Vistar Media, the leading global provider of technology solutions for out-of-home (OOH) media, announced the true globalisation of its demand-side platform (DSP). As of today, Vistar’s DSP enables any buyer, from any corner of the world, to seamlessly connect with and purchase advertising space on any digital out-of-home (DOOH) screen, no matter where it's located – all from a single account.

“We’ve recognised a growing need to run impactful, thoughtfully created programmatic DOOH campaigns globally – not just in a single market,” said Ciara Kennedy, SVP of Product at Vistar Media. “Planning and executing cross-market campaigns can be tricky, but it’s our mission at Vistar to simplify the complex, and deliver our advertising partners the tools they need to run effective campaigns wherever and however they need. I’m excited to say our upgraded global DSP delivers on that promise.”

Historically, planning cross-country DOOH campaigns can be challenging for a few reasons:

• Managing multiple DSP seats for different countries is cumbersome and time-consuming. It complicates campaign management and increases the likelihood of errors;

• The inability to transact and manage budgets across different currencies within a single account complicates financial planning and reporting;

• And finally, limitations on targeting and measuring campaign performance across different countries restrict advertisers’ ability to optimise campaigns effectively.

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With these new enhancements, buyers planning and executing campaigns in the Vistar DSP can benefit from:

• A unified DSP planning experience that supports cross-national buying – this simplifies the campaign setup, execution and management processes for advertisers;

• Cross-currency transactions and budget management within the platform, including displaying all prices in the buyer’s local currency. This can help agencies optimise their ad spend and improve return on investment;

• And the ability to target audiences and measure campaign performance across multiple countries within a single platform, unlocking new insights and optimisation strategies that can be implemented in future campaigns.

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“As one of Australia’s leading digital media agencies, we have a handful of clients that want to run campaigns not just in our market, but across New Zealand, the UK, the US, you name it,” said Sebastian Diaz, Senior Digital Solutions Lead at Bench Media. “So for us, having the capability to more easily transact and run OOH campaigns across multiple markets, in one single platform, was a great addition to our media arsenal. Vistar’s global DSP has been very easy to use, has an excellent UI experience and ultimately allows you to plug and play exactly what you need when setting up your campaign – minus the normal complexities that come with running global campaigns.”

“Historically, running OOH campaigns across multiple countries can be a headache, as you have to navigate different currencies, targeting and measurement limitations that differ by country, and other considerations that make campaign planning more time-consuming than it needs to be,” said Lucy Formosa Morgan, Managing Director at Magna Australia. “Vistar’s DSP enhancements break down those nuisances and restrictions, now providing one, centralised and consolidated view when planning a campaign. This is a major step for the programmatic OOH industry and will help to open up further opportunities for campaign optimisation and performance measurement on a global scale.”

We at BackLite Media offer a programmatic DOOH inventory of more than 300+ screens at key locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including popular roads, destinations, and malls listed on Vistar Media's DSP platform. Our digital media are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas and attract global tourists and residents. To further enhance the effectiveness of our DOOH inventory, we use data from Seventh Decimal and Admobilize. To learn more about Programmatic DOOH or to get started on a project, reach out at sean@backlitemedia.com

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Last Friday, our team enthusiastically joined Multiply Group's annual beach cleanup initiative at Al Bahia Beach in Abu Dhabi.

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We are humbled to be a part of Multiply Group, which recognises the importance of addressing marine pollution through comprehensive solutions, including prevention and clean-up efforts on both shores and oceans.

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This year, a group of dedicated employees from Multiply Group and its subsidiaries volunteered to clean up a stretch of Abu Dhabi's coastal shoreline at Al Bahia Beach. We effectively gathered 145 kilograms of waste together, showcasing our commitment to this crucial environmental cause.

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Learn more about BackLite26, our strategy to achieve absolute carbon neutrality by 2026.

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Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home, or programmatic DOOH or PrDOOH, refers to the automated buying and selling of digital out-of-home (DOOH) ad placements. This method has been the talk of the OOH industry in the UAE for years now. The process enables advertisers to target specific locations where their target audience frequents throughout the day, creating a cohesive and engaging brand journey.

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The programmatic digital out-of-home (DOOH) industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has increased. This growth can be attributed to its resemblance to online media platforms. At BackLite Media, we have played a leading role in this evolution. Many brands have succeeded by incorporating DOOH into their overall out-of-home (OOH) advertising strategy. The programmatic digital out-of-home (DOOH) industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has increased. This growth can be attributed to its resemblance to online media platforms.

