2009 ISA International sign expo a huge success - points to a strong sign industryApril 18, 2009 (Alexandria, VA) - The International Sign Association (ISA) today called its 2009 International Sign Expo “a resounding success,” noting that it was their best show ever, despite facing what are daunting economic odds. The Expo included participants from 92 countries, proving it is truly a global event. Nearly 18,000 people met at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, to experience the latest in technology, educational offerings and networking opportunities. The exhibit hall featured 500 companies, staffing nearly 1,600 exhibit booths.
“The sign industry is still strong,” remarked ISA SVP of Trade Shows Brian McNamara, at the close of the show. “Our exhibitors have overwhelmingly reported strong business leads, and many saw their sales projections exceeded early on at the show.”
ISA echoed the sentiments of their exhibitors’ success, as ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson noted, “To experience a show of this magnitude in the midst of what has been a monumental economic crisis, speaks volumes on a robust and resilient sign industry.”
Also in conjunction with ISA’s show, the association announced the launch of its International Sign Academy, a new program providing year-round education, workforce training and professional development for the sign industry. Nearly 1,900 individuals participated in the Expo’s 40 Discovery Seminar Series courses, obtaining the latest information and training on sales and marketing, management, digital imaging, safety issues, digital electronic signage, and graphic arts and design. For more information, please visit www.signs.org/signacademy.
The show also presented the inaugural New Product Showcase, which featured the latest in innovative sign technologies, highlighting exhibiting companies’ most recent products. More than 200 attendees voted on the “Coolest New Product.” Tred Displays, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, won for their iN-Series Reflective Digital Display Panels. Visit www.treddisplays.com for more information.
One notable networking event, other than the 225,000 net square feet of exhibit space, was the Custom and National Sign Company Division Meeting. More than 400 sign company representatives attended this recession-busting networking event, which connected national and local sign companies to forge business relationships.
Another new event taking place on the exhibit hall floor, which drew enormous crowds, was the first annual Lowen Certified Wrap-Off. This contest was produced by the Lowen Corporation, in conjunction with the International Sign Association. The wrap-off took place throughout the course of the show, and watched 48 professional vehicle wrap installers compete to win many prizes, including a Ford F-250 truck. The grand prize winner was Dustin Shelley-Newnan, with It’s a Wrap Graphics, Inc. For more information, please visit the Lowen Wrap-Off website.
“Now more than ever, the International Sign Expo proved to be a quality experience for the industry’s buyers and sellers,” noted ISA Chairman Roy Cox.
About ISA: The International Sign Association (ISA) is a 2,600-member trade association. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and users of on-premise signs and sign products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA supports, promotes and improves the worldwide sign industry, which employs or directly impacts over 250,000 American workers and more than $49 billion in annual shipments.
Contact: Sarah Singleton, ISA Senior Manager of Communications, (703) 836-4012 ss@signs.org.
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ISA announces its 63rd annual INTERNATIONAL SIGN expoApril 13, 2009 (Alexandria, VA) -The ISA International Sign Expo is more than ever the meeting point of the entire international supply chain for the on-premise sign industry, bringing together hundreds of sign suppliers and distributors to exhibit sign industry products, services and technologies to a vast audience of sign manufacturers.
Alternating each year between Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada, the annual event ranks onTradeshow Week magazine's prestigious top 200 list as the 106th largest trade show in the U.S. In 2009, the exposition returns to Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, in Las Vegas with educational and networking events taking place April 15-18 and the exhibit hall open April 16-18.
ISA’s Expo is the premier platform to conduct domestic and international business in the sign industry. The annual event is also the most cost-effective and efficient way to do business, shop for new products and services, and stay on the cutting-edge of sign industry technology.
“The ISA Sign Expo offers an unmatched opportunity to meet, in person, with thousands of prospective qualified buyers,” said ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson. “It is also a unique, one-stop-shop for previewing the newest technologies and products that are revolutionizing the way signs are made and distributed.”
In addition to a massive exhibit hall, ISA presents an exciting new event, its New Product Showcase. Taking place Friday, April 17, from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m, 25 exhibitors will present exciting new products being unveiled at the Expo this year. Participants in this exciting event will have the opportunity to vote for the “Coolest New Product of 2009,” and the winner will be recognized during ISA’s Closing Party, Saturday, at the conclusion of the show.
