INTERNATIONAL VISITORS CAN RELY ON INSIGHTFUL PROGRAMS, USEFUL SERVICES AND EFFECTIVE RESOURCES!
International Programs & Services Global Leadership SummitWednesday, April 7, 2010
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Orange County Convention Center, South Building
The ISA Global Leadership Summit, hosted by ISA, is a forum for international affiliate leadership. This event will provide a free exchange of ideas, strategy and analysis on the role of sign associations in the industry. We will work together to determine short-term and long-term synergies that will allow us to serve the industry globally.
If you are a leader within a sign association in your country or if you are an industry leader outside of the United States, you may request an invitation to this event during the registration process. If you have already registered, you may e-mail Sapna Budev at sb@signs.org for an invitation. This is a valuable opportunity for sign industry leadership around the world to meet and network with ISA staff, board and committee members.
Register for Sign Expo 2010!
Global Sign ForumThursday, April 8, 2010
4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Orange County Convention Center, South Building
The Global Sign Forum has consistently been rated as the best networking opportunity for anyone interested in international connections. For more than 10 years, the forum has drawn hundreds of industry leaders from more than 30 countries to discuss matters of importance in the global sign industry, including future trends, environmental and regulatory issues. Several attendees have opened business negotiations during the reception and most have made strong new friendships.
Hosted by Sapna Budev, ISA’s international relations manager, and ISA’s International Committee, the forum gives international attendees an opportunity to gather and exchange information and opinions on the issues and problems common to the sign industry around the world.
If you would like to participate in the Global Sign Forum, you must select it during the registration process. ISA limits the attendance to 120 people and the forum has sold out for the past 4 years.
International Commerce Center
Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - Saturday, April 10, 2010
Orange County Convention Center, South Building, next to main registration
ISA will again offer the International Commerce Center to all international attendees. Network with colleagues, check e-mail and conduct business meetings in private.
The lounge area includes free Internet connections, telephones, beverage service and private meeting space. Interpreters will be available to help facilitate meetings and conversations. If you are interested in buying or exploring specific products on the exhibit hall floor, please use the planning tools available on My Show Planner.
Be sure to look for updates about networking opportunities such as meeting the ISA International Committee and industry and association leaders from around the world. You can meet the executives of sign associations in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, Latin America and North America. You can also get involved with your local chapters and find out how your association works with ISA. Learn about ISA's international programs and services and give us your suggestions to help your business grow.
Interpreters/TranslationISA will have interpreters available at the International Registration Desk located in the lobby of the Convention Center and in the International Commerce Center. These individuals will be happy to assist you in conversations with exhibitors or attendees. There will be staff fluent in Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese.
If you require additional assistance, or would like to hire a dedicated interpreter, you may contact Sapna Budev at sb@signs.org. Useful Resources
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International Demographics ISA INTERNATIONAL SIGN EXPO IS THE SIGN INDUSTRY'S SIGNATURE GLOBAL EVENT.Sign professionals from 100+ countries attend ISA Sign Expo!The annual ISA International Sign Expo is the largest sign show in the world. It has been named to Tradeshow Week magazine's prestigious Tradeshow Week 200 list as one of the largest expositions in the United States for four consecutive years. Exhibitor Statistics:2009 International Sign Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada
Total exhibitors: 494 companies; 1561 booths; 5140 individuals
International exhibitors: 114 companies; 256 booths; 798 individuals 2008 International Sign Expo, Orlando, Florida
Total exhibitors: 583 companies; 1947 booths; 6329 individuals
International exhibitors: 120 companies; 286 booths; 1023 individuals Attendee Statistics:2009 International Sign Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada
Total attendees: 12,485
International attendees: 3149 from 95 countries (25% of total attendees). Geographic Distribution:
North America (28%), Asia (26%), Latin America (22%), Europe (13%), Caribbean (4%), Oceania (3%), Africa (2%), Middle East (2%) 2008 International Sign Expo, Orlando, Florida
Total attendees: 13,442 attendees
International attendees: 3793 from 112 countries (28% of total attendees). Geographic Distribution:
Latin America (30%), Asia (25%), North America (22%), Europe (12%), Caribbean (6%), Africa (3%), Oceania (1%). Middle East (1%) Where in the World?
At ISA, we have collected a rich amount of international attendee and exhibitor demographics and statistics over the past 7 show cycles. The top 10 represented countries have remained the same: Canada, Mexico, China, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Germany and Taiwan.
The representation does change depending on our venue (either Las Vegas or Orlando). In Orlando, the highest international representation comes from Canada, China, Mexico, Korea, Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela. In Las Vegas, the most attendees are from Canada, China, Mexico, Korea, Japan and Brazil. These countries all have attendance in the triple digits. There are 4 countries that have showed a consistent growth in attendees from 2003-2009, despite any adverse economic conditions: China, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago and Romania. We have also asked our exhibitors and attendees of their level of interest in international trade. In 2009, 220 exhibiting companies (45%) were interested in doing business internationally. The majority would like to build relationships in Asia, North America, Latin America, and Europe (in that order). There were 3,646 attendees interested in international trade (29%). The top company types reflected in this response were Custom Sign Company (14%), Digital Sign Company (13%), Distributor (11%) and National Sign Company (9%).
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Visa Information ISA PROVIDES RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR TRIP TO SIGN EXPO AS HASSLE FREE AS POSSIBLE.You must be registered for ISA Sign Expo 2010 to receive a visa invitation letter.
