Definition of American Advertising Federation (AAF)

professional advertising association of 50,000 members from a nationally coordinated grassroots network of advertisers, advertising agencies, media companies, local advertising associations, and college chapters, with a commitment to make advertising a positive force in America's economy and culture. The federation advocates for the rights of advertisers and educates policy makers, the news media, and the general public on the value that advertising brings to the well-being of the country. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with a Western Regional Office in San Francisco, the Federation was formed in 1967 through the merger of the Advertising Federation of America and the Advertising Association of the West. However, its origins go back to 1905 when various local advertising clubs formed a national association that launched a campaign for truth in advertising and established vigilance committees, out of which grew the Better Business Bureau. The AAF also helped establish the Federal Trade Commission.