As the industry faces looming concerns about a slow economy and sluggish retail growth, ISA emphasizes the scope of its annual exposition, the diversity of its exhibitors and attendees, and the wealth of unique educational opportunities available to participants.
Roughly 20 percent of exhibitors and 14 percent of attendees travel from outside of the U.S. to the show, and that percentage continues to grow each year.
“Last year, we hosted nearly 4,000 individuals representing 111 countries outside the United States,” Lori said, noting that the Las Vegas show tends to draw strongly from companies operating in the Pacific Rim. "With a weaker U.S. dollar, it is more cost-effective than ever for overseas buyers to travel stateside for events like ours."
ISA's Sign Expo offers an unrivaled slate of industry-specific educational programs, as well, with expert-led sessions focusing on topics such as graphic design, sign code legislation, business management, sales and marketing, technology and more. The ISA Discovery Seminar Series features interactive forums, hands-on workshops and seminars and Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available for many seminars.
For a complete list of exhibitors and events, or to register, visit www.signexpo.org.
About ISA
The International Sign Association (ISA) is a 2,600-member trade association. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and users of on-premise signs and sign products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA supports, promotes and improves the worldwide sign industry, which employs or directly impacts over 250,000 American workers and more than $49 billion in annual shipments.
Contact: Sarah Singleton, ISA Senior Manager of Communications, (703) 836-4012, ss@signs.org.
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NEW ISA INTERNATIONAL SIGN ACADEMY OFFERS ONGOING EDUCATION CREDITS FOR SIGN PROFESSIONALSApril 13, 2009 (Alexandria, VA) - The International Sign Association (ISA) announces the launch of its International Sign Academy, a new program providing education, workforce training and professional development for the sign industry. ISA announces the educational program in conjunction with its premier event, the ISA International Sign Expo, April 15-18, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Sign Academy offers sessions designed specifically for sign manufacturing company owners, employees and other industry professionals, with programs focused on a variety of topic areas, including: installation/service; production/fabrication; design; sales and marketing; project management; estimating; business management; electrical and structural; and “green” technology.
Content for each of the sessions provides a unique opportunity for individuals to enhance their knowledge and skills, which in turn provides value to their company. Offered in a variety of formats, including interactive online webinars, in-person seminars, and Sign Expo education sessions, the courses help to increase productivity, improve performance and augment participating businesses’ bottom line.
Unique to the International Sign Academy is the new Professional Development Unit (PDU) component, which allows participants to earn credit for their coursework.
“The new PDU program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and designate those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practices of various positions within the sign industry,” said ISA Director of Education and Training Tracey Cook. “Folks who complete ISA’s continuing education programs will acquire the essential knowledge they need to become a productive employee, an asset to a sign company, and a positive influence on their company’s bottom line.”
In addition, said Cook, any individual participating in a PDU qualified program will receive the personal enrichment and recognition they deserve for improving their quality of life through continuing education programming.
“Company enrichment and increased value is, clearly, as important as individual accomplishments,” she said. “Companies that receive quality training and recognition will gain a competitive advantage over those that do not.”
The PDU credits help companies to differentiate themselves by promoting such recognition and records of accomplishment in their company profile, on bids for work, in company marketing literature, on company websites and more, explained Cook.
International Sign Academy programs will be held throughout the year online and in locations around the country. To learn more, visit www.signs.org/signacademy.
About ISA
The International Sign Association (ISA) is a 2,600-member trade association. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and users of on-premise signs and sign products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA supports, promotes and improves the worldwide sign industry, which employs or directly impacts over 250,000 American workers and more than $49 billion in annual shipments.
Contact: Sarah Singleton, ISA Senior Manager of Communications, (703) 836-4012, ss@signs.org.
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ISA ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF ITS 2009 SIGN DESIGN COMPETITIONApril 13, 2009 (Alexandria, VA) - The International Sign Association (ISA) today announced the winners of its 2009 Sign Design Competition. The contest recognizes sign projects designed and installed in 2008. The entries, which were judged in mid-February at ISA’s headquarters in Alexandria, Va., showcased a variety of sign types and designs.
The 2009 winning entries are:
Grand Prize - Best in Show:
Herm Medina
Young Electrical Sign Company
Denver, Colorado
First Place Winners:
Commercial/Electric Category
Herm Medina
Young Electrical Sign Company
Denver, Colorado
Architectural/Sign Systems/Wayfinding Category
Constantine Moussis
Enseicom, Inc.
