12th Grade Event

The Ad Futures Competition, presented by the Ad Council in partnership with The Advertising Club Foundation, is one of the most exciting events of the year. This unique pitch competition challenges high school student teams to step into the role of advertising professionals and create innovative campaigns based on a real-world Ad Council brief.

Over the course of several weeks, students work closely with industry mentors who guide them through the creative process—researching, brainstorming, designing, and refining their ideas. The event culminates in a high-energy pitch day, where teams present their campaigns to a panel of judges made up of advertising leaders and Ad Council representatives.

More than just a competition, Ad Futures provides students with hands-on experience in strategic thinking, creativity, collaboration, and public speaking. Winners earn recognition, networking opportunities, and the chance to bring home the prestigious Ad Futures trophy to their school.

This event is a highlight of our program calendar, offering students the chance to see their ideas come to life while connecting classroom learning with real-world industry practice.