The ISA International Sign Expo 2012 is coming up at the end of March. While trade shows tend to be a bit tedious both for exhibitors and attendees, they do serve their purpose for various industries. We’ve talked about the value of signage at any trade show, but now here’s a show for the signage market itself. Imagine the signs there! This show has made a name for itself. Last year’s ISA International Sign Expo ranked fifth on Expo Magazine’s list of Top 25 Fast-Growth Shows. It was honored for attendance growth and innovative ways of showcasing exhibitors.

This year, the conventioneers from the Baltimore area and nationwide will converge on Orlando, FL. They’ll be seeing the latest signage advancements, from custom business signs and vinyl banners to digital signage. And you can be sure that every exhibitor will put its best sign forward. Visitors will meet new vendors and forge partnerships that will bring home great ideas for signs in Baltimore and Harford County. There will be new ways to create custom signs and banners.

But in the long run, all that technology and innovation comes down to one thing: value. Are we making a difference for our customers and providing the best value for their money in terms of usability, service and return on investment? Tedious or not, technology or not, can we bring the motivation and enthusiasm back from a trade show and invest it in becoming an invaluable resource for our customers?

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

As the end of the calendar year looms, you are no doubt looking at plans and budgets for next year. If you do even one trade show or exhibit during the year, consider the image you portray there.

Is it a table with brochures and a candy jar? Hopefully not. Your image at a show is what people will remember. So make your trade show exhibit signage eye-catching and on point with your key messages.

Prominently feature your logo at least once within your space. It should be at or above the visitor’s eye level. Draw your customer in with visually appealing signage that is easy to read. Snappy graphics and digital quality photographs are a must.  

The exhibit can be portable with graphics on a foldable board, or it can be much more elaborate and feature digital signage that customizes your message for each show you attend. Regardless of the size or media, you can make a good impression within a reasonable budget. Make sure whatever you choose will look clean and consistent every time, no matter who sets it up. Use your exhibit signage to communicate your pride as a business owner and your image will be remembered.  

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink