2026 International Sign Expo Delivers New Solutions, Strategies

The International Sign Association’s International Sign Expo, held recently in Orlando, Florida, seemed to be quite successful. The energy was positive, aisles and booths we busy, and new equipment was introduced.

Equipment Launches

Regarding the booths of wide-format equipment OEMSs, there were numerous equipment launches at ISA, including those from Roland (TrueVis XG-640, Dimense DA-640, VersaSTUDIO BN2-30), Canon (Arizona 2380 GTF, Ip GP-4600S), Epson (G9070 DTF, SureColor V4000), Mimaki (UJV200-160/130 LED Printer, UJ330H0-160), and CGS-ORIS (KCXL+ UV LED Flatbed).

Among the wide-format printing devices introduced at ISA was the Epson SureColor G9070 DTF printer.

While mid-market-focused companies like, Mimaki and Epson displayed an extensive array of machines from their portfolios, higher production-focused manufacturers, such as Durst and Agfa, brought systems aimed toward the more affordable, lower production end of their offerings. In a broad way, that makes sense, and in a way describes a difference in how the technologies are used in the sign industry versus the printing industry (though there is indeed much overlap).

Beyond printing systems, finishing technologies were also widely represented at the event, with a wide variety of cutting, routing and laser systems on display from manufacturers including Kongsberg, Zund, Summa, Graphco, Elitron America, Kongsberg/Multicam, Graphtec, and Cutworx. These and other finishing systems speak to the need to convert prints into products, and to do so quickly, efficiently, and with reliable quality. New products in this space included Epilog’s Fusion Ascent Series and Kongsberg/Multicam’s MC Apex3R Evo, MC Apex1R, and KB X24, and Grahpco’s SD-Italy Augusta F150R Pro Hybrid.

New finishing technologies, such as Grahpco’s SD-Italy Augusta F150R Pro Hybrid also graced the exhibition floor.

The number of notable wide-format equipment launches at ISA is testament to the need for a significant spring event for this print segment, and the event provides a strong platform for launches within a certain range.

Some Areas Shrinking

While a wide variety of direct-to-film (DTF) solutions could be found on the ISA expo floor, it was interesting to note that the presence of other apparel decoration technologies, such as direct-to-garment and apparel-focused dye-sublimation were few and far between. It should be noted that DTF can be used to image a much wider range of products and is still in a development/discovery period. UV DTF is also showing impressive results, particularly for high-durability imaging for promotional products, which also seemed to be less widely represented at ISA. These developments lead to one possible conclusion: The sign industry is, by and large, doing fine and not seeking to expand into adjacent product categories, and, thus, apparel and promo exhibitors have not seen the return on investment they hoped for from the event.

One thing noted by a handful of exhibitors and attendees was that the total footprint of the event was smaller. This may be, in part, because of fewer exhibitors along the edges of the exhibit space, often with 10x10 booths featuring commodity or exotic products, or features companies not seeking sales, but partnership with U.S. companies, were present for 2026.

Present and Emerging

That said, the core of the sign segment appears strong, and ISA does an admirable job building community, offering educational opportunities, bringing energy, and presenting a well-run Expo.

The Eufy Make, a personal 3D-texture UV printer aimed at the maker space, was highlighted in ISA's Tech Zone.

Of particular interest this year was ISA’s Tech Zone, which featured new and innovative products including solar-powered lighted sign stands and bespoke and see-through digital displays. It also, more interestingly included two A.I. software platforms, Architech and Vuely, that help sign shops manage measurements and mock-ups and manage architectural and signage codes. Another intriguing offering in the Tech Zone was Eufy Make, a machine which is marketed as the world’s first personal 3D-texture UV printer. This maker-focused solution lists for $2499 and was launched via a Kickstarter campaign.

Next Year’s International Sign Expo

The 2027 International Sign Expo is scheduled for March 30-April 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 30-April 1.

Note: If you love trade shows as much as we do, you don't have to wait until next year, join the printing industry writ large - including extensive wide-format technologies - at the 2026 PRINTING United Expo, September 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.