Philip ONeal Joins GoVision LLC

July 19th, 2024

Andrew Neale

GoVision LLC today announced that veteran high school sports administrator Philip ONeal has joined the company as Senior Advisor to help guide its game-changing entry into the Texas high school marketplace.

With its more than 20 years of high-profile sports venue experience at the collegiate and professional levels – bringing its state-of-the-art LED technology to virtually every sport from football, soccer and basketball to tennis, golf and endurance sports – GoVision has officially set its sights on the high school market, with an immediate focus on Texas high schools.

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JCDecaux Carbon Reduction Trajectory Approved By SBTi

July 18th, 2024

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

JCDecaux SE (Euronext Paris: DEC) has announced that its carbon reduction trajectory has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Known as the “Corporate Net Zero norm”, this climate action organisation supports companies worldwide in their reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their decarbonisation via a methodology consistent with the IPCC’s recommendations. This validation, the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process, reaffirms JCDecaux’s commitment to actively participate in the fight against climate change by adopting eco-responsible practices and promoting sustainable innovation in its business practices.

Jean-Charles Decaux, Chairman of the Executive Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux, said: “One year on from unveiling and starting to deploy our ambitious Climate Strategy geared towards the goal of “Net Zero Carbon”, we are very proud to achieve the validation of the SBTi after a multi-step process. Reducing our environmental footprint is one of JCDecaux’s long-standing commitments. Our virtuous business model resonates with the Green Taxonomy, as nearly 50% of our 2023 revenues are aligned with this European regulation. As the number one worldwide in our business sector, we are determined to play an active role in the collective response to the challenges of climate change and to make outdoor advertising a driver of the ecological transition. JCDecaux will continue to work with all its stakeholders and to support those involved in public and private procurement to ensure that it becomes a powerful and effective driver of sustainable development, based upon quality as well as ambitious environmental and social criteria. It is through systemic actions and by engaging our entire value chain that we will contribute to Net Zero Carbon.”

In June 2023, JCDecaux unveiled its new Climate Strategy, including targets to continue reducing its carbon footprint across its entire value chain. Based on three principles – Measure, Reduce and Contribute beyond the Group’s value chain, the strategy aims for Net Zero Carbon by 2050 (scopes 1, 2 and 3)*. To achieve this, JCDecaux defined a roadmap based on the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) that is backed up by scientific data. In late 2022, the Group signed a pledge to achieve these SBTi goals, and committed to submitting a low-carbon strategy with associated targets. This commitment was fulfilled in 2023. In June 2024, SBTi reviewed and approved JCDecaux’s carbon reduction targets.

The SBTi’s Target Validation Team has classified JCDecaux’s scope 1 and 2 near-term target ambition and has determined that it is in line with a 1.5°C trajectory. The Target Validation Team has also evaluated the Group’s scope 1, 2, and 3 long-term target ambition, and determined that it is aligned with the SBTi’s 1.5°C mitigation pathways for reaching Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. Detailed targets as follows:

  • Overall Net-Zero Target:
    • JCDecaux SE commits to reach net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050.
  • Near-Term Targets:
    • JCDecaux SE commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 72.8% by 2030 from a 2019 base year1.
    • JCDecaux SE also commits to continue active annual sourcing of 100% renewable electricity through to 2030.
    • JCDecaux SE further commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy related activities, business travel and employee commuting by 46.2% within the same timeframe.
  • Long-Term Targets:
    • JCDecaux SE commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year2.
    • JCDecaux SE also commits to continue active annual sourcing of 100% renewable electricity through to 2050.

JCDecaux’s reduction trajectory is based on internal levers as well as external factors. As scope 3 accounts for more than 90% of its carbon footprint (market based), reaching the target will be a collective journey requiring the collaboration of all its stakeholders. Since JCDecaux’s furniture footprint accounts for 42% of its scope 3 emissions, it will need to cooperate with its suppliers to offer the market even more efficient low-carbon solutions without compromising on quality. To deliver this, JCDecaux will need to focus upon even more responsible public/ private procurement based on compelling and assessed environmental and social criteria as well as partnerships with landlords.

