Michael ‘Mike’ Tyquin, co-founder of goa Billboards, and his brother Brian, founder of Outdoor Systems, were honoured last night in Sweden for their outstanding contributions to the out-of-home (OOH) industry with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by FEPE, the worldwide association of outdoor advertising companies.

The first Australian recipients of the award, Mike and Brian were recognised for their outstanding contribution to OOH in Australia over their 50-plus years in the industry at the 58th FEPE International Conference held in Stockholm, Sweden.

The event has seen delegates and industry professionals gather from all over the world, each with their unique viewpoints on how OOH will continue to thrive.

Each year, the congress recognises four individuals, presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award, Leadership Award, Technical Innovation Award and Creative Award.

Appearing in Stockholm to collect the award in person, Mike expressed to his peers that he was “very honoured and humbled” to receive it.

Having worked in OOH for over 50 years, Mike’s nomination for this award is a testament to his significant impact on the evolution and growth of outdoor within Australia, since his start in the industry back in 1959.

Starting in the street poster business, Mike purchased a small company in 1959 which became Australia Posters in 1970 and later, the development of new technologies in the 1980s saw the introduction of digitally printed vinyl skins that allowed a production quality not obtainable previously.

Mike is a co-founder of goa Billboards which started back in 1983, operating out of a humble shed in Bowen Hills, Brisbane. Today, goa is Queensland’s largest billboard and signage company and launched Australia’s first digital billboard network in 2009.

goa is still family owned and operated, with Mike’s three sons managing the day-to-day running of the business.