Aqua Marketing & Communications has earned top recognition at the 2024 HSMAI Adrian Awards, taking home three prestigious awards for its exceptional campaigns with Visit Lauderdale. Held on February 18, 2025, the HSMAI Adrian Awards ceremony celebrated excellence in travel marketing, with Aqua being recognized for its innovative efforts that showcased the inclusive spirit and vibrant culture of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

The three awards that Aqua took home were for the following categories:

Aqua’s collaboration with Emmy®-nominated artist Alexander Star to create “Laudy Dayo,” a musical anthem celebrating the diversity of Greater Fort Lauderdale, earned them a Bronze Award in the Influencer Marketing category. The anthem was featured at major events like the Riptide Music Festival and the Rose Parade, generating 359 million media impressions and an advertising equivalency of $675,000.

Aqua’s “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign, which spotlighted Greater Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to inclusivity, multiculturalism, and accessibility for people with disabilities, earned the “Best of Category” title for Integrated Campaigns. The campaign garnered $4 million in media spend and achieved 117 million impressions, contributing to a $125.6 million boost in the local Tourism Development Tax.

Aqua’s strategic debut of Visit Lauderdale at the 2024 Rose Parade won the Gold Award in the Public Relations/Communications – PR Campaign Consumer category. The custom float, which showcased the area’s inclusive culture, received a live performance of “Laudy Dayo” by Alexander Star, generating a staggering 1.2 billion impressions and a media value of $9.46 million—resulting in an 894% return on investment.

These honors demonstrate Aqua Marketing’s dedication to creating impactful, forward-thinking campaigns that elevate brands and drive visibility. “We are incredibly proud to receive these three prestigious HSMAI Adrian Awards for our work with Visit Lauderdale,” said Larry Aldrich, President and CEO of Aqua Marketing & Communications. “These awards reflect the creativity, dedication, and passion our team brings to every project, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of travel marketing.”