AAF Reno

Spotlighting our Ad Person of the Year from this year's Ad People of the Year, Kurt Thigpen. ✨

Kurt is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ace Studios, a Reno-based creative agency built around one simple belief: creativity for good. Under his leadership, Ace has grown into an award-winning agency recognized as AAF Western Region's 2024 Advertising Agency of the Year, and that's no small thing.

But Kurt's impact goes well beyond the agency. He has served as President of AAF Reno, Governor of District 14, Western Region Treasurer, and currently serves nationally as Chair of the AAF Council of Governors. In 2024 he was honored with AAF's national Lee-Douthit-Levine Perseverance Award, and outside the industry he serves as Chair of Nevada's State Public Charter School Authority, continuing his advocacy for education and equity.

A leader, a storyteller, and someone who consistently leaves things better than he found them. Congratulations, Kurt. 🥂

Spotlighting our Young Professional of the Year from this year's Ad People of the Year, Rowena Magbitang-Piñero. ✨

Rowena is an illustrator, designer and copywriter at Design on Edge who describes herself as an "Emotional Creative," and honestly, that says it all. Whether she's illustrating a rooster for a chicken shop or writing about her latest branding project, she brings her whole heart to everything she makes.

As a proud Filipino-American and MCC graduate, Rowena centers inclusivity, diversity and community in her work and uses design and illustration to challenge the way we see the world. Beyond her day job, she serves as membership chair for Ad 2 Reno and runs her own freelance illustration and hand lettering studio, Good Fruit Creative Co.

Four years into her career and already making a lasting impact. We can't wait to see what comes next. 🥂

Spotlighting our Community Contribution of the Year from this year's Ad People of the Year, Kristen Saibini and the Downtown Reno Partnership. ✨

As the Assistant Executive Director and Marketing Manager of the Downtown Reno Partnership, Kristen has dedicated her career to showcasing the energy, improvements and spirit of the city she calls home. A Reno native and two-time University of Nevada, Reno grad, her work spans college athletics, healthcare, utilities and animal welfare, and her impact on this community runs deep.

And if that weren't enough, she spends her spare time fostering dogs and raising funds for animal welfare nonprofits alongside her rescue pup Peanut. 🐾 (Yes, Peanut has his own Instagram. Yes, you should follow him.)

Congratulations, Kristen. Downtown Reno is lucky to have you. 🥂

This is it, our final invitation. 🕺

If you've been thinking about joining us, now's the time. Grab a coworker, invite a friend, or bring someone who's never experienced an AAF Reno event.

No pressure. No pitches. Just good people, great conversations, and a relaxed evening with Reno's creative community.

We'll save you a seat. 🪑
📅 July 29th, 6-8pm
📍 The Living Room, Reno
💸 FREE!

RSVP: https://aafreno.com/events/70s-mixer-less-networking-more-net-friending/

It's almost time for less networking and more net-friending. 🕺

Creative communities don't grow through business cards. They grow through conversations.

Join AAF Reno for a relaxed evening where creatives, marketers, business owners, students, and curious minds can connect without the pressure. Bring someone new. We'd love to meet them.

📅 July 29th, 6-8pm
📍 The Living Room, Reno
💸 FREE!

RSVP: https://aafreno.com/events/70s-mixer-less-networking-more-net-friending/

Less networking. More net-friending. 🕺

Every member started as someone new and we haven't forgotten that. Bring a friend, make a few, and come hang with us on July 29th at The Living Room.

📅 July 29th, 6-8pm
📍 The Living Room, Reno
💸 FREE!

RSVP: https://aafreno.com/events/70s-mixer-less-networking-more-net-friending/

It's time to mix it up and you're invited! 🕺

Boogie on over and join us at The Living Room on July 29th, Reno's new funky 70s-inspired hangout! Bell bottoms are optional but good conversations are not.

No presentations, no awkward ice breakers, just good people, good drinks, and questionable dance moves that are way more far out than another night of scrolling. Whether you're looking to rap with fellow creatives, jive with marketers, or make a few new groovy connections, this is your chance.

Don't be a square and miss this shindig. There's going to be enough retro vibes to make disco feel like it's making a comeback. Can you dig it?!
📅 July 29th, 6-8pm
📍 The Living Room
💸 FREE!

RSVP: https://aafreno.com/events/70s-mixer-less-networking-more-net-friending/

A extra special thank you to Reno Type for sponsoring our Ad People of the Year Awards and helping make this year's event possible!

If you haven't purchased your ticket yet, now is the time. Ticket sales close on June 23rd.

📅 June 25, 2026
📍 Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (Grand Ballrooms)
🕒 5:30pm-8:30pm
Join us for an incredible evening of connection, celebration, and community.
Get tickets now at https://aafreno.com/events/ad-people-of-the-year-2026/

We look forward to seeing you there!