Planners play a critical role in whether the sign you design or sell ever gets installed. Yet, most have little to no formal training on signs or the regulations that govern them.
That’s changing—and ISA is leading the charge.
Record-Breaking Training in 2025
This year alone, ISA reached more than 1,900 planners—the most ever in a single year. How did we do it?
- Two packed sessions at the American Planning Association’s national conference
- Regional events across the country
- Planning-focused webinars that continue to draw strong attendance
A Decade of Impact
Since 2011, ISA has trained over 11,100 planners. It all started when James Carpentier, a certified planner, joined ISA to spearhead this initiative. Under James’ leadership, our team has covered topics like:
- Complying with Supreme Court rulings
- Balancing the art of sign design with regulatory requirements
- Preserving historic signs while meeting modern standards
Just last week, ISA reached more than 1,200 planners with a webinar on the legal issues surrounding sign regulations—moderated by James and other sign code experts.
Why This Matters
This effort isn’t just about planners earning continuing education credits. It’s about shaping communities. Cities now reach out to ISA for expertise when crafting new sign codes—ensuring fair, effective regulations that support vibrant local economies.
While sign companies may not see this work day-to-day, its impact is real. Across the country, ISA’s advocacy and education are helping create environments where your signs—and your business—can thrive.
Want to learn more about ISA’s work with planners or how ISA’s team can help your company navigate sign codes? Visit www.signs.org/code or email signcodehelp@signs.org.