Since its very beginning in 1964, JCDecaux has placed sustainability and efficiency at the heart of its business model. The Group created a Sustainable Development and Quality Department in 2007, set out an ambitious Sustainable Development Strategy in 2014, which was updated in 2022,  and unveiled its ambitious Climate Strategy in 2023. In France, JCDecaux is contributing to the collective effort set by the public authorities, in particular by the voluntary adoption of a Climate Contract and by respecting its commitment to reducing its energy consumption by 10% in 2024 compared to 2019. JCDecaux designs, installs, and maintains light infrastructure (bus shelters, street furniture, self-cleaning public toilets, self-service bicycles, etc.) in public spaces and travel hubs thanks to the financing provided by the advertising for brands and companies displayed on that infrastructure. JCDecaux street furniture provide innovative and free services for millions of people around the world, as well as for local authorities and transport companies, based on resource-efficient management. This business model is virtuous in three ways: economically, ecologically, and socially.

Woolworths joins QMS as Olympic and Paralympic Partner

July 18th, 2024

Tristan Cotterill

Leading digital outdoor media company QMS has announced that Woolworths is the newest partner to sign on to its Paris 2024 Digital Screen Network for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Woolworths joins Allianz, Stan, Toyota Australia and Patties Food Group as partners in the innovative digital out of home (DOOH) network that is presenting Olympic and Paralympic content across the country, before, during and after the Games.

The Paris 2024 Digital Screen Network launched in mid-April and will run until the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on 8 September. QMS is the Official Outdoor Media Partner of the Australian Olympic Team and Paralympics Australia Team for Paris 2024.

QMS Chief Sales Officer, Tim Murphy, said “With our Paris 2024 Digital Screen Network partnerships now in full flight, we are thrilled to welcome Woolworths on board. Together with our existing partners they will help showcase news, wins, triumphs, records and much more from Paris on our market-leading national digital screen network. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the biggest sporting events in the world, reaching and connecting with people like nothing else. Our Paris 2024 Digital Screen Network is a ground-breaking way for brands to connect with consumers in the lead up and throughout the Games to reach people in real time where they live, work and play. With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony less than 10 days away, excitement is building as our partner content is already coming to life across our screens and interest levels continue as more brands look for real time opportunities to capture the spirit of the Games and support our athletes”.

The unique network will reach more than 80% of people aged 18+ per month* across premium, national digital large format billboards, the City of Sydney street furniture network, The Convenience Network, Canberra Airport and Gold Coast street furniture assets to deliver an Australian-first, 100% DOOH Olympic and Paralympic Games experience.

* MOVE 1.5 2024

Mercedes #EV Charging and @Starbucks Collab

July 17th, 2024

Andrew Neale

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Starbucks have announced a strategic collaboration to electrify over 100 Starbucks stores across the USA.

Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging said “The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers. Together, we seek to infuse delight into this facet of EV ownership through intentional experiences that make drivers genuinely excited to plug in. We envision a future where charging your vehicle is as easy as enjoying your favorite Starbucks.”

We unerstand that the vision for the first phase of the program will be to co-locate industry-leading 400 kW electric vehicle chargers at Starbucks stores located along Interstate 5 (I-5), which of course is a critical west coast travel corridor spanning from Canada to Mexico.

“At Starbucks, we have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack this infrastructure,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging network so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”

The press release stated that sustainability is a driving strategy at both Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks. Starbucks’ renewable energy projects, including EV charging, help further its goal to reduce carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030. In the U.S., Starbucks customers can enjoy their favorite beverage while charging at over 1,000 company-operated and licensed stores with nearby access to EV charging. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks continues to expand its EV charging network with the goal of bringing renewable energy and clean technology to more communities while providing a customer experience designed with greater connection, ease, and sustainable impact.

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging is supporting Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s target to go electric through the development of a public charging network open to all vehicle brands. The network is powered by 100% clean energy as part of the Mercedes-Benz ‘Ambition 2039’ to reach carbon neutrality across its entire fleet and value chain.

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging opened its inaugural charging site in November 2023 as part of an initial USD 1 billion investment to build the most desirable charging network.

In the months since that launch, the network made fast progress opening a dozen locations with 400 kW speed charging across Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The network is expected to expand to nearly half of the US states over the next 12-18 months. With a commitment to elevate the charging experience, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging will align with leading brands to fill gaps in quality of the charging experience, reimagine spatial design, and create market leading consumer offerings and experiences.

Actually, this isn’t a new idea for Starbucks; the company did a similar 15-charger test with Volvo back in 2022. Volkswagen and Tesla are also placing chargers at popular retail locations.

2024 @DPAAglobal Omnichannel Decision-Makers Study

July 17th, 2024

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

DPAA, the global trade marketing association, driving the growth and digitization of out-of-home media and its growing role in the Omnichannel mix, has unveiled its newest study on the state of the marketplace. 