Once you are registered for ISA Sign Expo 2010, you will automatically receive an electronic and mailed copy of your visa invitation letter. With recent changes in the immigration laws, it may take longer to apply for a visitor visa. In addition, wait times for a visa interview can be several weeks or more in many countries, especially during peak travel periods. As a result, we strongly urge you to register to attend the 2010 International Sign Expo as soon as possible. Click here to create a personalized visa letter. Unfortunately, ISA cannot provide any financial support for travel, registration fees or local expenses. These helpful tips may make your visa interview process easier: - Complete all information requested by International Sign Expo to process your letter of invitation.
- Schedule an appointment with your embassy as soon as you receive your visa letter. Make your appointment early as wait times can be long in some countries. Please request your letter of invitation before making your appointment and make sure you have your letter available for your interview.
- Verify fees and requirements. Go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html to find out about visa fees and the methods of payment accepted by the embassy or consulate. The website also contains information on other requirements such as photographs.
- Be sure to complete all official documents. Answer all questions completely. Do not use "Not Applicable" or "N/A" on your forms. If the answer is in the negative, use "No," "Nil" or "None."
- Show proof of "strong ties" that bind you to your country of residence. The Consular Officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of "strong ties" includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.
- If you have traveled to the United States previously, provide documentation demonstrating you returned to your country on time. For example, use an airline ticket stub/boarding pass that shows your return flight or meeting materials that show you attended a business conference.
- With your application, include any materials the International Sign Expo may have sent you. Include with your application any printed conference materials, such as your registration confirmation, to prove the show is a legitimate business event. Present your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.
Getting a visa is easy if you are prepared. Interviews typically last no more than five minutes, and the questions are related to confirming your travel plans and ties to your home country. But remember, wait times can be long for visa processing. Remember these 3 easy steps!
1. Register for ISA Sign Expo
2. Get your visa letter
3. Make your visa interview appointment as soon as possible
More information on obtaining a temporary visa. Locate your nearest embassy or consulate. To download a copy of the visa invitation letter, please click here.
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Hotel & Travel Look OUT! ISA and Travel Planners are teaming up to save you time and money.Lock in your reservation at Orlando's best hotels.
Make your reservations today!
Booking through Travel Planners is the only way to receive these exclusive ISA 2010 benefits:
- Low rates beat any you’ll find on the Internet or through calling the hotel directly.
- Immediate confirmations - no waiting or wondering.
- You may update or even cancel your hotel reservations with no fees or penalties up to February 3, 2010.
- Travel Planner's detailed knowledge of the area hotels help you choose the perfect hotel.
Prefer to book via telephone? No problem. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents are ready to take your calls Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET at (800) 221-3531 or (212) 532-1660.
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International Business LOOK HERE FOR RESOURCES ON DOING BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY!Find an Exhibitor
Industry Organizations Worldwide
International Trade Links
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Frequently Asked Questions - Why should I attend the ISA International Sign Expo?
- When is the exhibit hall open?
- How much does it cost to attend?
- What is the schedule of events for Sign Expo 2010?
- Where is Sign Expo 2010 located?
- How do I make hotel reservations?
- How do I register?
- How do I request a visa invitation letter?
- When do I receive my badge?
- Will there be seminars in languages other than English?
- Will there be interpreters available at the show?
- How do I rent a scooter or a wheelchair?
1. Why should I attend the ISA International Sign Expo?
The International Sign Association's International Sign Expo is the largest sign show in the world serving the on-premise sign industry. With the largest array of sign industry and digital imaging products available, valuable educational programs and priceless networking opportunities, this is where visual communications professionals gather annually to support industry growth and energize the global marketplace. Learn more about the ISA International Sign Expo.
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2. When is the exhibit hall open?
Thursday, April 8: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 9: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 10: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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3. How much does it cost to attend the trade show?
Before March 25, 2010: ISA members: $15 nonmembers: $30
After March 25, 2010: ISA members: $25 nonmembers: $40
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4. What is the schedule of events for Sign Expo 2010?
View the most up-to-date Schedule of Events.
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5. Where is Sign Expo 2010 located?
ISA International Sign Expo 2010 will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center, South Building. The convention center is located 15-20 minutes from Orlando International Airport on International Drive.
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6. How do I make hotel reservations?
Book your housing through ISA’s official partner, Travel Planners. View more information on available hotels in close proximity to the convention center.
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7. How do I register to attend the Expo?
There are 3 convenient ways to register: online, via fax or mail.
or read more about registration. Top of FAQs
8. How do I request a visa invitation letter?
You must be registered for the ISA International Sign Expo to receive a visa invitation letter. Once you have registered, a visa invitation letter will be sent to you via e-mail and postal mail.
or read more about registration.
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9. When do I receive my badge?
As soon as you register, you will receive an e-mail confirming your registration. If you registered before March 12, 2010 (March 5, 2010, for international attendees) you will receive your badge in the mail. If you don't receive your registration materials in the mail, please bring your e-mail confirmation to expedite retrieving your badge on site.
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10. Will there be seminars in languages other than English?
Currently, ISA does not offer education sessions in languages other than English. If you are interested in translated programs, please e-mail education@signs.org with the topics and languages you would like ISA to offer.
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11. Will there be interpreters available at the show?
Yes. There will be interpreters fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin and Korean. They will be located in the ISA International Commerce Center and at the International Registration Desk when you enter the convention center.
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12. How do I rent a scooter or a wheelchair?
Scootaround is proud to be the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for the ISA Sign Expo. While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance! To reserve your equipment, call (888) 441-7575 or click here to submit a rental inquiry form.
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