Each year, the AAF honors top clubs in eight categories: advertising education, communications, diversity, government relations, club operations, membership, programs and public service. Additionally, a "club of the year" is chosen in each division. The clubs of the year are determined by the total score of their entries in the eight categories.
Clubs and federations are divided into five divisions based on membership size
and compete within those divisions:
| Division I | 500+ members |
| Division II | 250 to 499 members |
| Division III | 100 to 249 members |
| Division IV | Under 100 members |
| Division V | Ad 2 clubs |