Cheers to 100 Years of Ankünder: A Toast for the Future!
Ladies and gentlemen, gather round! Ankünder, the Austrian outdoor advertising juggernaut, just celebrated the milestone of their centenary at the Congress Graz—now that’s what you call a *long-lasting impression*! We’re talking 100 years of putting out their best ads, which makes me wonder: What were they advertising in 1924? Less screen time and more “Please Rewind the VHS!”?
In attendance were some hefty industry heavyweights and regional celebrities, including Graz Governor Christopher Drexler and Jean-François Decaux, co-CEO of JC Decaux. Decaux couldn’t help but gush over Ankünder’s success. Apparently, the secret to their triumph lies in the flawless cooperation between Paris, Vienna, and Graz—kind of like a continental love triangle, but with fewer awkward dinners and more billboards!
Now, let’s break down the finances for a second. Turns out, JC Decaux holds a lovely 33.3 percent stake in Ankünder through Gewista—so they’re basically the cool, sophisticated partner in this outdoor advertising relationship. The rest belongs to Holding Graz, which, for those of you keeping score at home, also owns Stadtwerke Graz. Talk about keeping it in the family.
During his, if I may say, *brilliantly* delivered laudatory speech, Governor Drexler congratulated Ankünder on their rich history and gave them a little something extra—a brand-new Styrian state coat of arms. That’s right, folks! Ankünder officially has swankier décor than most Austrian households. Just imagine a billboard below that proudly says, “Now Officially Recognized by the State!”
Elke Kahr, the Mayor of Graz, pitched in her two cents, emphasizing the vital role of outdoor advertising in Graz. She specifically highlighted projects that add value—like the recently unveiled disaster warning system. I mean, if your advertisement can save lives while simultaneously trying to sell me a new pizza place, now that’s what I call multitasking!
Founded in 1924, Ankünder has grown to operate over 6,000 advertising media in Styria alone. Under the stewardship of managing directors Dieter Weber and Bernd Schönegger, they’re also branching out into Slovenia and Croatia. It’s about time they took their charm across borders! Also, a little bird told me they’re expanding their digital out-of-home (Dooh) screens—most recently at the Seiersberg Shopping City. Orcus interuptus—nothing says “buy one, get one free” like a digital screen flashing before your eyes, right?
So, as Ankünder embarks on its next 100 years, two cheers to them! Here’s to more billboards, more ads nestled in your daily commute, and to finally convincing the masses that *yes*, your discount shoe store is *definitely* more important than the weather forecast. Congratulations, Ankünder — I can’t wait to see what you put on our streets next!
The Austrian outdoor advertising pioneer Ankünder proudly marked its 100th anniversary during a grand celebration at the Congress Graz, where a distinguished gathering included both industry luminaries and local dignitaries. Among the notable attendees was Graz Governor Christopher Drexler, alongside Jean-François Decaux, the co-CEO of the global advertising giant JC Decaux, who took a moment to commend the achievements of the Styrian firm. Decaux emphasized the vital significance of collaborative efforts that extend beyond regional boundaries, linking Paris, Vienna, and Graz in a network of outdoor advertising excellence.
JC Decaux holds a significant 33.3 percent stake in Ankünder through its subsidiary, Gewista, while the remainder is owned by Holding Graz, which also encompasses Stadtwerke Graz, reinforcing a strong partnership in the region.
In a heartfelt congratulatory speech, Governor Christopher Drexler celebrated the firm’s remarkable century-long journey and awarded Ankünder with the esteemed Styrian state coat of arms, witnessed by an audience of 350 guests. In a gesture of goodwill, all honored guests were gifted a selection of posters, including rare pieces from the esteemed poster collection housed at the Styrian State Archives.
Elke Kahr, the Mayor of Graz, emphasized the crucial role that outdoor advertising plays within the city’s landscape, particularly spotlighting initiatives that enhance community welfare, such as the recently launched disaster warning system now integrated into all DooH media platforms implemented by Ankünder.
