OAAA Celebrates 125 Years of Serving OOH

2016 marks the 125th anniversary of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA). To celebrate, the association is looking back on OOH advertising and the trade organisation that has helped drive its success for the last 125 years.

In the beginning, American roadside advertising was generally local. Merchants painted signs or glued posters on walls and fences to notify the passersby that their establishments up the road sold horse blankets, rheumatism pills, and other useful items. The large format American poster (measuring more than 50 square feet) originated in New York when Jared Bell began printing circus posters in 1835, and in 1850 exterior advertising was first used on street railways.

But, it wasn’t until 1872 that the International Bill Poster’s Association of North America was formed in St. Louis, MO, officially establishing the OOH industry. In 1891, the Associated Bill Poster’s Association of the US and Canada was formed in Chicago, and was later changed to OAAA.

The stated purpose of the association was to promote a greater understanding of the poster medium, provide an expanded nationwide organisation for coordinating the services offered by member companies, and to address the ethical concerns of early industry leaders.

As in the past, OAAA’s mission is to be a passionate advocate and a progressive thought leader that protects, unites, and advances the interests of the OOH advertising industry.

Since it’s inception, OAAA has worked tirelessly to lead and unite a responsible OOH industry committed to serving the needs of advertisers, consumers, and communities.

Throughout 2016, OAAA will honour OOH accomplishments, observe important industry milestones, and show appreciation for those who have helped pave the way for today’s leaders.

A commemorative logo has been designed to spotlight OAAA’s quasquicentennial. Members will notice the special logo throughout the year on OAAA communications and marketing collateral.

A new video has been produced to highlight OAAA’s support and membership benefits. In the video, OOH leaders candidly discuss how OAAA has helped unite the industry and drive success.

OAAA social media efforts will also celebrate with a special hashtag #OAAA125. Follow this hashtag to see photos of OOH in the last 125 years, learn historical OOH facts, congratulate OAAA staff on milestone anniversaries, and more.

Video link; https://www.oaaa.org/ResourceCenter/VideoGallery.aspx?id=164