The “DPAA 2024 Omnichannel Decision-Makers Study” was conducted by Advertiser Perceptions, the leader in providing research-based strategic market intelligence to the complex and dynamic media, advertising, and ad tech industries, and sponsored by DPAA member Kochava

This is all part of the DPAA’s mission to promote and educate brands and agencies about the growing breadth of capabilities digital OOH offers, while sharing insights and best practices with member companies in order to drive industry growth.  DPAA Members have used this study – the previous iteration was conducted in 2021 – to form sales and marketing strategies and tactics.

According to the study, eight in 10 respondents will recommend DOOH to be part of their media plans over the next 12 months, with 96% of Marketers and Agencies Planning to Increase or Maintain Spending in the Next 12 Months

The study also found that DOOH is increasingly perceived as digital video

  • 58% see DOOH as an important part of omnichannel video campaigns.
  • 41% consider DOOH to be an extension of TV/video planning. 
  • 49% of integrated video teams include DOOH alongside TV, mobile and online, up from 36% in 2021.
  • 76% of advertisers believe DOOH has become less siloed, and an integrated part of cross-channel strategies (up from 66% in 2021).

The full study – and accompanying white paper – are available exclusively to DPAA members who receive exclusive full access to both. This includes additional analyses on sources of DOOH budgets, opportunities for future growth including dynamic advertising, data-driven interactivity, and programmatic; reasons why brands and marketers include DOOH in omnichannel plans, integration into broader media plans and many other topics. 

“We are incredibly proud of the work the DPAA has done over the years to educate advertisers while building a community of DOOH evangelists that are aware of the value that comes from the increased digitization of out-of-home.  From programmatic buying and innovations like AR, VR, interactive QR codes, 3D capabilities and more, to accessing the robust data that powers addressability, contextual marketing, measurement and attribution in a brand safe environment, this study shows that the future is bright for DOOH,” said DPAA President and CEO Barry Frey.  “DOOH continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas of the overall ad ecosystem, and with increased reach, scale and full-funnel opportunities taking shape, it’s easy to be optimistic about this exciting sector, whether a brand, agency or media seller.”

Advertiser Perceptions surveyed 150 US marketers and agencies involved in omni-digital advertising decision-making. To qualify for the study, which took place in February 2024, marketers and agencies had to be spending a minimum of $1M on advertising annually. Respondents were two-thirds agencies and one-third marketers. The results from this study were also analyzed in part by contrasting them with those from a survey conducted in September 2021 using a similar methodology and respondent profile.

2024 Summer Olympics @Screenfeed Content

July 17th, 2024

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

Thanks to Screenfeed – The Digital Content Store, between now and July 26, a live countdown will build anticipation ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and officially branded as Paris 2024.

Once the games begin, you will be able to keep audiences returning to screens with increasing medal counts every 30 minutes.

Happenings from the largest and most prestigious multi-sport international event in the world news stories will refresh daily.

You can get the Summer Games bundle here.

Edge1 Partnership with @Alchemy__Media

July 16th, 2024

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

Edge1 has announced a partnership with Alchemy Media, headquartered in LA, California.

Alchemy Media started back in 1969 and is one of the oldest and renowned as a global leader in the wildposting formats and for its expansive network of static and digital OOH media assets across the USA. From the iconic streets of Hollywood to the bustling avenues of New York, Alchemy Media offers high-impact street-level billboards, wallscapes, digital posters, scaffolds, and more, providing unparalleled opportunities for advertisers to maximize engagement and reach.

Christopher Zorigian, Chief Operating Officer at Alchemy Media, told us “For the past 25 years, we were working on the same antiquated systems. Determined to harness the best in technology, we assembled a team of Alchemy Media’s brightest minds. Over 18 months, we explored and engaged with various adtech companies, both domestic and international. Expanding our search to global markets led us to discover Edge1. Their exceptional service and team of intelligent, collaborative professionals have been a game-changer for us. They don’t just perform tasks robotically; they elevate our capabilities, enhance our company’s productivity and efficiency, and empower us to make well-informed business decisions.”

We are told that this partnership is a pivotal component of Alchemy Media’s growth strategy, automating and managing the business processes of their extensive portfolio that includes over 4,000 high-visibility static and digital billboards in 29 markets. The alliance aims to significantly boost Alchemy Media’s business automation and management capabilities, setting the stage for strategic expansion and innovation.