Lachine, Quebec
Traditional/Historic Category
Eric E. Larsen
Empire Sign, LLC
Auburn, Michigan
Honorable Mentions were also awarded:
Nathan Hamric
TubeArt Signs
Seattle, Washington
Chris Mohan/Todd Galvin/Mark Ritenour/Larry Cohen
Young Electric Sign Company
Las Vegas, Nevada
Lynne Holton
Poblocki Sign Company, LLC
West Allis, Wisconsin
Peter Lee
Superior Electrical Advertising, Inc.
Long Beach, Cailfornia
Maui Francis
Natural Graphics, Inc.
Houston, Texas
The panel of judges for this year’s contest is as follows:
• Bart Michorzewski, an expert sign designer at Gelberg Signs in Washington, D.C.
• Paul Mickus, Principal and Creative Director at Pixelpoint Design and Production, LLC, in Bristow, Va.
• Kenny Peskin, ISA’s State and Local Government Affairs manager, who's family has been in the sign industry since 1918.
“The judges were impressed with the high quality of the signs this year,” said ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson. “Given the breadth and depth of their industry experience, it was fascinating to listen as they debated the merits of each entry.”
Anderson noted that the judges took into consideration such details as composition, construction, daytime and nighttime appearance, as well as how well the sign incorporated into the building design.
“All of the entries were impressive, but the best in show award went to Young Electrical Sign Company because their entry so effectively and elegantly incorporated an electronic message center into a traditional form of signage,” explained Anderson. “The grand prize winner stood out from the pack both because of the difficulty of the fabrication of the sign and because the sign so clearly states what the business does.”
Sign Design Competition winners will be recognized and awarded plaques at ISA's Annual Membership Meeting and Keynote Luncheon, taking place Friday, April 17, 2009, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the ISA International Sign Expo at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. For information about the trade show, visitwww.signexpo.org. To learn more about programs and services offered by ISA, visitwww.signs.org.
View Sign Design Winners
About ISA
The International Sign Association (ISA) is a 2,600-member trade association. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and users of on-premise signs and sign products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA supports, promotes and improves the worldwide sign industry, which employs or directly impacts over 250,000 American workers and more than $49 billion in annual shipments.
Contact: Denise Miller, ISA Manager of Communications, (703) 836-4012, denise.miller@signs.org.
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ISA SIGN EXPO OFFERS MORE BANG FOR MARKETING BUCK IN TOUGH ECONOMYDecember 11, 2008 (Alexandria, VA) - The ISA International Sign Expo 2009 (April 15-18 in Las Vegas) is more than ever the meeting-point for the entire international supply chain for the on-premise sign industry. Each year, the event brings together sign suppliers and distributors to showcase sign industry products, services and technologies to a vast audience of sign manufacturers. The upcoming event is tracking well, as ISA has sold more than 1,700 booths to more than 430 companies, outpacing booth sales in the same time period for the 2008 Expo (1,696 booths; 420 companies).
The annual event, which alternates between Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas, Nev., ranks on Tradeshow Week magazine's prestigious top 200 list as the 106th largest trade show in the U.S. In 2009, the exposition returns to Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas with educational and networking events taking place April 15-18 and the exhibit hall open April 16-18.
“Exhibiting at an industry leading show like ISA’s Sign Expo becomes even more important during a recession,” said Sam Lippman, president of Integrated Show Management & Marketing and producer of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum and Large Show Roundtable. “At a minimum exhibiting protects market share; your presence announces your corporate strength.”
Lippman, who has managed large graphics industry tradeshows including CES, Graph Expo and Print, adds that exhibitors get more for their investment than just a booth.
“The upside to exhibiting during a recession is it offers the rare opportunity to take customers from competitors that have cancelled or downsized their exhibits,” he said.
“During a recession, trade shows like Sign Expo become an even better value,” Lippman added. “Your company can reduce its travel costs because customers and prospects will travel to see you at industry leading shows.”
The quality of attendees at the top shows tends to increase as companies focus on cutting costs, because they will be sure to send their top decision makers.
With looming concerns about a slow economy and sluggish retail growth, ISA emphasizes the scope of its annual exposition and the diversity of its exhibitors and attendees.
“ISA Sign Expo 2008 attracted nearly 20,000 attendees and showcased 1,952 exhibit booths, representing 563 companies demonstrating the newest technologies in the electronic sign, printing and graphics industries,” said ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson. “The packed exhibit hall featured 130 more booths than in 2007, and we anticipate similar growth in 2009.”
