The sign industry’s leading tradeshow, ISA International Sign Expo, is on track to become one of the largest in recent years. Registration is up and the exhibit floor space is nearly sold out three months before the event.
Sign Expo 2011 is scheduled for April 28-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Advance registrations are 47 percent higher than the same time last year. The exhibit hall, featuring the sign industry’s latest products, will be the largest since 2008.
“All signs point to an improved outlook for the industry,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. “The larger exhibit spaces means more ways for sign professionals to grow their businesses. Educational events will allow them to stay current on the latest information. ISA International Sign Expo is the place to be for businesses that want to be ready to capitalize in an upward economy.”
Sign Expo 2011 features expanded educational sessions, with seventy-five courses that will improve knowledge in business management, technical requirements, and industry trends. Educational events run four days, including a Pre-Expo education workshop on April 27. Attendees can register for single courses, or choose multiple courses in specially priced packages.
The exhibit hall has been designed with special events that will build excitement for attendees. The American Wrap Star Competition tests the skills of the country’s best car wrap professionals, and a Harley Davidson Fat Boy® will be given away in a sweepstakes drawing. ISA’s booth will feature a climbing wall.
The main excitement, though, will come from the many new products that attendees will see at International Sign Expo 2011. The New Product Showcase and Green Product Showcase will introduce these products in two-minute pitches, with attendees voting on the best product in each category. Many more new products—and advances in existing products—will be featured on the expanded show floor.
“Three months before the show, we already have 12 percent more floor space committed than we had at last year’s Expo,” said Brandon Hensley, ISA’s vice president of Marketing and Sales. “We have made numerous changes to the exhibit hall floor that will make this a better experience for attendees.”
The Opening General Session will kick off the Expo, with retired General Stanley McChrystal offering lessons in leadership. McChrystal was the former commander of international forces in Afghanistan.
Other changes include making the conference brochure iPhone friendly and eliminating a traditional help desk in favor of help available via text message. “This allows attendees to text a question from anywhere—from the airport, their hotel room, or anywhere in the exhibit hall instead of finding a help desk,” Hensley said.
Registration for Sign Expo 2011 is now open. To register, or learn more, visit www.signexpo.org.
