TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Month’s SBI Trivia Question Stumper:
In what year was the SEGD (Society for Environmental Graphic Design) founded?
For the answer, scroll to the bottom of the newsletter.
|
|
Industry News
[[HOT TOPIC]] 2009 SEGD Conference + Expo "Blurs the Boundaries" in San Diego
San Diego, a city where cultures converge and where design, public art, branding, and placemaking blend in a gorgeous setting, is the venue for the 2009 SEGD Conference + Expo May 27-30.
"Blurring Lines, Crossing Borders, Ignoring Boundaries," is the theme for the annual event, the only international conference focused on communications in the built environment.
"It's a fitting theme not only for San Diego, but for the environmental graphic design community and design in general," says Amy Owen, 2009 conference chair, SEGD director, and Gensler senior associate.
"Design is increasingly global, pan-disciplinary, multi-media, and amorphous, defying all of the traditional boundaries," she explains. "Where does architecture stop and graphic communication begin? What's the difference between exhibition design and retail store design? How will new media affect design in the built environment?"
The 2009 program celebrates the dynamic, category-defying state of design today with an engaging schedule of presentations, panels, social events, and SEGD's signature Workshops on Wheels that allow busy professionals to get out in the world and experience design projects first hand.
Program headliners include design journalist Carl Alviani (coroflot.com and Core77); Eric LaBrecque, whose firm Applied Storytelling developed Detroit's new "DBrand"; Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford, who will focus on innovation; and Moira Gemmill, director of projects, design, and estate for London's venerable-but-daring Victoria & Albert Museum. Other speakers include industrial designer Stuart Karten on ModeMapping, SmashLAB founder Eric Karjaluoto on social media, Luis Fitch of Uno on designing for the Hispanic market; curator and researcher Matthias Hank Haeusler on dynamic environments; and Craig Hanna of Thinkwell on creating compelling stories and environments.
Workshop tours will include the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Louis I. Kahn's masterpiece in La Jolla, San Diego's diverse historic neighborhoods, Chicano Park and its storied murals, and Tijuana, Mexico. Technical workshops include specifications and implementation, software, and materials for wayfinding and exhibition design. The conference also includes a one-day Expo, during which attendees can mingle with over 70 targeted product and service sponsors and meet project collaborators with expertise in EGD and related projects.
Other conference highlights include the naming of the 2009 SEGD Fellow, SEGD Excellence Awards, and winners of the 2009 SEGD Design Awards Program. The conference will also focus a series of presentations on the current economic climate, including a leadership panel called "Surviving in a Tough Economy: Rules for the New Terrain." Other sessions will focus on business and marketing strategies and best practices during a down economy. "We're in a very challenging economic time, and we realize our conference needs to provide real-world strategies for dealing with it," says Owen. In addition to the programming, conference organizers streamlined workshops, tours, and events to minimize costs.
"We recognize that it takes a substantial investment to attend a professional conference, and we've spent a lot of time looking at ways to cut costs and making sure that our conference delivers an excellent value," says Nazie Dana, SEGD's director of conference and meetings. All-inclusive conference registration fees are lower than last year's, and SEGD is offering other incentives including a 15% early-bird rate and a free third night at the conference hotel with two paid nights.
For attendee and exhibitor information or to register online, visit SEGD's 2009 conference website, www.blurring-lines.com.
Digital Signage Ban Killed in California
A proposed statewide moratorium to ban digital billboards for two years in California was defeated on April 30th in the general assembly's Government Organizations Committee. Although AB 109 targeted digital billboards and specifically exempted electronic message centers, the language in the bill was still vague enough to alarm the on-premise sign industry. A coalition made up of the off-premise sign industry, end user associations and groups like the California Sign Association and ISA fought against the bill and made sure that it was killed before it even made it to the floor of the California state assembly. The defeat of AB 109 was not only a victory for digital signage in general, but also for the general principle that limiting this innovative type of advertising technology makes no sense in such difficult economic times.
Contact David Hickey at david.hickey@signs.org for more information.
New PDAA Web site Connects Imagers and Installers
The Professional Decal Application Alliance (PDAA), representing today's leading graphic installers, recently launched its new Web site to expand services and support for the printing and installing industries.
"Uniting imagers and installers provides total imaging solutions for the SGIA community," said Michael Robertson, SGIA's President and CEO. "PDAA and SGIA members now have access to essential resources to help maximize their business potential."
