Mindset Media, the market research and ad technology company that sets the standard in psychographic measurement and targeting, has announced the results of a study on consumers' attitudes toward spending and the economy.

The study revealed a segment of optimistic, creative and action-oriented consumers who believe that their families will be better off financially in the coming year. These "Recession-Proof Spenders" appear primed to open their wallets on gifts and entertaining this holiday season, despite lingering challenges in the general economy.

"Surprisingly, Recession-Proof Spenders range from the modest to the super affluent," said JB Brokaw, Executive Director of Market Development at Mindset Media.

"It's their personalities that make them different. Demographics miss this vital holiday target. The only way to reach Recession-Proof Spenders is with MindsetTargeting."

According to the study, four Mindsets distinguished Recession-Proof Spenders from the general population:

Optimism
Highly optimistic people, or Optimism 5s in Mindset Media parlance, see the glass as being half-full. They never fail to look on the bright side of things, no matter how bleak the current situation. People count on them to cheerfully look forward to what the future will bring.

Dynamism
Dynamism 5s (highly dynamic people) thrive on being where the action is. They see and do more in a typical day than many would dream of doing in a week, or even a month. They believe the only place to be is in the thick of it; never on the sidelines.

Creativity
Highly creative people (Creativity 5s) are both inventive and imaginative. Creativity 5s also tend to be emotionally sensitive and intellectually curious.

Leadership
Those who score high in Leadership (Leadership 5s) truly have the personality of a modern leader. They have ideas and vision, and their style with others is both inclusive and decisive.

"This is great news for online media planners," said Brokaw.

"Adding a MindsetTarget of Recession-Proof Spenders to any online plan will reach people wired to spend this holiday season."

Analysis by BIA/Kelsey indicates digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising, which leverages spending trends toward digital media, hyperlocal, personalization and engagement metrics, is poised to be the next major growth area in local advertising.

BIA/Kelsey forecasts DOOH advertising revenues to grow from $2.2 billion in 2009 to $3.7 billion in 2013, representing a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 percent. During the same period, traditional out-of-home (OOH) advertising revenues will only grow at a CAGR of 1.4 percent, from $4.4 billion in 2009 to $4.6 billion in 2013.

DOOH comprises digital billboards and place-based digital networks, which the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) defines as follows:

Digital billboards are static roadside displays that rotate advertising messages every eight to 10 seconds.

Place-based digital networks are often indoors and positioned in commercial areas where groups of people congregate. Place-based digital networks carry both video content and static advertisements.

In a recent report on DOOH ("Digital Out of Home: Hyperlocal and Hyper Growth?"), BIA/Kelsey notes there are more than 2,100 outdoor advertising companies in the United States. The newer digital segment has more types of companies and is much less concentrated and faster growing than OOH. The OOH advertising industry is heavily concentrated with just three firms earning 85 percent of traditional billboard revenues. Billboards account for 66 percent of all OOH revenues. The remaining 15 percent of the market is highly fragmented.

"OOH is relatively easy to plan and buy since it is so concentrated," said Rick Ducey, chief strategy officer, BIA/Kelsey.

"DOOH must get easier to plan, buy and measure in order to reach scale. With consolidation, partnerships and interoperable platforms, we see the buying process becoming more integrated, which will spur growth."

The outlook for DOOH is among the local advertising topics on the agenda at BIA/Kelsey's upcoming conference, Interactive Local Media 2009 (ILM:09) in Los Angeles, California. The program features a session titled "Digital Out-of-Home: Expanding the Interactive Experience for the Consumer," which will cover the emergence of the "fourth screen" for audience engagement through video screens at gas stations, on city buses, on roadside billboards, in-store, and in venues such as bars and restaurants, health clubs and public spaces. Moderated by BIA/Kelsey's Ducey, this session will include panelists Adam Bleibtreu, CEO, Retail Media Co.; Stephen Randall, CEO, LocaModa; and Lori Schwartz, Senior VP and Director, Interpublic Emerging Media Lab. Brian Buchwald, Executive VP, Local Integrated Media & NBC Everywhere, NBC Universal, is also expected to touch on DOOH during his keynote address on day two, in which he will share his company's local strategy and perspective on the future of Web-infused TV.

ILM:09 is BIA/Kelsey's annual conference devoted to digital media with a local focus. The theme for this year's event is "Monetizing the Local Opportunity," and the agenda will cover a range of important topics, including local social media, local search and mobile search. Conference sponsors include 3L System Group, Acxiom, AgendiZe, Amdocs, Exalead, Kenshoo, Local.com, Local Matters, Localeze, Marchex and MatchCraft. Association partners include Association of Directory Publishers (ADP), International Classified Media Association (ICMA) and Yellow Pages Association (YPA). Media partners include AIM Group, TVover.net and YP Talk.