Since its debut in 1947, the ISA International Sign Expo has been breaking records in exhibit sales and attendance, and expanded its reach on a global scale. Roughly 20 percent of exhibitors and 14 percent of attendees travel from outside of the U.S. to the show, and that percentage continues to grow each year.
“Last year, we hosted nearly 4,000 individuals representing 111 countries outside the United States,” Anderson said, noting the Las Vegas show tends to draw strongly from companies operating in the Pacific Rim. "With a weaker U.S. dollar, it is more cost-effective than ever for overseas buyers to travel stateside for events like ours."
The enormous popularity of the ISA International Sign Expo mirrors the growth the sign industry itself has experienced over the last 60 years. The advent of digital print imaging has largely contributed to this expansion of the sign industry, which continues to grow through advancements and innovations in digital technology.
In addition, ISA's Sign Expo is the best place to get up to speed on important industry issues and trends. Learning opportunities abound at the show, with educational programs focusing on topics such as graphic design, sign code legislation, business management, sales and marketing, technology and more.
The ISA Discovery Seminar Series features interactive forums, hands-on workshops and seminars and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.
Online registration is open now. Rates for admission to the exhibit hall are $15 for ISA members and $30 for nonmembers, prior to April 2, and $25 for members and $40 for nonmembers onsite during the event. dditional fees apply for seminars and keynote speaker presentations.
To reserve exhibit space, contact Mellisa Cooper at (703) 836-4012. For a complete list of exhibitors and events, or to register, visit www.signexpo.org.
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ISA SIGN EXPO 2009 EMPHASIZES ROLE AS PREMIER SHOW FOR SIGN INDUSTRY SUPPLY CHAINNovember 6, 2008 (Alexandria, VA) - Registration is now open for the International Sign Association's premier event, the International Sign Expo, returning in 2009 to Las Vegas, Nevada, April 15-18. This enormous trade show is now, more than ever, the prime location for sign industry professionals to gather and conduct business. Each year, the International Sign Association's show brings together sign suppliers and distributors to exhibit sign industry products, services and technologies to a vast audience of sign manufacturers.
The annual event, which alternates between Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas, Nev., ranks on Tradeshow Week magazine's prestigious top 200 list as the 106th largest trade show in the U.S. In 2009, the exposition returns to Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas with educational and networking events taking place April 15-18 and the exhibit hall open April 16-18.
“Face to face contact with potential customers is the single most effective way to accelerate the selling cycle and influence a sale, especially in a tough economy,” said ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson. “The ISA Sign Expo offers an unmatched opportunity to meet, in person, with thousands of prospective qualified buyers.”
With looming concerns about a slow economy and sluggish retail growth, ISA emphasizes the scope of its annual exposition and the diversity of its exhibitors and attendees.
“ISA Sign Expo 2008 attracted nearly 20,000 attendees and showcased 1,952 exhibit booths, representing 563 companies demonstrating the newest technologies in the electronic sign, printing and graphics industries,” said Anderson. “The packed exhibit hall featured 130 more booths than in 2007, and we anticipate similar growth in 2009.”
Since its debut in 1947, the ISA International Sign Expo has been breaking records in exhibit sales and attendance, and expanded its reach on a global scale. Roughly 14 percent of exhibitors and 20 percent of attendees travel from outside of the U.S. to the show, and that percentage continues to grow each year.
“Last year, we hosted nearly 4,000 individuals representing 111 countries outside the United States,” she said, noting the Las Vegas show tends to draw strongly from companies operating in the Pacific Rim and Latin America. "With a weaker U.S. dollar, it is more cost-effective than ever for overseas buyers to travel stateside for events like ours."
The enormous popularity of the ISA International Sign Expo mirrors the growth the sign industry itself has experienced over the last 60 years. The advent of digital print imaging has largely contributed to this expansion of the sign industry, which continues to grow through advancements and innovations in digital technology.
In addition, ISA's Sign Expo is the best place to get up to speed on important industry issues and trends. Learning opportunities abound at the show, with educational programs focusing on topics such as graphic design, sign code legislation, business management, sales and marketing, technology and more.
The ISA Discovery Seminar Series features interactive forums, hands-on workshops and seminars and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.
