In 1896 a group of eight advertising men began meeting for lunch on a regular basis to share ideas on the business that sustained them. They called themselves the Sphinx Club and focused their efforts on industry self-regulation, professional training and good fellowship. In 1906 the growing group incorporated as the Advertising Men's League and, ultimately, as THE ADVERTISING CLUB of New York, in 1915.

Most of THE AD CLUB's early years were spent at the landmark Stanford White building at 23 Park Avenue, where AD CLUB members including the young Bill Paley, J.C. Penney, and Bill Bernbach frequented the main dining room for lunch and much of the business of New York City was conducted. There are many things that the CLUB is very proud of. Here are a few:

* In 1906 THE AD CLUB began the first formal course in advertising to be offered by an educational institution at NYU.

* It was the first supporter of the "truth in advertising" program which remains a hallmark of consumer protection and formed the first "Vigilance Committee" in 1911, which evolved into today's Better Business Bureau.

* In 1923 THE AD CLUB held the first ever advertising exposition at the 71st Regiment Armory to much acclaim with an attendance of over 58,000.

* To train veterans returning from W.W.I, THE AD CLUB began an advertising and marketing course. Today, the A&M Course provides a thorough overview of our industry to those entering it and is used as a training course by several advertising agencies. Over 50,000 individuals have graduated from the A&M Course.

* Our membership directories through the years read like a "who's who" of advertising. Batton, Barton, Durstine, Osborne, Doyle, Dane, Bernbach, names that are now reduced to initials or have been forgotten through the series of mergers and acquisitions in our industry, were members and active participants in the history of THE AD CLUB.

* The Club has been host to many dignitaries through the years, including Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, Hoover and Coolidge, The Prince of Wales (1925), Commander Richard E. Byrd, as well as NYC Mayors Walker, Wagner and LaGuardia.

* THE AD CLUB founded the Advertising Hall of Fame in 1949, immortalizing 10 giants of our industry the first year, and many more until it was turned over to the AAF in 1973.

* In 1964 the CLUB founded the International ANDY Awards to recognize creative excellence in advertising and to raise the standards of craftsmanship in our industry.

For a list of Past AD CLUB Presidents, click here.