Love them or hate them, the vast number of billboards across the US display the power of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), which works to promote the interests of the outdoor advertising industry. The OAAA focuses its efforts on government relations, marketing communications, membership, and operations. It hosts an annual national convention, as well as conferences dedicated to legal, legislative, and operations issues of interest to members. The association also provides free advertising space for charitable causes and non-profit groups. Founded in 1891, the trade association has about 1,000 member companies.