Online attendance registration is now open. Rates for admission to the exhibit hall are $15 for ISA members and $30 for nonmembers, prior to April 2, and $25 for members and $40 for nonmembers after April 3 and on-site during the event. Additional fees apply for seminars and keynote speaker presentations.
For a complete list of exhibitors and events, or to register, call (703) 836-4012 or visit www.signexpo.org.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE SIGN INDUSTRY’S PREMIER EVENTOctober 13, 2008 (Alexandria, VA) - The International Sign Association (ISA) is preparing for another record-breaking International Sign Expo, as the event returns to Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada, for 2009. ISA has already sold more than 85 percent of its exhibit space, and expects to break its records in exhibit space for the fifth consecutive year. The annual event is among the largest trade shows in the nation, ranking on Tradeshow Week magazine's prestigious top 200 list as the 106th largest trade show in the U.S., and climbing. Since the show's debut in 1947, the ISA International Sign Expo has been breaking records in exhibit sales and attendance, and expanded its reach on a global scale.
“We expanded the size of the Vegas exhibit hall in square footage this year. To have sold out more than 85 percent of an expanded show floor this early is a very good sign for the show, and for the sign industry,” said ISA SVP or Trade Shows Brian McNamara.
ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson agreed. “The International Sign Expo is showing no signs of slowing down in its return to Las Vegas for 2009,” she noted. Anderson credits signage for the unique role it plays in the market: “Even during tough economic times, when marketing dollars are scarce, a sign plays an even more critical role in promoting a company’s product or services.”
At ISA International Sign Expo 2009 in Vegas, expect to see more nearly 2,000 exhibit booths, showcasing the latest technologies, products and services the sign industry has to offer. Visit the official show Expo website, www.signexpo.org, for all show information and mark your calendar to attend the sign industry’s premier event, April 15-18, 2009, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas, Nev. Educational and networking events will take place April 15-18 and the exhibit hall will be open April 16-18. Register here to attend ISA International Sign Expo 2009.
To exhibit at the ISA International Sign Expo, please contact Mellisa Cooper at mellisa.cooper@signs.org or (703) 836-5685.
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ISA WRAPS UP ITS BIGGEST SIGN EXPO EVER!March 31, 2008 (Alexandria, VA) - The International Sign Association (ISA) today called its 2008 International Sign Expo "the biggest sign show ever." Held March 26-29, 2008, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the event drew large crowds and - for the fourth consecutive year in a row - boasted more exhibit booths than any previous Expo. In addition, this year's event hosted thousands of international visitors in Orlando, with a total of 3,723 individuals representing 111 countries outside the U.S.
ISA Sign Expo 2008 attracted nearly 20,000 attendees and showcased 1,952 exhibit booths, representing 563 companies demonstrating the newest technologies in the electronic sign, printing and graphics industries. The packed exhibit hall featured 130 more booths this year than in 2007.
"The feedback I received from exhibitors this year was overwhelmingly positive," said ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson. "The quantity and quality of exhibitors reflects a diverse and thriving industry."
ISA Senior Vice President Brian McNamara has seen the ISA Expo trade show floor grow from 100 booths to the nearly 2,000 booths in the past 25 years. He attributes the evolution of the trade show in size and scope to the upward trajectory of the sign industry itself, as new technologies have redefined the nature of the sign industry.
“Advances in technology have continuously revolutionized the sign industry," McNamara said. "The Expo is more than just a platform for networking; it is where business gets done. It is the premier platform to conduct domestic and international business in the sign industry."
ISA delivered its unparalleled slate of educational sessions at the Expo, through its always popular Discovery Seminar Series, with a total of 1733 seats sold for 36 educational sessions and discussion forums. Nearly 100 people arrived early to ISA's Pre-Conference Workshops that took place a day before the exhibit hall opened. In addition, ISA hosted 48 students from two Orlando-area vocational schools.
More than 75 percent of the show floor space has been reserved for the 2009 International Sign Expo, scheduled for April 15 - 18, 2009, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
The ISA International Sign Expo is the premier trade show serving the sign industry. Sign suppliers and distributors exhibit sign industry products, services and technologies to a vast audience of sign manufacturers. The annual event, which alternates between Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas, Nev., ranks on Tradeshow Week magazine's prestigious top 200 list as the 106th largest trade show in the U.S. Since the show's debut in 1947, the ISA International Sign Expo has been breaking records in exhibit sales and attendance, and expanded its reach on a global scale.
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