What Adcolor does

ADCOLOR, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York, chartered to celebrate and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the creative industries (advertising, marketing, technology, entertainment, media, fashion, and communications). Under a 'Rise Up, Reach Back' operating philosophy, ADCOLOR runs four core program lines: an annual Conference and Awards ceremony (the 19th edition themed 'CTRL + ALT + LIFT' was held in Orlando in November 2025), the FUTURES cohort program for emerging professionals with one to three years of full-time experience, the LEADERS program for senior professionals with 15+ years of experience, and a network of seven identity-based Community Groups (Asians, Black, Disability, Latinx, SWANA, Pride, Entrepreneurs). The organization also publishes research, including State of the Workplace studies, and produces video and multimedia content via its adcolor.org domain and YouTube channel.

Revenue is generated through three streams: (i) corporate sponsorships and presenting-partner fees from a roster of 50+ advertisers, agencies, and tech platforms including Amazon, Disney, Meta, Microsoft, Google/YouTube, Omnicom Group, Procter & Gamble, Apple, Spotify, and the 4A's; (ii) fees for corporate memberships and event registration (including early-bird and standard tiers); and (iii) ancillary content and merchandise (e.g., Custom Ink partnership). The technology stack is non-proprietary - a WordPress site serves as the registration and content hub, while Amazon, JW Marriott, Disney Coronado Springs, and Facebook Live Studios have hosted in-person and virtual editions. Leadership consists of Founder and President Tiffany R. Warren (previously with the 4A's) and a small staff of 1-10, supported by an advisory board and a Microsoft-led awards judging process that has run since 2014.

Name

Adcolor

Legal name

ADCOLOR, Inc.

Website

https://adcolor.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ADCOLOR is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit founded in 2005 that promotes diversity in creative industries via its annual Conference & Awards, FUTURES and LEADERS talent programs, and seven identity-based Community Groups, funded primarily by corporate sponsorships from major advertisers, agencies, and tech platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diversity and Inclusion Programs

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Experiential, Event & Sponsorship Marketing (BPAFAAAH), Cause Marketing & Co-Promotions (BPAFAMAK)

Keywords

• Diversity advocacy programs
• Creative industry inclusion
• Talent development programs
• Annual awards conference
• Corporate sponsorship events

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorships: ADCOLOR is funded primarily through corporate sponsorships from major companies in creative industries. Companies like Amazon, Disney, Meta, Microsoft, Google|YouTube, Omnicom Group, Procter & Gamble, and others serve as presenting partners and sponsors of annual events and programs.
2. Conference and Awards Registration: Revenue generated through registration fees for annual ADCOLOR Conference and Awards events. The organization offers early bird pricing and regular registration for attendees.
3. Corporate Membership: Companies pay membership fees to be listed as ADCOLOR Corporate Members, gaining visibility and access to the organization's network of diverse professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ADCOLOR is a not-for-profit organization that runs an annual Conference and Awards plus the FUTURES talent program (1-3 year professionals) and LEADERS executive program (15+ year professionals) to celebrate, develop, and connect diverse talent in the creative industries. The organization funds these programs through corporate sponsorships from major advertising, tech, and entertainment companies and through annual conference registration fees.

Product overview

ADCOLOR is a not-for-profit organization offering a portfolio of programs centered around its 'Rise Up, Reach Back' mission to celebrate and promote diversity in creative industries. The core offerings include the annual ADCOLOR Conference (premier diversity gathering), ADCOLOR Awards (annual awards ceremony), ADCOLOR FUTURES (talent program for emerging professionals with 1-3 years experience), and ADCOLOR LEADERS (executive program for 15+ year professionals). Supporting offerings include seven Community Groups for identity-based networking, plus downloadable resources and video content. The organization operates as a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit and hosts an annual conference typically held in major cities like Los Angeles, Orlando, and New York.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ADCOLOR FUTURES: A program providing training, mentorship and empowerment for emerging changemakers with 1-3 years of full-time work experience in creative industries.
• ADCOLOR LEADERS
• ADCOLOR in Music

