Nebraska. Here’s a look back at the incredible events we hosted, each a testament to our mission of fostering the next generation of advertising talent!
Fall DECA AdVenture 2024:
Held at the Fall DECA Conference, this AdVenture was another unforgettable experience for students eager to dive into the world of advertising. Students had the chance to create campaigns and engage in one-on-one discussions with industry experts, including members of Hurrdat Sports and featured brand NFM, who brought the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to life as part of their campaign challenge. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event so inspiring—we’re already looking forward to next year!
AdVenture+ in Lincoln, NE:
Our third annual AdVenture+ event was a sold-out success, with over 90 attendees and a lively AdConnect session with more than 45 students. This event provided an invaluable platform for students to learn from the best in Nebraska, from award-winning keynote speakers at Bailey Lauerman to interactive roundtables and the Ad Pro Panel. A special thank you to Runza Restaurants for sponsoring lunch and to all the volunteers who made this day possible! Students left with insights, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the ad industry—and we’re thrilled to see where their journeys will take them.
These events exemplify our commitment to bridging the gap between students and ad professionals, and we’re proud of the Community Outreach Team for their hard work. Here’s to creating more opportunities that keep bright talent in Nebraska!