International Visitors Can Rely on Insightful Programs, Useful Services and Effective Resources!


International Programs & Services

Interpreters/Translation

International Demographics
Visa Information
Hotel & Travel
Find an Exhibitor
Industry Organizations Worldwide
International Trade Links

International Programs & Services

Global Sign Forum
Friday, March 23: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The 14th annual Global Sign Forum will take place on Friday, March 23, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Global Sign Forum has consistently been rated as the best networking opportunity for anyone interested in international connections. For the past 13 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 worldwide trends in signage, environmental and regulatory issues. The attendees of this forum are usually 70% international and 30% American. Several attendees have opened business negotiations during the reception and this setting has been recommended as the best place to form important and lasting international partnerships.


The forum gives the global sign community an opportunity to gather and exchange information and opinions on the issues and problems common to the industry around the world.

International Commerce Center
Thursday, March 22, 2012 – Saturday, March 24, 2012

ISA will again offer the International Commerce Center to all attendees. Network with international colleagues, check e-mail and conduct business meetings in private with an interpreter. The lounge area includes free Internet connections, 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 Expo Plan.


Be sure to look for updates about networking opportunities such as meeting 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/Translation

ISA will have interpreters available at the International Registration Desk located in room N220 of the convention center and in the International Commerce Center. These individuals will be happy to assist you in conversations with exhibitors or attendees. ISA will have interpreters fluent in Spanish and Mandarin.

Useful Resources


International Demographics

ISA International Sign Expo is the Sign Industry's Signature Global Event.
Sign professionals from more than 90 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.

International Exhibitor Statistics:

2011 International Sign Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada

Total exhibitors: 558 companies; 1953 booths; 6095 individuals
International exhibitors: 158 companies; 363 booths; 1193 individuals


2010 International Sign Expo, Orlando, Florida

Total exhibitors: 495 companies; 1601 booths; 5243 individuals
International exhibitors: 117 companies; 280 booths; 886 individuals


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


International Attendee Statistics:

2011 International Sign Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada/p>

International attendees: 4,352 from 95 countries (23% of total attendees).
Geographic Distribution: Latin America (34%), Asia (10%), North America (33%), Europe (10%), Caribbean (4%), Oceania (3%), Africa (12%), Middle East (1%)


2010 International Sign Expo, Orlando, Florida

International attendees: 2,201 from 87 countries (19% of total attendees).
Geographic Distribution: Latin America (33%), Asia (29%), North America (20%), Europe (10%), Caribbean (7%), Oceania (1%), Africa (1%), Middle East (1%)


2009 International Sign Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada

International attendees: 3,149 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

International attendees: 3,793 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 9 show cycles. The top 10 represented countries have remained the same: Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Australia and Germany.

The representation does change depending on our venue (either Las Vegas or Orlando). In Las Vegas, the highest international representation comes from Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea and Argentina. In Orlando, the most attendees are from Canada, China, Mexico, Korea, and Brazil. These countries all have attendance in the triple digits.

There are 4 countries that have showed a consistent growth in attendees from 2003-2011, despite any adverse economic conditions: China, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago and Romania.


Visa Information

You must be registered for ISA Sign Expo 2012 to receive a visa invitation letter.

 

Once you are registered for ISA Sign Expo 2012, if you are an attendee, you will automatically receive an electronic and mailed copy of your visa invitation letter. Or, generate your own personalized PDF here that you can print and submit to your embassy.

 

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 2012 International Sign Expo as soon as possible.

  • 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, we recommend that you apply for your visa as early as possible and preferably before January 6, 2012.


Remember these 3 easy steps!
1. Register for ISA Sign Expo
2. Get your visa letter. If you are an attendee, one will be sent to you automatically. If you are an exhibitor, you must a visa invitation letter. There are two options for your request:
  • Option 1: Submit this form and ISA will print and mail your letter to you. You will be responsible for all mail fees and be required to provide payment and/or account information for UPS or FedEx.
  • Option 2: Generate your own personalized PDF that you can print and submit to your embassy.
3. Make your visa interview appointment as soon as possible

For information on obtaining a temporary visa: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Locate your nearest embassy or consulate: www.usembassy.gov


Hotel & Travel Information

Click here to make a hotel reservation.


Find an Exhibitor

 

Industry Organizations Worldwide

 

International Trade Links