PDAA core tools and services include:
-- Unbiased Training and Certification: Take advantage of installer training courses and certified testing from objective, experienced instructors. PDAA Master Certified members represent an elite group of graphic installers who have achieved the highest degree of industry recognition and expertise.
-- Find an Installer Search: Check out the most comprehensive list of qualified installers. All PDAA members are highlighted in the online database and easily accessible to the SGIA community.
-- Business Management Solutions: A variety of tools are available to help companies increase profitability potential, marketing efforts and control costs.
"Following its merge with SGIA, PDAA has become a more robust, interactive group," said Dan Marx, SGIA's Vice President of Markets and Technologies. "The new Web site is a viable resource to help installers develop business opportunities as well as increase visibility in the broader SGIA community."
Founded in 1976, PDAA consists of leading US graphic installation and wrap companies. The organization strives to develop strong relationships with vinyl manufacturers and other key players in the vinyl graphic community. PDAA welcomes all levels of graphic installers and continually researches the latest products, advancements and tools for its members.
National Minority Franchising Initiative Names FASTSIGNS to Top 25 Franchises for Hispanics
The National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI) has compiled its annual list of the Top 25 Franchises for Hispanics, and FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers, was selected by the NMFI to the #12 spot on the list.
The NMFI develops the list based on a rigorous analysis of several factors, including historical performance, brand identification, franchisee satisfaction, training, on-going support and financial stability. Another important determinant is the percentage of existing franchises that are Hispanic-owned, as well as the number of Hispanics in the franchisor's top levels of management.
"Based on the results of this year's survey, we are extremely pleased to notice both the increase in the number of Hispanic-owned franchisees, as well as the increased Hispanic representation among the top management. There is no question that the franchising community is increasingly aware of the economic power and underlying talents within the Latino community. Over time, Latinos will realize their full potential and the playing field will indeed be level. Hopefully, that day is not far off," notes NMFI co-founder Rob Bond.
"It's an honor to be listed among the Top 25 Franchises for Hispanics," said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "As the economy struggles to rebound and more and more people are looking at the option of running their own business or becoming part of a franchise network, it is our responsibility to ensure that our current and prospective franchisees are fully equipped with the most up-to-date products, services and training to ensure their success. Businesses need the products and services we sell. We are committed to our proved selection process, bringing in qualified, motivated and driven franchisees to offer the FASTSIGNS product to their local businesses and organizations."
McDonald's Launches Indoor Digital Signage Network
After running two trials of digital signage in Las Vegas and Norwalk, California, McDonald's is launching their branded TV channel in 20 restaurants around the country. This pilot program is being powered by Harris Digital Solutions, a digital signage program put out by Harris Corporation.
According to a press release, the company will manage, monitor, and play out digital broadcast-quality video content for the McDonald's Channel, with content that includes entertainment, infotainment, messaging, and advertising to enhance the customer experience, reinforce the McDonald's brand, and broadcast focused promotional campaigns. ChannelPort Communications will manage and coordinate the overall implementation of the channel on behalf of McDonald's.
For the network, Harris utilizes their InfoCaster technology to drive broadcast-quality video content to displays installed throughout each restaurant. The new systems are designed around file-based workflows that merge broadcast television technology and IT infrastructure. The systems will be designed and managed by Harris Broadcast Communications and Harris IT Services, and Harris IT Services will supervise the entire operation from the Harris Advanced Media Center in Melbourne, Fla. Managed services include reception of programming and interstitial content, quality assurance, content scheduling for every display in the network, and remote monitoring for each location.
"The McDonald's-Harris relationship has been essential to getting this project to the pilot stage," said Brad Hunter, West Division marketing officer for McDonald's. "It is comforting to know that Harris can manage this end-to-end platform, allowing McDonald's to focus on the day-to-day operation of its restaurants. "The three parties anticipate a pilot of several months and will then evaluate the potential for a wider rollout."
--Lori Andreozzi
New Appointments
Bridgelux, Inc.,
a U.S. lighting company and leading supplier of energy-saving LED-based light sources, announced the promotion of David Barnby to vice president of worldwide sales. Barnby will manage the company's worldwide sales team and distribution network. He will report directly to Bridgelux CEO, Mark Swoboda.
