NORFOLK, Va.–Adams Outdoor Advertising today announced the acquisition of Chesapeake Outdoor, a well-regarded regional out-of-home (OOH) media company serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Maryland. This marks Adams’ seventh strategic acquisition in just nine months, further strengthening its footprint in the fast-growing Norfolk/Virginia Beach market.
This marks Adams’ seventh strategic acquisition in just nine months, further strengthening its footprint in the fast-growing Norfolk/Virginia Beach market.
The acquisition adds 181 static billboard faces to Adams’ portfolio, enhancing its market penetration and expanding its ability to deliver value to advertisers across one of the East Coast’s most dynamic corridors. This move aligns with Adams’ ongoing strategy to grow its presence in high-opportunity regional markets through targeted expansion.
“This acquisition is a strong continuation of our disciplined growth plan,” said Kevin Jones, CEO of Adams Outdoor Advertising. “The Norfolk and Virginia Beach region is experiencing significant momentum—from rising population and robust tourism to a thriving commercial landscape. Chesapeake Outdoor’s static assets complement our existing network and allow us to deepen our reach and service in this critical market.”
Jim Balestino, General Manager of Adams Outdoor’s Norfolk branch, will lead the integration and oversee operations across the expanded territory.
“This is a major step forward for both our team and our clients,” said Balestino. “Chesapeake Outdoor’s inventory significantly enhances our coverage in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area and allows us to offer clients expanded reach along the fast-growing Eastern Shore of Virginia. It also marks our entry into the Salisbury–Ocean City, MD DMA. Adams will now offer a broader reach to brands aiming to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to building on Chesapeake’s strong foundation and delivering even greater results.”
The Norfolk/Virginia Beach area continues to attract strong advertiser demand due to its unique mix of urban density, military presence, growing tourism economy, and economic diversification. With the integration of Chesapeake Outdoor, Adams is well-positioned to meet this demand with increased scale, operational efficiency, and a continued commitment to premium service and community engagement.
Max Drachman of Drachman M&A Co. represented Adams Outdoor in the transaction.
About Adams Outdoor Advertising
Adams Outdoor Advertising is the nation’s fourth-largest out-of-home advertising company and is privately held. A leader in the industry, Adams delivers high-impact, creative advertising campaigns across key U.S. markets. With a focus on innovation and strategic growth, the company connects brands with audiences through a premium portfolio of static and digital billboards.
Adams Outdoor Advertising
Melissa Moberg
704-909-7250
Mmoberg@adamsoutdoor.com
Jan 13 (Reuters) – T-Mobile US said on Monday it has agreed to acquire Vistar Media, a real-time outdoor advertising technology provider, for about $600 million, in an all-cash deal.
The deal would strengthen the telecom provider’s advertising business by giving a foothold in the digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising market, as brands transition from static billboards to more creative and engaging digital screens.
Should you run more YouTube Ads or buy billboards in your markets?
A few years ago, many marketers would have dismissed the idea of choosing OOH over digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok or Instagram. However, the situation has changed dramatically and marketers face the dual challenge of capturing consumer attention while also driving long-term brand performance, all while grappling with tightening budgets.
Four Weeks of Engagement Across 25 Markets for the Cost of One Super Bowl Ad
As brands gear up for the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched advertising events of the year, the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) makes the case for Digital Out of Home (DOOH) as a smarter, longer-lasting alternative. For the same $7 million spent on a fleeting 30-second Super Bowl spot, DOOH delivers 7.5X greater reach and 10X better CPM value, offering unmatched impressions and cost efficiency in the top 25 U.S. markets.
Place Exchange recently released its semi-annual Programmatic OOH Trends Report, analyzing US programmatic OOH spending patterns in H2 2024 compared with H1 2024. Here are some of the key takeaways and drivers behind the growth of programmatic OOH. Place Exchange recently released its semi-annual Programmatic OOH Trends Report, analyzing US programmatic OOH spending patterns in H2 2024 compared with H1 2024. Here are some of the key takeaways and drivers behind the growth of programmatic OOH.
Digital OOH drives momentum with 7.5% increase, OOH revenue increases 4.5% from previous year
WASHINGTON, DC — Out of home (OOH) advertising revenue surpassed $9.1 billion in 2024, a 4.5% increase from the previous year, according to newly released data from the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the leading trade group representing the entire OOH advertising industry. This is the first time OOH advertising revenue has exceeded the $9 billion mark in the history of the medium.
Digital OOH (DOOH) accounted for 34% of total OOH ad spend and grew by 7.5% in 2024, reinforcing its role as a major growth driver. While DOOH continued to fuel industry momentum, OOH also saw gains across key segments, including Billboards, Transit, and Street Furniture. Transit led the category growth with a 10.6% increase.
In 2024, half of the top ten advertising product industries grew by double digits, including (in order of percentage growth): Communications, Government Politics & Organizations, Retail, Automotive Dealers & Services, and Local Services & Amusements. Notably, political advertising generated record OOH spending in a presidential election year.
“This marks the first time OOH revenue has exceeded $9 billion, signaling the continued strength and momentum of out of home advertising,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “As brands double down on innovation and creativity, OOH remains a powerful driver of engagement across industries. The ongoing adoption by technology and direct-to-consumer brands underscores the channel’s expanding influence. This research reinforces what we already know—OOH is delivering results at every level, from hyperlocal activations to national and global campaigns.”
OOH Ads Drive Awareness, Interest, and Action
OOH advertising is a vital marketing tool for these five key product categories by influencing consumer behavior. Whether it’s job seekers responding to employment ads, consumers purchasing beverages, personal care products or a new home, or diners exploring new restaurant experiences, OOH ads drive engagement and action between brands and consumers.
By focusing on key details such as pricing, benefits, and product features, OOH campaigns can maximize engagement and influence audience behavior in highly effective ways.
Source: The Harris Poll, OAAA
Published: April 28, 2025
KALAMAZOO, MI — An eye-catching campaign is usually a successful one.
Allison Leece hopes that’s the case with the latest Disability Network Southwest Michigan campaign.
There’s no doubt it’s eye-catching.
This past month, it started popping up on 14-by-48-foot billboards towering over downtown Kalamazoo, and along U.S. 131 and I-94 with a gigantic “#DWord” as the dominant visual. The billboards were made possible by Adams Outdoor Advertising, who donated the space to the nonprofit for 2025.
The idea is to make viewers pause. That’s after all, the intent behind the message, said Leece, the communications and outreach manager with DNSWM.
If people follow the billboard’s suggestion and visit dwordpride.org, they can learn more about the campaign, which states emphatically: “Disability is not a bad word.”
“For a long time, people have shied away from using the term ‘disability’ because they don’t want to be offensive,” Leece said. “People don’t know that it’s an OK thing to talk about disability. So, they use euphemisms or words that make them feel better like special needs or handicap-able.
“We just want people to know that there’s nothing wrong with saying ‘disability.’ The more we talk about it, the more normalized and accepted disability becomes. It’s not a bad thing to have a disability, so just say the word. That’s kind of our goal behind the campaign.”
Our creative team has been at it again! Slaying another design for YOUR 1 PLUMBING TEAM, Plumb Pro +. Reach and engage the masses by using Charleston’s Sequential units!
It’s Here: OOH Today’s Annual Top Women Driving Growth in Out of Home for 2025
Last year, we celebrated 24 women making a significant impact on the OOH industry in 2024. In 2023, we highlighted 24 trailblazing women, and in 2022, we honored 22 women making a difference. This year, we proudly recognize another 25 exceptional women for their achievements in outdoor advertising.
March is Women’s History Month, and at OOH Today, we believe that amplifying diverse voices should be a daily commitment, not just an annual event. While this award celebrates women’s accomplishments once a year, the push for inclusion and equity in our industry should be ongoing.
Diversity is not a checkbox. Progress has been made, but there’s still more work to do in promoting women—especially women of color—to C-suite positions, recognizing their contributions, and providing them with the same nurturing and growth opportunities that men often receive. Men are frequently promoted based on potential, while women are promoted based on results—and sometimes overlooked entirely.
These women have overcome obstacles and excelled, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication. But the question remains: Should they have to work this hard to receive the recognition they deserve? What are you doing to support the women in your organization? Are you challenging outdated mindsets and fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered?
With that in mind, let’s celebrate and learn more about these incredible women.
Our objectives for 2025 are all about growth, innovation, and putting our people first. We’re focused on continuing to expand our presence in key markets, exploring new growth opportunities, and strengthening our footprint in various markets.
At the core of everything we do is our commitment to supporting our clients—helping them find the best solutions to meet their needs and ensuring that Adams is their go-to partner for impactful outdoor advertising. We’re dedicated to delivering high-quality inventory, strategic insights, and creative opportunities that drive real results.
Equally important is our people-first culture. We want Adams to be a place where our employees love coming to work every day—a company that fosters growth, collaboration, and excitement. We believe that when our people thrive, our business thrives, and that energy translates into better experiences for our clients and communities.
2025 is going to be a year of momentum, and we’re ready to take Adams to the next level!
The top 10 OOH creative executions that came to our attention last week.
Have you seen stellar work out there?
The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is unveiling the shortlist for the 83rd Annual OBIE Awards, celebrating creative excellence and innovation in out of home (OOH) advertising. For more than eight decades, the prestigious OBIE Awards have set the benchmark for outstanding OOH creative — highlighting the intersection of artistry, technology, and strategic storytelling while spotlighting award-worthy work that is shaping the future of the industry.
As part of this year’s celebrations, American Express will be inducted into the OBIE Hall of Fame, recognized for its enduring legacy of bold, visually striking campaigns that have set a high bar for creativity in OOH advertising. For decades, American Express has leveraged OOH to drive consumer engagement, blending innovative storytelling with impactful placements that resonate across audiences. From iconic billboards to immersive brand experiences, the globally integrated payments company continues to push the boundaries of the medium, reinforcing its role as a leader in marketing and brand connection.
The 2025 OBIE Awards shortlist recognizes 117 finalists across 28 categories, selected from a record-breaking pool of submissions. This year’s finalists showcase the power and impact of OOH in today’s evolving media landscape, pushing creative boundaries and redefining audience engagement. Spanning categories from experiential activations to digital innovation, the selections highlight the adaptability and creativity that make OOH an essential force in modern marketing.
Under the leadership of Joe Sciarrotta, Deputy Chief Creative Officer Worldwide at Ogilvy, the 2025 OBIE Awards jury featured an esteemed panel of creative leaders, brand visionaries, and marketing experts. Tasked with selecting the most exceptional OOH campaigns, the panel evaluated work that exemplifies artistic excellence, strategic impact, and technological ingenuity.
Each year, OAAA members vote to induct a brand into the OBIE Hall of Fame, honoring a legacy of creative excellence in OOH. This year, American Express joins past honorees such as Apple, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’, reinforcing its status as a brand that continues to set the standard in OOH advertising.
The highly anticipated Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum OBIE winners will be revealed live on Tuesday, May 6th during the 2025 OOH Media Conference—an evening dedicated to celebrating and inspiring the industry’s top creative minds. The conference will bring together industry leaders to explore the future of OOH, emerging trends, and the impact of data-driven creativity. Featuring powerful keynotes, dynamic discussions, and a celebration of the industry’s most impactful work, it’s an event not to be missed. Register at ooh2025.com.
Adams Outdoor Advertising
