AMC aims for a balance between social and commercial interests while preserving the aesthetic appeal of the city

In a captivating fireside chat hosted at Gujarat Talks OOH, Mirant Parikh, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), and Pawan Bansal, Chairman of Indian Outdoor Advertising Association (IOAA) engaged in a compelling discussion on the integral role of Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising in the development of cities. The event, held on April 23, provided a platform for thought leaders to explore how OOH initiatives can contribute to urban growth and sustainability.

Mirant Parikh shed light on the recent strides made by Ahmedabad city in leveraging OOH for development. He emphasised AMC's proactive stance in formulating policies that foster sustainable and responsible growth in the OOH sector. These policies, informed by industry feedback, strike a delicate balance between social and commercial interests while also preserving the aesthetic appeal of the city. Mirant articulated AMC's commitment to generating revenue autonomously and reinvesting it in projects aimed at enhancing the city's visual appeal and infrastructure. He underscored the importance of collaboration between the advertising industry and municipal authorities in implementing innovative initiatives such as the installation of energy-efficient LED lights and solar panels on billboards, thus promoting environmental sustainability.

Pawan, steering the conversation toward the relationship dynamics between municipal corporations and media owners, prompted Mirant to share insights on achieving a harmonious balance. He stressed upon the significance of cooperation in resolving conflicts, expressing AMC's willingness to accommodate the needs and demands of media owners wherever feasible. This commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership reflects the shared goal of driving positive change through collaborative efforts.

Transitioning to the realm of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), Mirant elaborated on AMC's efforts to promote technological advancements in the advertising sector. He highlighted the transformative potential of DOOH in enhancing advertising effectiveness while minimising environmental impact. By embracing technological innovations such as AI-powered cameras for target audience measurement and sustainability practices, AMC aims to lead the industry towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

As the discussion drew to a close, the audience engaged in a stimulating exchange, posing insightful questions on topics ranging from AI integration in OOH advertising to sustainability practices and the collaborative relationship between media owners and municipal authorities. Mirant reiterated the importance of leveraging technology to improve advertising metrics and enhance sustainability, emphasising AMC's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to industry growth and innovation.

Overall, the fireside chat at Gujarat Talks OOH served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, reaffirming the transformative potential of outdoor advertising in shaping the urban landscape and driving sustainable development.