6 Reasons Why You Need an OAAA Membership

by Amber Larkins, OOH Today

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) describes itself as the “Premiere Trade Association for OOH” and has about 825 member organizations with 42 new members joining in 2023. Julie Thompson, EVP & CMO, OAAA says “The mission of OAAA is to protect, advocate, and accelerate the growth of the entire OOH industry, while facilitating collaborative successes with its members.” 

OAAA’s legislative, marketing, and communications efforts benefit members and nonmembers alike. OAAA provides resources, such as webinars and events, some of which are open to the public in addition to members. However, there are many more benefits to being a member than not. Here are the top reasons why you should consider becoming a member of OAAA:

1. Industry Representation

OAAA advocates for the interests of its members at the national, state, and local levels. OAAA actively engages with policymakers, regulators, researchers, and other stakeholders to promote and protect the OOH advertising industry.

2. Networking and Collaboration

“OAAA convenes critical conversations that only the premier trade association for the OOH industry can do,” Thompson says. OAAA provides opportunities for networking and collaboration among industry professionals, which could lead to partnerships, business opportunities, and the sharing of best practices. 

3. Access to Resources

OAAA offers numerous resources all over their website. Many of those resources, which include research and industry insights are for members only. These resources help members stay informed about trends, technologies, and developments in OOH advertising.

4. Education

Webinars, masterclasses, and the annual OOH Media conference are educational opportunities to help members enhance their OOH knowledge. 

5. Industry Standards

Thompson says, “The association plays a key role in establishing and maintaining industry standards and best practices. This ensures consistency and quality within the OOH advertising sector.”

6. OOH Advocacy

OAAA works to promote the value and effectiveness of OOH as a medium by educating advertisers, agencies, lawmakers and the general public about the benefits of OOH advertising.  

Thompson says that being a member of OAAA supports the overall growth of OOH.

“People and the companies they represent should be OAAA members because only we provide critical legislative support and protections for the industry, robust third-party research resources, sales training, thought leadership, events to attend and sponsor, awards programs celebrating the medium, education & training, and a team that acts as an extension of your team,” Thompson said.  “From curated events at which to network with all parts of the OOH ecosystem, opportunities to share and gain knowledge about OOH with other leaders in the industry, and a constant drumbeat of services, news and events, OAAA membership means relevance, reach and real return on investment.”

To become an OOH member you must first meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Be a company that owns or operates billboards in the United States
• Be a company that sells space for advertising on street furniture, transit, or place-based OOH media displays.
• Be a company that provides services or products to the OOH advertising industry including suppliers, financial institutions, and attorneys.
• Be a company involved in the design and planning of OOH advertising.
• Any company (or individual) involved in the buying of OOH advertising
• State Outdoor Advertising Associations; or
• Any OOH industry company, association, or individual located outside the United States and interested in the OAAA and its services. 

If you fit any of these requirements as established by the OAAA Board of Directors, which you likely do as one of our readers, then you should go become a member! You can apply for OAAA membership here.

We want to hear from you! What benefits have you seen from OAAA membership? Is there anything lacking you wish they offered? Let us know in the comments below!