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At BackLite Media, we have played a leading role in this evolution. Many brands have succeeded by incorporating DOOH into their overall out-of-home (OOH) advertising strategy.

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Here are six key benefits of integrating programmatic DOOH into your media mix:

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• More Creative Opportunities: Dynamic creative capabilities allow ads to adapt to their surroundings dynamically. Whether displaying nearby store locations or integrating live countdowns, this feature personalises the ad experience for viewers, increasing engagement and relevance.

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• Fast Campaign Launches: Programmatic DOOH enables swift upload, scheduling, and launch of ad campaigns within the same day. This agility is essential in today's fast-paced consumer environment, allowing brands to capitalise on timely opportunities and maintain relevance.

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• Enhanced Targeting: Programmatic DOOH allows precise targeting of consumers at the right moments. For instance, ads can be tailored to commuters during their morning journeys or promote health products to gym enthusiasts as they enter fitness centres. This targeted approach increases audience interest and engagement, leading to higher conversion rates.

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• Higher Brand Exposure: Combining captivating creatives with contextual relevance enhances brand visibility and recall among consumers. The high-impact screens of programmatic DOOH attract the attention of a significant percentage of passersby each month. Features like dynamic content and video amplify brand messaging, making it memorable and impactful.

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• Real-time Optimisations: The ability to adapt to trends and breaking news in real-time sets programmatic DOOH apart. Monitoring campaign performance and adjusting strategies on the fly based on data insights improves campaign effectiveness and ROI. This data-driven approach ensures that advertising efforts remain responsive and impactful.

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• Reliable Metrics and Measurement: Our Programmatic DOOH provides robust measurement capabilities thanks to our data partners like Admobilize and Seventh Decimal. This includes analysing foot traffic patterns, conducting brand studies, and evaluating online engagement metrics. These insights facilitate campaign optimisation and performance evaluation.

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Programmatic DOOH combines offline and online advertising strategies, offering enhanced targeting, flexibility, real-time optimisation, and measurable results. As the advertising landscape evolves, programmatic DOOH is positioned as a vital tool for brands to connect with their audiences effectively and meaningfully.

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In March, we launched The Crowns at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, expanding our Landmark Series in the UAE's capital. It's been exciting! Since then, we've hosted campaigns for some of the most sought-after brands, like Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., CHANEL, and IWC Schaffhausen, to name a few.

Iconic locations, coupled with superior design, are associated with prestige, exclusivity, and high visibility, making them highly desirable for luxury and global brands looking to make a bold statement and reach elite audiences.
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The Crowns, Abu Dhabi, is an excellent example of how the combination of prominent location, design and association offers a prime opportunity for brands to capture the attention of diverse and affluent audiences.Our goal? It's simple: to spearhead digital innovation right here in the UAE. With our Landmark Series, we're not just talking about commitment; we're delivering it, offering nothing but the best locations.

The Crowns promises:
→ Over 50 Million impressions
→ Reaching more than 34% of Abu Dhabi's population
→ Unparalleled visibility to Abu Dhabi's affluent and Emirati population

And when it comes to ensuring the finest experience for advertisers and audiences, we don't just go with our gut. We rely on solid, trustworthy data. How's that for setting the bar high?

Myth: Outdoor advertising is tired, stagnant and archaic.
Fact: It’s one of the most dynamic ways of reaching your target audience.

Here’s why:
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→ Real-time content updates: Show me another advertising model that can detect weather patterns, audience demographics, foot traffic - and then adjust the content accordingly in real time.

→ Dynamic, interactive, creative: DOOH screens offer dynamic creative capabilities, which in turn offers marketers the freedom to play with new mediums and formats.

→ Data driven messaging: DOOH is sensitive to its surroundings and audience. I recently posted about how Tesco used DOOH during the month of Ramadan to target and celebrate its Muslim customers (genius!)

Still not convinced? Send us a message and let's chat.

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Join our team at BackLite Media from April 29 to May 1, 2024, at OAAA’s 2024 OOH Media Conference, the industry’s must-attend annual event, as thought leaders, advertisers, agencies, media owners and creators gather for a unique opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of out of home.
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The theme for this year, "Our Moment," highlights the significance of unity within our industry during this transformative and momentous era for out of home. It serves as a celebration of collective achievements and a dedication to advancing the growth of our medium through collaborative efforts. Don’t miss what will be the most talked-about event of the year!

