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Experiencing ISA International Sign Expo ‘08
The International Sign Association (ISA) returns to Orlando, Florida, this March 26-29, 2008, as its record-breaking ISA International Sign Expo ’08 takes place at the Orange County Convention Center. Not only is this one of the biggest sign shows of the year, but it’s also one of the biggest tradeshows of the year, jumping 15 places to 106th in Tradeshow Week magazine’s prestigious “Tradeshow Week 200” list. This is the fifth consecutive year the event has appeared on the list (climbing in position each year).
The event is a heady mix of education, exhibits, demonstrations, and networking opportunities. (Education opportunities will be held March 26-29, while the exhibit floor will open its doors March 27-29.) The Expo will offer CEUs (continuing education units), pre-conference workshops (New Business Owners: How to Navigate Through the Sign Industry; International Business Workshop; Pre-conference Workshop Luncheon; and Women of the Industry Leading the Way: Connect, Communicate, and Commit), and the Discovery Seminar Series (divided into tracts such as Technical, Legislate, Digital Imaging, Sales/Marketing, Hands On, Management, Graphic Arts/Design, and Digital Signage).
There’s going to be a lot of information distributed and digested at this high-profile show, and it’s important that if you’re attending, you get the most return on investment from attending. But does one do that?
Over the past year, we’ve printed (online and in the magazine) recommendations and advice from representative of the leading sign shows in the country—Lightfair, SGIA ’07, and USSC Sign World USA. This month, we’re pleased to present a question-and-answer session with ISA President Lori Anderson about what to expect when attending this month’s show.
Please explain the education value of ISA Sign Expo ’08
Anderson: The hundreds of people who participate in ISA’s Discovery Seminar Series will operate more professionally, productively, profitably, and responsibly as a result of the skills and knowledge gained by attending one or more of the many sessions available.
The Sign Expo offers members a “one stop” shop—tradeshow plus training. Some of the biggest issues addressed will be:
* Recycling lighting containing mercury;
* Energy conservation;
* The future of the industry—understanding the trend and preparing your business for the future;
* Digital imaging and signage; and
* Model sign codes for communities and sign businesses
What are some of the hottest trends you expect on the floor of this year’s ISA Sign Expo ’08?
Anderson: While most exhibitors unveil their new products at the show, we expect to see refinements in digital printing equipment and inks. We’ve got close to 2,000 booths this year, so you’ve got to come and walk the floor to see what’s new! Also check www.signexpo.com for exhibitor press releases.
Do you have any advice as to how to best plan one’s time to get the most from ISA Sign Expo ‘08?
Anderson: I suggest every attendee utilize MySignEXPO, to get the most from the experience. This Web tool will:
* Identify exhibitors and other attendees who best meet your business goals;
* Locate the products you want to see to stay current with the growing sign industry;
* Find educational sessions to increase your business knowledge;
* Build a personal show agenda of meetings, products and sessions that are important to you; and
* Create a personalized map showing the locations of the exhibitors, products and sessions you've chosen to visit
How do you suggest sign makers/graphics providers network at ISA Sign Expo ‘08?
Anderson: Once you register, make sure to maximize your use of MySignEXPO to plan your time.
What advice do you have for first-timers attending ISA Sign Expo ‘08?
Anderson: Come early and stay late! The show is big, so use MySignExpo to create your personalized map before you even step foot on the show floor.
Whether this is the first ISA show you attend or if you’ve attended multiple times, we hope this advice will better help you navigate through the exhibits and opportunities that you’ll find waiting for you. If you will be attending, we look forward to meeting you there!
Special thanks to Lori Anderson for taking the time to answer our questions and to Laurie Kusek for setting up the interview.
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