With PacPrint only weeks away, if the success of international industry events is anything to go by, it will be a blockbuster. The recently concluded ISA International Sign Expo in Atlanta, USA ended on a high note with some stands selling every item of equipment on display. South Africa will hold its third trade show this year from 18th-19th May, Sign Africa in Capetown and FESPA opens on May 31st in Berlin.
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| How's this for a trade show crowd? Wednesday 4th May at ISA Sign Expo, Atlanta USA |
The International Sign Association, patrons of the ISA Sign Expos, has released a very upbeat post-show report on the success of the recent Atlanta event, announcing:
The sign, graphics and visual communications industry gathered in-person for the first time in three years during May in Atlanta for the industry’s main event, ISA International Sign Expo 2022.
“The show floor was busy all three days – yes, all three days,” said Lori Anderson (pictured), ISA president and CEO. “More importantly, attendees came to do business. The ‘SOLD’ signs started to appear on Thursday afternoon in booths throughout the floor, and by Friday many booths had ‘SOLD’ signs on every piece of equipment. It truly was a spectacular event.”
ISA International Sign Expo 2022 provided business-building ideas and products to help sign, graphics, print and visual communications companies deliver innovative and exciting projects. The tradeshow floor marked the first time in three years that attendees were able to see, touch and compare many new innovations yet to be seen in person. New innovations ranged from workflow software programs to printers to lighting capabilities. Exhibiting vendors reported that they unquestionably saw an ROI reconnecting with current customers and meeting customers who were new to the sign and graphics market, looking to expand what they offered.
“ISA Sign Expo this year was great,” said Tom Wittenberg, large format industry relations and events with HP. “It was a special pleasure to return to shows with our industry colleagues, plus the show exceeded expectations on attendance and booth activity for HP. The mood was upbeat, and we’re looking forward to another ISA show next year.”
“ISA Sign Expo 2022 exceeded all of our expectations,” said John Glazer, executive vice president of Elliott Equipment. “There was constant activity and visitors at our booth throughout the entire event. Even during the last hour of the show! ISA also did a great job of integrating activities and learning sessions at the show and in the evenings. Everyone was excited to be back together, and ISA did a tremendous job of pulling it all together,” Glazer continued.
Doubling of sales
“Graphic Solutions Group (GSG) was 'blown away' with our results, more than doubling our sales at the previous show in 2019,” said Matt Smith, director of national accounts for GSG. “The customers who came to this year’s show were very engaged and interested in spending time talking to us and intrigued by the new products we were showcasing. We walked away with more quality leads than we ever have at an ISA Sign Expo, and by the time we finish following up on all of our leads from the show, we should be triple sales from ISA Sign Expo 2019,” Smith continued.
Attendees were able to get hands-on learning right on the show floor with several new and expanded areas of the showfloor. The Wrap 
Experience featured the Never Stop Learning Stage with new product demos, education and expert-led competitions through the show. The new ISA Fabrication Experience offered novices and experts alike, with hands-on insights into the dynamics of sign fabrication. The Learning Lounge was packed with attendees looking to learn about everything from social media for your business to understanding OSHA regulations—and how to maximize profits using the equipment you already own.
“This year marked the 75th anniversary of ISA International Sign Expo bringing the industry together for the connections, solutions and innovations that continue to transform our industry. We could not be more proud to be a part of this vibrant, vital community of sign, graphics and visual communications professionals,” said Anderson. “There is a power in being face-to-face, and we saw this last week as ISA Sign Expo reunited the industry together,” continued Anderson. “Powerful connections were made, new products were purchased, and insights gained. I can’t wait to see what attendees come up with as a result of taking a few days away from the office to focus on growing their businesses.”
The next ISA Sign Expo will be held in Las Vegas from April 12th-14th 2023 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, pictured below