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Chicago Bus and Shelter @intersection_co Advertising

July 16th, 2024

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

Intersection has been awarded an exclusive contract with Pace to sell bus and shelter advertising across suburban Chicagoland. Intersection previously served as Pace’s exclusive advertising contractor from 2008 to 2020. The new contract commenced on June 5, 2024.

“We are thrilled to reunite with our partners at Pace,” said Scott Goldsmith, President & COO at Intersection. “The acquisition of Pace’s assets strengthens our market presence in Chicago, and helps to provide our advertisers with coverage across the entirety of Chicagoland.”

With the acquisition of the Pace contract, Intersection expands and deepens its position in the Chicagoland media market – already operating as the exclusive advertising provider for the Chicago Transit Authority and Divvy Bike Share. The Pace contract expands Intersection’s suburban reach, offering a total market coverage solution for its advertisers. In today’s climate of hybrid office/home work arrangements, Pace allows advertisers to reach suburbanites both near the office, and close to home. Pace bus and shelter media offers coverage across North, West, and South suburbs, with multiple targeting options.

“Advertising revenue is a valuable funding stream for public transportation. We look forward to increased revenue to support our mobility efforts,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger.

Intersection’s media network also extends across the top U.S. media markets – New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, and San Francisco – in addition to other major regions such as Austin, Charlotte, New Jersey, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Portland, Boston and more. In all, Intersection’s network reaches over 50 million people monthly through more than 400,000 digital and static assets nationwide.

Pace Bus is the premier suburban transit provider, safely and efficiently moving people to work, school, and other regional destinations. Pace’s family of public transportation services offer affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago’s suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area nearly the size of the state of Connecticut and about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace’s innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.

Madrid @DenevaDS DigiTaxi Rollout

July 16th, 2024

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

In Madrid Gran Pantalla, together with Screensor Tech, claim to be pioneering the digitalization of urban transport with DigiTaxi, an advertising medium that implements digital screens with ads inside their taxi fleet.

Equipped with the versatile DENEVA software, the press release says that “these devices are revolutionizing user experience by offering segmented and geolocated advertising thanks to advanced Artificial Intelligence and Big Data technologies”.

“The implementation of our digital signage software in taxis not only enhances passenger experience but also opens new opportunities for advertisers,” says Juan Carlos Martín, Sales Manager of DENEVA. “This is another step forward in the transport sector, where we already have extensive experience, and the trend is the unification of multimodal transport in a single content management platform like DENEVA. Therefore, we are moving towards a more fluid and efficient integration of different transport modes under a single technological solution.”

The initial deployment successfully began in June in Madrid, where the first units have been installed in strategically selected taxi fleets. Given the positive results, the plan is to extend this innovative advertising system to major cities in Spain, aiming for more than 600 screens in the coming months.

“For Gran Pantalla, this represents an evolution in our advertising offering, where a large part of our assets are digital. With this new model in a premium location like taxis and the ability to personalize content, we go beyond in reaching clients for advertisers, offering a personalized experience according to the type of audience,” highlighted Marta Rodríguez, General Director of Gran Pantalla.

The project is a collaboration between Gran Pantalla, responsible for the exploitation and management of advertising spaces, Screensor Tech, the integrator of the global implementation of the solution, and DENEVA as the technological partner for content management and audience measurement software.

Miguel Grañena, CEO of Screensor was quoted as saying “The digitalization of taxis in Madrid represents a unique opportunity to maximize the potential of advertising spaces in urban transport. Additionally, thanks to precise audience measurement and optimized ad segmentation, we can offer our clients more effective and targeted campaigns.” He added, “This pilot project in Madrid is just the first step, and we are eager to expand this innovative solution to other cities in the near future.”

Integrate 2024, ICC Sydney, 21-23 August 2024

July 16th, 2024

Tristan Cotterill

The organisers of Integrate 2024 tell us that it is shaping up to be their most expansive show yet.

Discover the latest technology from leading brands like Yahama, Axis Communications, Cisco, Q-Sys, Jabra and hundreds more and explore the leading edge of intelligent AV development, powered by AI, that’s elevating the realm of immersive digital experiences to new heights.

Book your pass for the Integrate & AVIXA Tech Talks, where industry experts will provide invaluable insights to empower you in navigating the future of the AV industry.

Join Australia’s premier AV event at ICC Sydney, 21-23 August here.