ISA International Sign Expo 2011 Completes Another Outstanding Event, with Increased Floor Space, Attendance
Alexandria, VA – April 30, 2011 —
Business deals are in process, new projects envisioned. ISA International Sign Expo is the place where the sign industry gets things done and the just-completed 2011 event was no different.
In all, some 19,000 attendees visited the Expo floor, which was the largest in several years with nearly 200,000 square feet filled with the latest innovations for the sign industry. Attendance at educational sessions was up significantly as well. The event ran April 27-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“Each year, ISA International Sign Expo proves to be the place for sign industry professionals to network, learn the latest information about their industry, and see the latest products on the exhibit floor,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. “This year proved to be all of that and more.”
The session opened with a stirring address by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who told attendees about “Plywood Leadership.” Using the analogy of the material plywood, McChrystal discussed how team building brings together weaker materials. Under the right leader—the glue—the end result is stronger than the pieces alone. McChrystal interspersed his own leadership experiences with lessons from history.
With that, the expo hall doors were opened and attendees were able to see a number of new products as well as meet face-to-face with the companies with which they do business.
ISA International Sign Expo 2011 also included the hotly contested New Product Showcase and the Green Product Showcase, which made its debut in 2010. Exhibitors were given three minutes to present a new or environmentally friendly product and attendees voted on the most exciting in each category.
The international aspect of Sign Expo 2011 was in full force as well. As in years past, about 20 percent of attendees were from outside of the United States, showcasing the thriving global marketplace for signs and sign manufacturers. The Global Sign Forum offers an opportunity for international attendees to network and discuss issues and trends occurring in their countries. As it has for the past five years, the Global Sign Forum was a sell-out.
Educational events have continued to expand dramatically. ISA and the International Sign Academy offered nearly 70 courses. In addition, the mobile crane operator safety certification training—designed to prepare sign company employees for coming OSHA mandates—was held onsite as well. Throughout 2011, ISA will be holding additional mobile crane operator safety certification training courses throughout the United States.
“Keeping sign industry professionals informed on the latest information that helps them manage their businesses better is a vital role that ISA plays,” Anderson said. “While ISA International Sign Expo offers the best opportunity to have everyone in one place for educational events, we continue to educate and train the sign industry throughout the year in webinars, in-person events, and through our registered provider program.”
ISA International Sign Expo 2012 is set for March 21-24 in Orlando. Check www.signexpo.org for details in the coming months.
