Editors Note

Welcome to this issue of Digital Display Insider! In this issue, we will be giving you valuable information as you navigate the mobile digital billboard (M.D.B.) startup process.

This week, we’re exploring creative ways to use your MDB truck beyond traditional advertising campaigns. While advertising remains the core of most operations, thinking outside the box can open up new revenue streams and strengthen your community connections. From nonprofit partnerships and parades to tailgates and movie nights, these ideas not only bring in higher returns but also showcase the incredible versatility of MDB trucks. Let’s dive into the possibilities and discover how you can maximize the potential of your truck.

M.D.B. Startup Focus

When most people think of mobile digital billboards (MDBs), advertising campaigns are the first thing that comes to mind—and for good reason. They’re one of the most effective tools for targeted, on-the-go advertising. But what if I told you there are ways to use your MDB truck that go far beyond traditional ads? Thinking creatively about how to deploy your truck can open up new revenue streams, enhance community engagement, and even build relationships with people who could later become advertising partners.

At Lead Innovations, we’ve had great success using our trucks for unconventional purposes like college football tailgates, summer parades, and outdoor movie nights. These uses not only drive additional revenue but also showcase the flexibility and value of MDB trucks in unique ways. Let’s take a closer look at some creative options you can incorporate into your own operations.

Nonprofit and Community Support

One of the most rewarding ways to use your MDB truck is by partnering with nonprofits for their big fundraising events. Nonprofits love using the truck to showcase videos outside, creating an engaging visual experience that draws attention to their cause. It’s also a fantastic way to give sponsors additional value by scrolling their logos on the screen throughout the event. This creates a win-win situation where the nonprofit enhances its event, and sponsors get more exposure.

For example, for nearly 8 years, the Omaha chapter of the American Heart Association has used our LED truck for their annual Heart Walk to display sponsor ads and show a pre-walk video of their Chairman.

During the 50 Mile March, we used our truck as the safety vehicle at the back of the convoy. The rear-facing screen displayed messages to warn drivers to slow down for the walkers ahead, adding a crucial layer of protection that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. These types of partnerships not only help nonprofits but also position your truck as a valuable asset to the community.

Parade Entries

Parades are a staple of summer events in most communities, and MDB trucks are a showstopper as a parade entry. Customers can play full video content on the screens while blasting high-energy music over the truck’s speaker system to engage and excite the crowd. Compared to the cost of building a float, renting an MDB truck is often more affordable—and delivers a far bigger impact. Parade attendees are much more likely to remember a truck that lights up with dynamic visuals and music than a traditional float.

These features make MDB trucks a popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to stand out and leave a lasting impression at parades. Offering this service can set your operation apart and create new revenue opportunities, especially during parade season.

Tailgate and Movie Night Events

In college football towns or regions with passionate fan bases, tailgates are an excellent opportunity to deploy MDB trucks. We’ve used our trucks to broadcast games at tailgate locations around stadiums or at businesses hosting employee or customer appreciation events. The ability to display the game on a massive screen adds excitement to any gathering and creates memorable experiences for attendees.

Similarly, movie nights are another creative use for MDB trucks. Businesses, neighborhoods, and even local governments can rent the truck to host outdoor movie nights, offering a fun and unique way to engage their communities. Whether it’s a family-friendly film in a neighborhood park or a company using it as part of a customer appreciation event, these events showcase the versatility of the truck and often attract sponsorship opportunities as well.

Expand Your Thinking, Expand Your Business

These examples only scratch the surface of what your MDB truck can do beyond traditional advertising. From tailgates and parades to nonprofit partnerships and movie nights, the possibilities are nearly endless. Best of all, renting the truck as an outdoor LED video wall commands a much higher rate than advertising, meaning the ROI for these services can far exceed traditional ad campaigns. For the time invested, these creative uses can significantly boost revenue while expanding your truck’s reputation in the community.

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate these ideas or brainstorm other creative uses, join the conversation in our Facebook group or schedule a consultation. There’s no limit to what your MDB truck can achieve when you think outside the box.

Useful Tools: Samsara Dash Cam and GPS Tracking System

Running an MDB business means juggling safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction, all while managing the challenges of a moving operation. Since 2019, we’ve been using the Samsara Dash Cam and GPS Tracking System, and it has repeatedly proven its value. From providing peace of mind to protecting our investment, this tool has become an essential part of our operations.

The system includes a dual-facing AI dash cam that records both the road ahead and the truck’s interior, offering a complete view of each trip. This has saved us on multiple occasions from being falsely accused of driver misbehavior or wrongdoing. In one instance, the driver-facing camera helped us successfully dispute a fuel issue with a gas station, saving us thousands of dollars. Samsara has also provided critical evidence of driver misconduct, helping us fight and win unemployment claims.

Samsara’s real-time GPS tracking is another invaluable feature. It allows operators to know exactly where their trucks are at all times, making route optimization simple and efficient. The AI-driven safety alerts add another layer of protection by detecting risky driving behaviors like harsh braking or distracted driving, with immediate in-cab audio feedback to encourage safer habits.

For MDB operators, the value of these trucks makes it critical to have a reliable system like Samsara in place. It not only ensures safety and accountability but also provides the owner with peace of mind, knowing they have the tools to protect their business. Whether you’re managing one truck or a growing fleet, Samsara’s technology is a practical and powerful way to elevate your operations.

From The Vault: Husker Tailgate Success with Nebraska Realty

Here in Nebraska, Husker football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Tailgates are a time-honored tradition, and every year, this area of our business continues to grow. One client that has become a cornerstone of our Husker tailgate season is Nebraska Realty, who has trusted us for the past four years to help make their annual agent and family appreciation event unforgettable.

Each fall, Nebraska Realty goes all out, creating an event that their agents and their families look forward to year after year. They bring in two of our LED trucks as the centerpiece of the gathering, displaying a live game broadcast on the side screens while rotating partner logos on the rear screen. The event also features food trucks, bounce houses, face painters, cotton candy machines, and draws a crowd of 400–500 guests. It’s a full day of fun, camaraderie, and Husker pride, showing their agents how much they’re valued.

For us, this event is more than just a great partnership—it’s a highly profitable one. The cost to provide our trucks for the day is relatively low compared to the revenue it brings in, making it a win-win for both Nebraska Realty and Lead Innovations. It’s a reminder of how MDB trucks can go beyond traditional advertising to create memorable experiences for clients, all while driving significant returns for operators.

As the popularity of Husker tailgate events grows, so does the potential for creative partnerships like this one. Whether it’s bringing families together, celebrating employees, or rallying around a shared love of football, these events showcase the versatility of MDB trucks and the value they bring to every client.

Bonus Content

Curious about the revenue potential of using your MDB truck beyond traditional advertising? Join our free Facebook group to access the bonus video, where I discuss pricing strategies for creative services like tailgates, movie nights, and parades!

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