AS 2020 CONTINUES to surprise us, it also offers new ways to stay in touch. A year ago, I had no clue what Zoom was, and this month, we’re launching a virtual 2020 Sign Invitational, complete with Zoom interviews and online voting. We have our own channel on YouTube, and we’re also the (new) official media sponsor for Media 1/Wrap This’ YouTube reality show. We’ll be honoring our 2020 Makers of Tomorrow virtually, as well. More webinar announcements are on the way.
We’re also having regular conversations about finding new companies to feature, and how and why we’ve chosen sources in the past. Previously, we have searched through social media, contest entrants, tradeshow and conference attendees, friends of friends, sign association contacts and suggestions from sign companies and industry suppliers/manufacturers to broaden our contacts.
Among our latest efforts, our board has offered me a number of connections to minority enterprise groups and black-owned sign companies, in particular, which we plan to pursue. So, our content will remain the same (or will evolve along the same trajectory), but our sourcing will diversify to include more minorities, especially black-owned sign companies. The goal is to reflect the sign industry accurately, and to guide signmakers on how best to work with changing client demands.
Sign companies have always been busy, but never before have I seen them as harried as in the past month, as shops reopen under new financial, sanitation and HR demands – most never-before-seen. What hasn’t changed is this: We’re here for you.
We’re closely watching for the new product announcements you might’ve anticipated at tradeshows. We’re offering more and more video and multimedia versions of our print and web content, along with podcasts, video interviews and webinars, so you can access what you need, when you need it. And, as always, we’re looking for new contacts and connections in the sign industry. If you know exceptional signmakers, please take a moment to share them with me today.