ISA International Sign Expo Preview: It's Time to Get Graphic

Large crowds attended last year’s ISA International Sign Expo in Orlando, Fla., but even more attendees are expected for the 2017 event in Las Vegas.

With more than 200,000 sq. ft. of trade show floor, ISA International Sign Expo 2017 — slated for April 19-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas — is the place to see the latest products, including a significant number devoted to the print segment. ISA Sign Expo is always the place where new product introductions are made, so commercial printers will find plenty of new printers, new substrates, new finishing tools and new inks on the trade show floor.

In addition, a number of special events are targeted at these attendees. This includes educational sessions that feature case studies of successful printing companies, and commercial printing trends and best practices.

“ISA International Sign Expo continues to be the place where the sign, graphics and visual communications industry debuts new products. Attendees can expect to see the latest cutting-edge products in LEDs, printers and substrates, as well as solutions that help with the business end of the industry,” says Lori Anderson, president and CEO of the International Sign Association.

This year, ISA International Sign Expo 2017 will feature a record number of co-located events, including several aimed specifically at the print market. Printing Industries of America (PIA), PIA affiliates, Xplor International, Association of College and University Printers (ACUP), InfoTrends (Keypoint Intelligence), In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association (IPMA), Association of College & University Printers (ACUP) and the Industrial Fabrics Association International, will all be meeting during the event.

In 2017, Collaboration in Packaging Production (CPP) Expo is co-locating in Las Vegas as well. “The co-location makes sense for both CPP and ISA International Sign Expo attendees, offering opportunities to explore synergies in digital print,” says Anderson.

“Businesses today are looking for related areas in which they can expand and these two markets — both thriving on their own — make sense. Package printers and converters can see the latest in inkjet, digital and hybrid solutions and technologies, while sign printers can explore expansion opportunities.”

Randy Paar (center), marketing manager, Display Graphics, at Canon Solutions America, demonstrates some sample output for attendees during the 2016 ISA International Sign Expo.

In addition, the Sign Research Foundation will hold its annual National Signage Research and Education Conference (NSREC) at ISA International Sign Expo. A number of architects, designers and young professionals will be on hand to learn more about the sign, graphics and visual communications industry.

The ISA Innovation Awards will feature the most innovative products in print, business solutions/software and electronics/traditional signage.

Networking is important as well, and ISA delivers this year again with “ISA Rocks: The Industry Party,” along with several other invitation-only targeted receptions.

Of special note on the show floor itself is an area called “Lounge & Learn.” Here, attendees will have access to short educational programs and demonstrations — all included with trade show floor admission. In addition, this area will offer comfortable seating, allowing for networking opportunities and meetings when there is not a presentation occurring.

For attendees looking to dive even deeper into this vibrant industry, ISA Sign Expo’s educational sessions are designed to address some of the most pressing issues and dynamic opportunities for today’s sign, graphics and visual communications business. “It’s a great opportunity to bring a number of team members to help them grow in their own careers while sparking ideas to help the company,” Anderson points out.

“Educational sessions are designed into specific tracks: digital signs, design, marketing your business, running your business, organizing your business, protecting your business and print. The print track is new this year and includes a number of great programs that will help printers learn from the successes of others. Two of these will be produced by In-plant Graphics and Printing Impressions magazines.”

With over 200,000 sq. ft. of show floor space and nearly 600 exhibitors displaying their wares, the ISA floor plan will be full.

In addition to the new print track, the Game Changers sessions always prove popular. These sessions bring together leading thinkers to inspire businesses with ideas that truly will change the game for them. Athlete, Marine scout sniper and business leader Jake Wood will discuss business leadership that creates winning cultures. And entrepreneur Jia Jiang will discuss how to turn rejection into success.

Be sure to make the most of your trip to ISA International Sign Expo 2017. Check out the website, www.signexpo.org — which includes a floor plan and schedule to map out a plan of attack — before arriving in Las Vegas. The app allows attendees to set appointments with exhibitors.

And everyone should take advantage of the many networking opportunities. This is where business relationships are formed and where business ideas get done. It’s also a great opportunity to bring multiple staff. Not only can you “divide and conquer” the trade show floor, but employees will know how valued they are.

“ISA International Sign Expo 2017 is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees, making it the place to be in April,” says Anderson. “With nearly 600 exhibitors on the trade show floor, come with a goal of seeing the latest products — and determine how you can grow your businesses. Small businesses — which are the majority of our customers — are planning to grow in 2017. Smart sign, graphics and visual communications companies and leaders will be planning to grow along with them. ISA International Sign Expo can help spark much of that growth.”

Subscribers of Printing Impressions can attend the six print educational sessions and also get admission to the trade show for free. Just enter IMPRESSIONS when registering at www.signexpo.org.