Definition of American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA)

one of the major associations that helped to regulate advertising; also called Four A's, 4 A's. Established in 1917 and headquartered in New York City, AAAA is the national association of leading U.S. advertising agencies. Members are elected after filing application, and any agency judged to be unethical is denied membership. Represented in three regions-Eastern, Central, and Western-the organization functions as a great force in monitoring industrywide advertising practices and improving the standards of agency business. Its members place more than 80% of all national advertising. In addition, this organization represents the advertising agency business in the public service work of the Advertising Council, Inc., and sponsors the AAAA Educational Foundation, which offers a program of grants and fellowships for graduate schools. It also operates a group insurance plan and a group pension/profit-sharing plan for the benefit of personnel in member agencies.