Products and services

• ADCOLOR Awards Annual awards ceremony honoring individuals and companies in creative and tech industries for promoting diversity and inclusion, featuring categories such as Ad of the Year, Rockstar, Rising Star, and Lifetime Achievement.
• ADCOLOR Conference Premier annual diversity gathering for professionals at all levels in creative industries, featuring panels, networking activities, and workshops aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• ADCOLOR FUTURES Talent development program supporting emerging changemakers with 1-3 years of full-time work experience in creative industries, offering career training through ADCOLOR University, mentorship, hackathons, and complimentary conference access.
• ADCOLOR LEADERS Executive development program for professionals with 15+ years of experience in creative industries, featuring workshops, thought leader discussions, and curated exercises for rising to senior roles.
• ADCOLOR Community Groups Network of seven identity-based community groups (Asians, Black, Disability, Latinx, SWANA, Pride, and Entrepreneurs for ADCOLOR) producing virtual programs, networking events, and spaces for shared experiences and mentorship across the United States.
• ADCOLOR in Music Virtual event focused on diversity and inclusion in the music industry.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of professionals united annually through year-round community events and programming
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

54 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AmazoncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 October 2025Amazon serves as Presenting Partner for ADCOLOR 2025, hosting in Orlando alongside Disney and Meta. Amazon supports diversity initiatives in creative industries through sponsorship of annual events and programs.
• DisneycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 October 2025Disney serves as Presenting Partner and venue host for ADCOLOR 2025 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. Disney Advertising Sales is a corporate member supporting ADCOLOR initiatives.
• MetacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 October 2025Meta (Facebook) serves as Presenting Partner for ADCOLOR 2025. Meta has been a long-standing partner, with Bozoma Saint John (formerly of Apple Music/Beats) having served as host for the 12th Annual ADCOLOR Awards.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 July 2025Microsoft has returned as host of the awards judging process since 2014, facilitating the annual ADCOLOR Awards judging. Microsoft Advertising is a presenting sponsor and corporate member.
• Omnicom GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOmnicom Group is a long-standing presenting sponsor and corporate member of ADCOLOR. Tiffany R. Warren serves as SVP, Chief Diversity Officer at Omnicom.
• Google/YouTubecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle|YouTube serves as presenting partner and corporate member. The organization has been a consistent supporter of ADCOLOR programming and events.
• Procter & GamblecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerP&G is a presenting partner and corporate member of ADCOLOR, supporting diversity initiatives in creative industries through sponsorship.
• Wieden+KennedycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWieden+Kennedy is a corporate member and sponsor. The agency won ADCOLOR's Ad of the Year 2017 for 'Typecast' campaign.
• Deutsch Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDeutsch Inc. is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR, supporting the organization's diversity initiatives.
• AdweekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADCOLOR partnered with Adweek on the inaugural Champion awards in 2019, recognizing fearless leaders and rising stars. Adweek also presents the Beacon Award.
• The One Club for CreativityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerADCOLOR/One Club Creative Awards recognize outstanding creative work. The One Club runs Where Are All The Black People (WAATBP) conference and career fair.
• 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 4A's is a corporate member. ADCOLOR's founder Tiffany R. Warren previously managed diversity programs at the 4A's before founding ADCOLOR.
• DIAGEOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDIAGEO is a sponsor of ADCOLOR, supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives in creative industries.
• ApplecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerApple is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR events and programs.
• SpotifyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpotify is a corporate member and sponsor supporting ADCOLOR diversity initiatives.
• TBWA\ WorldwideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTBWA\ Worldwide is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• American ExpressminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmerican Express is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• NBCUniversalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNBCUniversal is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR events.
• OgilvyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOgilvy is a corporate member and sponsor. Marie Rojas, Senior Director, NY Head of People at Ogilvy, is part of LEADERS 2025 program.
• Publicis GroupeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublicis Groupe is a corporate member and sponsor. Jessica Watson, VP of Impact & Equity at Publicis Groupe, is in LEADERS 2025.
• HBOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHBO is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• BBDOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBBDO is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• Droga5minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDroga5 is a corporate member and sponsor. Khari Mpagazehe, Head of Account Management at Droga5, is in LEADERS 2025.
• 72andSunnyminorGTM or Marketing Partner72andSunny is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• EdelmanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEdelman is a corporate member and sponsor.
• PandoraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPandora is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• Facebook (part of Meta)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFacebook was a presenting partner for ADCOLOR 2021 (ADCOLOR Everywhere). The announcement took place at Facebook Live Studios.
• Verizon Media/OathminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVerizon Media (Oath) is a corporate member and sponsor.
• GSD&MminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGSD&M is a presenting sponsor of the 11th Annual ADCOLOR Awards.
• DiesteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDieste is a corporate member supporting ADCOLOR initiatives.
• DDB WorldwideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDDB is a corporate member. Juie Shah, Group Strategy Director at DDB, is in LEADERS 2025.
• FCBminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFCB is a corporate member and sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• Hearst MagazinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHearst Magazines is a corporate member. Sophia Park, Commerce Content Strategy Manager at Hearst Magazines, participated in FUTURES program.
• R/GAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerR/GA is a corporate member and sponsor.
• AnomalyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnomaly is a corporate member.
• McCann New YorkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMcCann New York is a corporate member.
• Omnicom Media GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSara Porritt, Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at Omnicom Media Group, is in LEADERS 2025.
• BET NetworksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBET Networks is a corporate member.
• PinterestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPinterest is a corporate member and sponsor.
• Publicis Health GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublicis Health Group is a corporate member.
• TripAdvisorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTripAdvisor is a corporate member.
• ZambeziminorGTM or Marketing PartnerZambezi is a corporate member.
• HP (Hewlett-Packard)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHP is a sponsor of ADCOLOR.
• KBS PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKBS Partners is a sponsor.
• Concentric/CoCentricminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcentric/CoCentric is a sponsor.
• ESPNminorGTM or Marketing PartnerESPN is a sponsor.
• DAS Global Group of CompaniesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDAS Global Group of Companies is a sponsor.
• Ad CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAd Council partnered with R/GA on 'Love Has No Labels - Rising' campaign which won Ad of the Year at ADCOLOR Awards 2019.
• Time's UP AdvertisingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTime's UP Advertising launched in March 2018 as the first industry-specific vertical under the TIME'S UP movement, with advertising industry women executives leading change.
• Gold HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold House received the Catalyst Award at ADCOLOR 2019 for their work in promoting Asian representation.
• AdFellows (Verizon)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdFellows, a program of Verizon, received the Catalyst Award at ADCOLOR 2019. The program supports BIPOC talent in advertising.
• Curly Girl CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurly Girl Collective received the Catalyst Award at ADCOLOR 2019 for their work in diversity and inclusion.
• Cannes LionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerADCOLOR participates in Cannes Lions festival, creating moments of connection and visibility at one of the biggest industry gatherings.
• Advertising WeekminorGTM or Marketing PartnerADCOLOR brings its community to Advertising Week events, creating moments of connection and visibility.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• GLAAD: GLAAD is a leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization that partners with major brands and media companies. ADCOLOR runs a Pride at ADCOLOR community group; GLAAD is a larger incumbent working with the same advertiser base on inclusion.
• Color Of Change: Color Of Change is one of the largest racial justice nonprofits in the U.S. While broader in scope than ADCOLOR, it is comparable as a nonprofit that engages corporate partners and creative industries on diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy.
• Adweek: Adweek is the leading trade media brand covering advertising, marketing, and media. ADCOLOR partners with Adweek on the Champion and Beacon Awards. Adweek is comparable as a broader incumbent serving the same creative-industry ecosystem and audience.
• Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity: Cannes Lions is the premier global advertising awards and conference. ADCOLOR runs programming at Cannes Lions; Cannes Lions is a broader incumbent that recognizes creative excellence globally, with overlapping audiences and sponsors.

