ISA International Sign Expo 2017 is in the books — the record books. The sign, graphics and visual communications’ industry’s leading event, which closed today in Las Vegas, broke attendance records. In all, more than 20,500 saw the latest products across the breadth of the industry.
In addition to overall attendance, ISA International Sign Expo 2017 blew past projections for education events, surpassing previous records by nearly 40 percent. The 210,000-square-foot trade show floor included nearly 600 exhibitors and sold out months in advance. When the trade show doors opened, dozens remained on a waiting list, hoping to exhibit.
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 percent 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.
“There is no doubt that ISA International Sign Expo is the only trade show 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 trade show offered opportunities to make valuable connections, learn groundbreaking ideas and see innovative products and services to help businesses grow.”
Adding to the excitement on the tradeshow floor were a number of product introductions, ranging 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 said. “It is early enough in the year that sign, graphics and visual communications companies can capture these innovations to make 2017 one of their best yet.”
To capitalize on the growth, ISA has announced that its 2018 event will include more trade show floor space than ever before when it returns to Orlando.
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 will be March 21–24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Registration will open in the fall.
