Ten OOH Future Leaders to be Selected —Apply Now
Application Deadline: Friday, March 6th at 11:59 PM ET
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the national trade association representing the out of home (OOH) advertising industry, today announced applications are now open for its 2026 Future Leaders Program, inviting emerging professionals to apply to shape the future of OOH advertising. Up to ten selected applicants will receive a sponsored trip to the 2026 OOH Media Conference, taking place May 11–13 in Dallas, Texas.
“Out of home has always been powered by people, and if we want a strong future for OOH, we have to invest in the people behind it,” said Patrick Dolan, Chief Operating Officer of OAAA. “The Future Leaders Program is about opening doors and giving the next generation real access, real mentorship, and real experience so they can help carry the industry forward in meaningful ways.”
Now in its third year, the Future Leaders Program is a flagship initiative of OAAA’s OOH UNITED committee, and focuses on investing in and developing the next generation of out of home leaders. The 2026 program brings together young professionals from across the OOH ecosystem, selected for their leadership potential, commitment to community, innovative achievement, and professional accomplishments.
Selected participants will take part in a structured mentorship experience that connects them with established leaders across the OOH ecosystem. The program is designed to nurture emerging talent, strengthen leadership skills, and help build a future-ready pipeline of OOH leaders.
“Each year, this program shines a spotlight on the next generation of OOH talent—a rich mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences—and provides them with the mentorship and connections they need to thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to be in year three and to see how this initiative has grown and the impact it continues to have. Investing in emerging leaders isn’t just about their growth; it’s about ensuring the entire industry continues to innovate, evolve, and succeed,” said OOH UNITED Co-Chairs, Marc Fenty, SVP Managing Director, Innovation and Performance OOH at Horizon Media, and Candice Simons, President + CEO of Brooklyn Outdoor.
The 2026 Future Leaders Program is now open for submissions. For more information and to apply, visit OOH Future Leaders. The deadline is Friday, March 6th, at 11:59 PM ET.
Register for the 2026 OOH Media Conference and join the industry in Dallas to celebrate emerging talent and shape the future of out of home advertising.
Application Requirements
Submissions are open to new or existing OAAA company members under 40 years of age who have not previously attended the OOH Media Conference and are willing to travel and participate in this year’s event and actively contribute to OOH UNITED programming. Applicants must have at least 3 years of OOH experience in any industry sector, including but not limited to agencies, media owners, production partners, and technology companies. Those selected will be notified in late March.
Guidelines/Program Information
Objective
The Future Leaders program champions diversity and fosters the growth of the next generation of out of home professionals. Selected participants will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 OOH Media Conference, where they will engage in sessions, activities, and networking events—an invaluable opportunity to build connections and gain insights that support their career growth. After the conference, they will play an active role in OOH UNITED, contributing to the group’s future initiatives and plans.
Anticipated Outcomes
•Up to ten (10) selected Future Leaders will attend the 2026 OOH Media Conference in Dallas, TX with paid air travel, registration, hotel accommodations, and a stipend for ground transportation.
• Future Leaders will participate in conference breakout sessions, networking events, and main stage programming.
• OOH UNITED Co-Chairs will serve as Future Leader Co-Hosts, guiding them through their conference experience.
What Makes a Future Leader
•Under 40 years of age.
•Must be an OAAA Member.
•Must have at least 3 years OOH experience within any industry sector (i.e., supplier, agency, tech, etc.)
•1st time attendee at the OOH Media Conference.
•Willing to travel and participate in conference activities.
Nominations
Eligible candidates can be self-nominated or be nominated by an experienced industry professional for consideration. Application should be tailored to applicants nominating themselves or advocates nominating another individual. Future Leaders must be approved by candidate’s company.
What to Expect at the 2026 OOH Media Conference
•A Grand Attendance: With over 1,000 expected attendees, together the OOH industry will celebrate successes, growth, and innovation.
•Connect & Collaborate: Network with local, national and global industry leaders, luminaries, speakers, brands, agencies, and media owners.
•Stay Ahead of the Curve: OOH media is constantly evolving across technology, measurement, and data-driven sectors that fuel industry growth.
•The Future of OOH Media: Experience industry insights, share stories and strategies, that shape the future of the OOH industry.
Future Leader Responsibilities: At the Conference
Future Leaders will experience 1:1 networking opportunities, mentoring, support, and inspiration at the media conference. All delegates will be required to actively participate in sessions designed to broaden their understanding about the OOH industry, while at the same time developing their professional skills.
Future Leader Responsibilities: Beyond the Conference
Beyond the conference, Future Leaders will become active members in the OOH UNITED committee, contributing to the group’s meetings, forthcoming plans and initiatives.
Judging Panel
A select expert panel will be responsible for reviewing submissions and determining the 2026 Future Leader delegates.
Winner Notification
Selected winners will receive a congratulatory email following the application deadline, outlining next steps and requesting that they officially opt-in to the Future Leaders program.
Application Deadline: Friday, March 6th at 11:59 PM ET
About the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA)
The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA represents over 850 members, including leading media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. OOH media includes billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based media, and digital formats (DOOH) across every sector of the channel. OAAA is the unifying voice for the industry, the authoritative thought leader, and the passionate advocate for advancing OOH advertising in the United States. The legislative unit of OAAA advocates for the responsible growth of OOH with federal, state, and local governments. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million annually in public service advertising. Founded in 1891, OAAA is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City. For more information, visit https://oaaa.org.
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