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Explore the agenda packed with keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions led by industry leaders. Secure your spot now before tickets sell out: https://oaaa.ooh2024.com

As a company, it is crucial to continue to lead the way in sustainability by integrating initiatives that include environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into our daily operations. In line with this commitment, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Reflo, a renowned sustainable apparel company dedicated to creating eco-friendly sportswear and outfits.

Reflo's innovative approach involves crafting clothing from advanced technical fabrics woven entirely from recycled waste materials. This includes repurposing single-use plastic waste and coffee beans, giving them a new life as functional and stylish apparel. 

Notably, the fabrics used by Reflo adhere to several sustainability certifications, including the Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign, Oeko-Tex, and U Trust, ensuring the highest environmental responsibility and product quality standards.

Rory MacFadyen, Co-Founder of Refo, said, “At Reflo, we are driven by the belief that sustainability should be at the core of every business, and our partnership with BackLite Media marks a big steps our shared vision of this. We are a people before profit business, and it is great to see the team at BackLite Media do the same, by weaving our sustainably innovated apparel into the fabric of its operations, helping influence other individuals and businesses alike to make the right choices."

James Bicknell, CEO of BackLite Media, said, "We are delighted to be working with Reflo. Not only does the clothing look fantastic, but the sustainable, future proof design is paramount to our beliefs here at BackLite Media."

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By collaborating with Reflo, we as a company reinforce our dedication to sustainability and promote local businesses that prioritise eco-friendly practices. This partnership underscores our commitment to integrating ESG principles into every aspect of our operations, setting a positive example for the industry and contributing to a more sustainable future.

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World Out of Home Organization President Tom Goddard has agreed to stay on in the role for a further period. Goddard had previously announced his intention to step down but has agreed to stay on at the WOO board's request.

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The WOO board has 12 members representing Out of Home Media Owners and National Associations across the world.

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WOO Vice-President Jeremy Male, CEO of OUTFRONT Media, says: "Tom has played a major part in transforming WOO into the world-leading trade association it has become but there is still much to do as we spread our wings into all corners of the world and continue the fight to establish OOH as the pre-eminent broadcast medium in a digital world. He is the right person to carry us forward."

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Goddard says: "After a long discussion with the board we have decided that now is not the appropriate time to change the leadership of WOO as there is still much to do, building on the firm foundations we have put in place since our evolution from FEPE in 2019. I would like to thank the board for their huge support and assure our growing membership base worldwide, that we shall continue to work closely with them, to build an even bigger and better industry in the coming years."

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We are thrilled to announce that the University of Birmingham has once again partnered with BackLite Media for a strategic campaign, having been a valued and trusted client of the company for several years. Our longstanding partnership has consistently focused on delivering strategic advertising placements on Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai's most prominent and sought-after outdoor advertising locations.

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Our recent collaboration with the University of Birmingham was meticulously crafted with two primary objectives in mind:

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→ Increase Visibility: We aimed to elevate the University of Birmingham's presence and reach among the diverse audience commuting along Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily. As the road is a bustling artery in Dubai, achieving maximum visibility was paramount to capturing the attention of potential students.

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→ Enhance Brand Recall: We sought to create a lasting impression beyond mere visibility. By strategically placing the University of Birmingham's advertisements at key locations, we aimed to reinforce brand recognition and ensure that the audience would remember and recognise the university effortlessly.

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We recommended leveraging the high-impact advertising spaces at The Dubai Jawhara, located right next to Museum of the Future and Digital Icons, an essential network with screens near Downtown Dubai and Um Seqquim Road, to achieve these ambitious goals effectively. These sites were selected for their unparalleled visibility and the ability to effectively capture the attention of the University of Birmingham's target demographic, which has reached millions of passers-by.

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The campaign was executed seamlessly for a significant period. This strategic duration was chosen to maximise exposure and ensure that the University of Birmingham's message was consistently and effectively conveyed to its target audience throughout the campaign.

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In conclusion, our partnership with the University of Birmingham exemplifies the synergy between strategic planning and impactful execution. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and look forward to continuing our collaboration, driving even greater success in future campaigns.

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