The Human Medium: OAAA, OOH Media Conference 2026 Returns to Dallas

The OOH Media Conference 2026 will bring the global out-of-home industry together in Dallas this May under a timely and resonant theme: “The Human Medium.”

At a moment when advertising is increasingly shaped by automation, data modeling and AI-driven optimization, this year’s conference places the spotlight back on people — the audiences who experience media in the real world and the professionals who create those moments. The theme underscores a simple but powerful idea: out-of-home has always been more than a delivery channel. It is a medium rooted in shared spaces, lived experiences and emotional connection.

OOH occupies a unique position in the media landscape. Unlike digital formats that can be skipped or scrolled past, OOH exists within the physical environments where daily life unfolds — along highways, in transit systems, across retail districts and within neighborhoods. It has the power to transform ordinary commutes into brand touchpoints and public spaces into cultural landmarks. A mural can redefine a streetscape. A thoughtfully placed billboard can provide a moment of levity during a busy day. These are the human-scale interactions that define the medium.

The conference will explore how this human dimension intersects with rapid technological advancement. According to the 2025 OOH Opportunity report  , OOH serves as a powerful amplifier within the broader media mix, strengthening the performance of channels such as Connected TV, mobile and social. The integration of digital out-of-home, programmatic capabilities and AI-driven insights is enabling brands to deploy more dynamic, measurable and full-funnel campaigns than ever before.

Sessions in Dallas are expected to address how OOH can play a central role in omnichannel strategies, rather than serving as a complementary add-on. Industry leaders will discuss how to create impactful launch moments by connecting linear TV and DOOH, how to repurpose social-first creative for high-dwell public environments, and how to apply data responsibly and ethically in audience targeting.

Beyond strategy and technology, the gathering will also focus on creativity and community. The conference aims to highlight work that not only delivers reach and ROI but also shapes public experience in meaningful ways. As brands compete for attention in a fragmented media ecosystem, the ability to create memorable, real-world impact remains OOH’s defining strength.

The OOH Media Conference 2026 will serve as a platform for dialogue among media owners, agencies, marketers and technology partners. With early bird registration available through February 27, the event offers professionals an opportunity to engage with the ideas and innovations that are shaping the next chapter of the industry.

In a time of accelerating change, the message behind this year’s theme is clear. Technology may evolve, formats may expand, but the enduring value of out-of-home lies in its human connection. Dallas will be the stage where that conversation moves forward.