The ISA’s International Sign Expo 2017 – the sign, graphics and visual communications industry’s leading event that closed Saturday, April 22 in Las Vegas, Nevada – shattered all previous attendance records. More than 20,500 saw the latest products across the breadth of the industry. In addition to overall attendance, the event exceeded projections for education events, surpassing previous records by almost 40%. The 210,000-square-foot tradeshow floor included nearly 600 exhibitors and sold out months in advance. In fact, according to show officials, when the tradeshow doors opened, dozens of exhibitors still remained on the waiting list.
A number of co-located events also saw record attendance, including the National Sign Research and Education Conference (NSREC), which joined ISA International Sign Expo for the first time. NSREC, sponsored by the Sign Research Foundation (SRF), brought academics, students, researchers, planners and designers for discussions on creating sign systems within the public process, developing reasonable sign codes, and future technologies within the industry. NSREC was completely sold out, with attendance 220% higher than the previous record. The XDP program brought architects, designers, buyers and end users to ISA International Sign Expo while the ISA Elite included 34 young professionals in the industry, with three from Canada.
“There’s no doubt that ISA International Sign Expo is the only tradeshow that brings together the breadth of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry and those who influence it,” said Lori Anderson, ISA President and CEO. “Every minute of the four-day education and tradeshow offered opportunities to make valuable connections, learn groundbreaking ideas and see innovative products and services to help businesses grow.”
A number of product introductions, ranged from groundbreaking print innovations to the latest in workflow solutions and LED lighting. “Getting to see these innovations in action can propel businesses and the industry forward,” Anderson added. “It’s early enough in the year that sign, graphics and visual communications companies can capture these innovations to make 2017 one of their best yet.”