Founded in 1924, Ankünder operates an impressive portfolio of 6,000 advertising media throughout Styria under the stewardship of managing directors Dieter Weber and Bernd Schönegger. In addition to its regional presence, the company has made investments in other Austrian federal states and has expanded its reach into neighboring Slovenia and Croatia. Recently, Ankünder has also made strides in the digital out-of-home (DooH) sector, unveiling new digital screens in the Seiersberg Shopping City to enhance its advertising offerings.
Advertisement
Interview with Dieter Weber, Managing Director of Ankünder
Editor: Congratulations on Ankünder’s 100th anniversary! What does reaching this milestone mean to you personally and to the company?
Dieter Weber: Thank you! It’s a tremendous occasion for us—100 years of connecting people with brands through outdoor advertising. Personally, it reflects the passion and dedication that every team member has brought into this company. It’s a celebration of not just our history but also of our commitment to innovation and quality in the future of advertising.
Editor: At the celebration, several key figures highlighted the importance of cooperation between cities and countries. Can you elaborate on that?
Dieter Weber: Absolutely! Our success over the past century is largely attributed to this collaborative spirit. Working closely with partners in Paris, Vienna, and Graz has enabled us to share resources, insights, and expertise, which has enriched our campaigns. It’s about creating synergies where everyone benefits, particularly the clients and communities we serve.
Editor: You mentioned expanding into Slovenia and Croatia. What can we expect from Ankünder as you move into these new markets?
Dieter Weber: We’re excited about these expansions! We plan to bring the same innovative approaches that have defined our work in Styria. That means introducing engaging outdoor advertising solutions that resonate with local audiences. We’re also looking to enhance our digital out-of-home offerings, as we believe this is the future of advertising.
Editor: Governor Drexler presented Ankünder with the Styrian state coat of arms. What does this recognition mean for your brand?
Dieter Weber: It’s an honor to be acknowledged in such a significant way. The state coat of arms represents our commitment to quality and reliability. It’s a badge of pride, reinforcing our position as a trusted advertising partner in Graz and beyond. We’re thrilled to wear it as we continue to grow and innovate.
Editor: what’s your vision for the next 100 years at Ankünder?
Dieter Weber: My vision is to transform how outdoor advertising is perceived and utilized. We want to harness technology to create more interactive and impactful experiences for consumers. Our aim is to enrich daily commutes with advertisements that not only inform but also entertain and engage. Cheers to the next chapter of Ankünder!
Editor: Thank you, Dieter! We look forward to seeing what you and your team will achieve in the years to come!
Bring our unique approach to outdoor advertising into these new markets by not only offering our established formats but also adapting to local tastes and preferences. We will focus on community-driven campaigns that resonate with the people there, while also integrating innovative digital solutions that enhance the advertising experience. It’s about creating meaningful connections with the audiences in Slovenia and Croatia, just as we have in Austria.
Editor: Digital out-of-home (Dooh) advertising seems to be a focal point for Ankünder moving forward. What innovations can we expect in this realm?
Dieter Weber: We see huge potential in Dooh, as it allows for dynamic content and immediate engagement. Expect to see more interactive screens that not only display ads but also provide real-time information, such as weather updates or local news, which can greatly enrich the viewing experience. The screens at Seiersberg Shopping City are just the beginning; we aim to expand this technology across our media portfolio to enhance the effectiveness of our campaigns.
Editor: Ankünder has definitely left a mark over the past century. As you look to the future, what challenges do you foresee, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Dieter Weber: The advertising landscape is always changing, particularly with the rapid evolution of technology and consumer habits. Staying ahead of these trends is crucial for us. Our strategy will be to continue investing in innovation, focusing on sustainability, and leveraging data analytics to better understand our audience. By being adaptable and forward-thinking, we can ensure that we remain a leader in the outdoor advertising sector.
Editor: Lastly, with all the developments and changes, what is one thing you hope the public associates with the Ankünder brand in the next 100 years?
Dieter Weber: I hope that people will see Ankünder as not just an advertising company, but as a vital part of the community—one that enhances their daily lives through engaging, informative, and responsible advertising. We want to be known for our commitment to quality and creativity while also playing a positive role in society. Here’s to the next 100 years!
Editor: Thank you, Dieter. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for Ankünder, and congratulations once again on this remarkable milestone!
Dieter Weber: Thank you! We’re looking forward to the journey ahead!