Direct peers

• National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC): NHMC is a nonprofit advocating for Latino representation in media and entertainment. ADCOLOR runs a Latinx for ADCOLOR community group; NHMC is a directly comparable diversity-focused nonprofit that partners with creative-industry brands and runs talent/advocacy programs.
• Free The Work: Free The Work is a nonprofit focused on increasing diversity among directors and creators in advertising and entertainment. It is a directly comparable DEI-in-creative-industries nonprofit that runs programs, talent discovery, and industry partnerships overlapping ADCOLOR's mission.
• Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF): 3AF is a trade organization for Asian American advertising and marketing professionals. ADCOLOR runs an Asians for ADCOLOR Community Group; 3AF is comparable as a diversity-focused organization serving a specific community within the advertising industry.
• The 3% Movement: The 3% Movement is a nonprofit advocating for gender diversity in creative leadership, primarily in advertising. Like ADCOLOR, it focuses on under-represented talent in creative industries through conferences, awards, and talent development.
• The One Club for Creativity: The One Club for Creativity runs the Where Are All The Black People (WAATBP) conference and career fair and partners with ADCOLOR on creative awards. Both are nonprofit organizations advancing diversity in the advertising and creative industries through programming and recognition.
• 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies): The 4A's is the industry trade association for advertising agencies and is a corporate member of ADCOLOR. ADCOLOR's founder Tiffany R. Warren previously led diversity programs at the 4A's. Both serve as convening bodies for the advertising industry, including around diversity and inclusion.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ADCOLOR
• Facebookfacebook.com/adcolorawards
• Instagraminstagram.com/adcolor
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYtjtcxE7zfe4kbxvFUIyZQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/adcolorawards

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Adcolor