Meetings and Events
MAY
May 27 - 30: The Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) 2009 Conference & Expo. San Diego, CA. For information, visit www.segd.org/conference/index.html
JUNE
June 2 - 4: The Commercial Construction Show, Phoenix, Arizona. 770-781-2501. www.cc-show.net
June 22 - 23: United Applications Standards Group testing will take place at 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota. 612-209-9703. www.uasg.org
Sponsored Links
Radocy Inc. --
For over 50 years, Radocy Inc. has been a sign industry source for telescopic cranes that are user friendly, cost effective and dependable. www.radocy.com
This Month's Trivia Answer:
Founded in 1973, the Society for Environmental Graphic Design is the global community of people working at the intersection of communication design and the built environment.
|
|
For in-depth coverage of these topics and other
sign industry topics, check out
www.signshop.com
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the June 2009 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Dimensional Monuments
Fluorescent Lighting
Inflatables Installation
LED Power Supplies
Vehicle Graphics Software
Vinyl Lamination
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the July 2009 Readership Survey issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Awning Installation
Digital Printing Banners
Dimensional CNC Routers
LED Channel Letters/Sign Cabinets
Panel Saws & Fabrication
Vinyl Application Fluid
Contact your ad sales representative to reserve your space today.
As the premier e-newsletter for the sign industry, SBI Update encourages readers to send feedback on what you like, what you'd like to see, and any other comments you might have. To do so, send an e-mail to Managing Editor Chris Ytuarte at cytuarte@sbpub.com.
|
|
© 2009 Simmons-Boardman Publishing
345 Hudson St., 12th Floor • New York, NY 10014
212-620-7200
|
|
-- 9 Gauge Galvanized Wire
-- Works With 4mil
Corrugated Sign Boards
-- 10" Wide X 30" Tall
-- 50 Pieces Per Box
100 to 2,650 Pieces -- $.42 each
2,700 to 24,250 Pieces -- $.40 each
24,300 to 51,250 Pieces -- $.37 each
54,000 or More Pieces -- $.34 each
Prices Are F.O.B. Mt. Vernon, OH or Anaheim, CA
Call 1-800-671-1046 Today!
Find out more by clicking here:
Ver-Mac Industries
|
|
The CaptiVue product line continues to advance as Trans-Lux develops more ways for sign companies and their customers to be successful. Yet as new features and benefits are introduced, the legendary quality of CaptiVue remains the same. Trans-Lux has made the CaptiVue line even stronger with a number of product enhancements. Find out more by clicking here: CaptiVue
|
|
The MBX VINYL ZAPPER strips vinyl decals, graphics, and reflective tape from metal, glass, wood and fiberglass surfaces with no damage to OEM paint or to the substrate. The Vinyl Zapper easily cuts more than 70% of labor and effort and makes your vinyl removal projects effortless.
Montipower, Inc. 877-629-8777 www.mbxit.com info@mbxit.com
|
|
The NEW UJV-160 from Mimaki is a roll-to-roll large format UV-curable inkjet printer with an optional flatbed attachment for printing on rigid materials. The UJV-160 utilizes an environmentally-friendly, ultra-low heat emitting UV-LED curing technology to accommodate heat sensitive media like PVC. The UJV-160 is all about giving you more - more options, more software, more resolution, more media choices. For information, click here: Mimaki USA
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated presents:
Vehicle Graphics 101 Check out this special SBI supplement for all the information you need to get started, get good, and get profitable in the world of vehicle graphics. From wrap schools and required tools, to marketing your skills and paying the bills, this How-to supplement has it all. Check out the digital version here:
Vehicle Graphics 101
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated:
The How-To Book Vol. 1 Learn secrets to fabricating neon, illuminating with LED, sandblasting signs, applying paints, cutting and printing vinyl, and more in this 288-page, full-color reprinting of Sign Builder Illustrated's trademark How-To articles. To visit the How-to Book Web site, click on: SBI How-To Book
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated
Buyer's Guide 2008
Published twice per year in March and September, the Buyer's Guide lists manufacturers, distributors, and sign companies that comprise the industry in the U.S. and Canada. SBI Buyer's Guide
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated
Goes Digital With live hyperlinks to video clips, advertiser information, and other features, SBI Digital offers the newest online technology with the familiar layout of a hardcopy issue. To view an example, click on:
SBI Digital Magazine
|
|
|
Text version of this message. (704B)
Digital Signage Ban Killed