2026 BIG WIG AWARDS

While the American Advertising Awards honors creative design and elements of advertising, AAF-CB hosts the Big Wig Awards to honor exceptional individuals in the industry. These are the professionals who help ensure the creative message is delivered to the right audience at the right time. There are ELEVEN categories. Only AAF-CB members were able to nominate Big Wigs, and each member was allowed to submit ONE nominee for each category. Nominees did not have to be a member. Nomination window was January 13-20, 2026. All nominees were approved for eligibility by the Big Wig committee. Next, the nominees will be voted on by a jury of peers in the local advertising community. The nominee who receives the most votes in each category will be named a Big Wig at the American Advertising Awards & Big Wig Awards on February 27 at Mansion Royal.

2026 BIG WIG CATEGORIES & NOMINEES

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER +1OK FOLLOWERS

This award recognizes the strategist who excels in managing accounts with a targeted, mid-sized following (10k–100k). This manager is a master of bridging the gap between "boutique" and "broad," using sophisticated analytics to drive consistent growth while maintaining a distinct brand voice. They are celebrated for their ability to turn a specific niche into a powerhouse community and for their expert handling of multi-platform trends and digital crisis management.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

Baylee Arnold, Visit Corpus Christi
Lexi Buquet, Bucket Works
Erika Cavazos, Texas State Aquarium
Bella Espinosa, Corpus Christi Downtown Management District
Elena Flores, Sew Bonita
Natalie Kotz, Corpus Christi Hooks
Jordyn Scoville, CCTurnkey
Kelsey Trevino, Corpus Christi IceRays
Hailey Wilson, Local TX Foodie

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER -1OK FOLLOWERS

This award honors the strategist who thrives in the "inner circle" of social media (under 10k followers). This manager wins by prioritizing depth over breadth, fostering intense loyalty through one-on-one engagement and hyper-local storytelling. They aren't just posting content; they are building a digital "neighborhood." The winner is recognized for their authenticity, their agility in responding to comments, and their ability to drive high-impact action within a close-knit audience.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Cierra Barela, Gulf Coast Humane Society (Instagram only)
Lacey Guzman, Corpus Christi International Airport (Instagram only)
Maria Perez, Family Counseling Service
Ema Rodriguez, Weird Corpus
Lucy Solis, Roses by Jazelle

BEST CONTENT CREATOR

Awarded to the visionary storyteller who brings a brand to life through visual and written media. Whether it’s short-form video, stunning photography, or compelling copy, this person has an innate ability to stop the scroll and produce high-quality assets that resonate with the target audience.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Val Chapa, Corpus Christi Hooks
Elena Flores, Sew Bonita
Lacey Guzman, Corpus Christi International Airport
Laurie Lyng, Laurie Lyng Imagery
Victoria Meek, Wildrose
Matthew Meza, City of Corpus Christi
Wendi Myers, MUSE by W.
Emma Phillips, The Swell Studio
Hameen Reynolds, Del Mar College

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

This category honors the personality who has mastered the art of authentic connection. This individual leverages their personal platform to amplify brand messages in a way that feels organic and trustworthy, consistently driving measurable awareness and action through their unique community.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Jaclyn Blohm, @jaclynblohm
Sierra Guajardo, @_sierraguajardo26
Savannah Hallick, @savraehallick
Victoria Meek, @vfriesenhahn
Haily Wilson, @localtxfoodie

BEST VENUE COORDINATOR

Recognizing the hospitality professional who makes every event seamless. From the initial site visit to the final strike, this individual goes above and beyond to ensure the physical space, and the experience within it, is perfect for the brand’s activation or awards gala.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Stephanie Brazeal, House of Rock
Sergio Espinosa, Port Royal Ocean Resort
Amanda Horne, Art Museum of South Texas
Belia Ortega, Texas State Aquarium

BEST PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER / PUBLICIST

Recognizing the expert who shapes and protects brand reputation. This individual excels at strategic communication, from crafting the perfect press release to managing high-stakes media relations. They are the bridge between a brand’s mission and the public’s perception.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Taylor Maas, KCS Public Relations
America Segura, Visit Corpus Christi
Carla Swallow, Texas State Aquarium
Theresa Tippin, KCS Public Relations
Sarona Winfrey, Winfrey Media Relations

BEST PROJECT MANAGER

The glue that holds every campaign together. This award honors the person who masters the art of the timeline, the budget, and the workflow. They juggle competing priorities with grace, ensuring that creative visions are executed on time, within scope, and without a hitch.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

D’Anne Buquet, Bucket Works
Val Chapa, Corpus Christi Hooks
Danielle Galindo, Visit Corpus Christi
Rebecca Neblett, MDR Advertising
Alex Shaw, TAMU-CC

BEST MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This award celebrates the account manager who makes the "magic" happen through their designated media outlet. More than just a salesperson, this media professional is a consultant on strategy and budget. They are recognized for ensuring the creative message is seen by the right audience at the right time, a quick response to campaign changes, and offering new creative strategies to reach client objectives.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Chip Crossley, KRIS TV
Maggie Freeborn, Corpus Christi Hooks
Rene Hernandez, La Palmera
Delissa Ruiz, KRIS TV
Ken Schuetze, KIII TV
Yvonne Vidal, Social Butterfly

BEST PRINTER PARTNER

This award celebrates the vendor who makes the "magic on paper" happen. More than just a supplier, this partner is a consultant on finishes, paper stocks, and tight deadlines. They are recognized for their obsession with color accuracy, quality control, and helping creative teams bring their physical assets to life.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Jill Clower, Arrow Display Signs
Brandan Platz, Gulf Coast Mailing Services

BEST EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

This award recognizes the professional who delivers both exceptional images and a seamless event experience. Valued for reliability, discretion, and strong relationships within the local advertising community, this photographer makes clients and guests comfortable while producing assets brands can confidently use.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Sean Batt, BattGoods
Kevin McDermott, Kevin McDermott Photography
Matthew Meza
Debbie Noble
Benjamin Zaragosa, TAMU-CC

BEST EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER

This award honors the trusted visual partner behind the region’s most important corporate events. Recognized for preparation, adaptability, and professionalism, this individual collaborates seamlessly with planners and vendors to deliver polished footage that meets brand standards and deadlines.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE..

Sean Batt, BattGoods
Brady Bynum, Del Mar College
Louie Galvan, Vendetta
Jake Gonzales, Knightstorm Productions
Samuel Guzman, Corpus Christi Hooks
William “Billiam” Johnson, Knightstorm Productions
Roel Rodriguez, PRODUCE

BIG WIG COMPETITION RULES
Only AAF-CB members may nominate Big Wigs, and each member is allowed to submit ONE nominee in each category.
Nominees do not have to be AAF-CB members.
All nominees are screened by a group of local industry volunteers to ensure eligibility.
Once nominees are finalized and nominees have accepted the nomination, voting is done by an anonymous panel of individuals that work in the local advertising industry.