ISA International Sign Expo 2026 Report

The ISA International Sign Expo 2026, held in the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL April 8-10, saw an emphasis on emerging digital technology as artificial intelligence becomes more entrenched in the industry.

Marked by the impressive THRUView transparent displays by i5LED at its entrance, the NextGen Tech Zone was a notable new addition to the show floor this year, showcasing the latest in digital signage technology that included solar-powered displays by Sunsign, AI-assisted design software ArchiTech and AI-assisted sales tool Vuely, and eufyMake UV Printer E1, the world’s first personal UV printer and the most-funded project in Kickstarter history. A press tour held in the Tech Zone revealed ISA’s new partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to train 3,000 small businesses in AI integration over the next three years.

At a press conference held by EFI, Vice President of WW Marketing & Business Development Ken Hanulec identified the following trends in the sign industry, some of which have carried over from the previous year: AI, ROI and streamlined spending, sustainability, automation, industry convergence, a labor shortage and a focus on upskilling. The conference highlighted EFInsight, the manufacturer’s cloud-based service platform and TF Thermoforming LED inks, developed for deep draw thermoforming and non-formed applications. Live demonstrations of laser cutting and welding in closed booths drew a large audience.

Alongside the spotlight on innovative digital tech, traditional craft proved popular as ever at the expo. Vinyl wrap demonstrations abounded, from continual learning experience at The Wrap Experience’s Demo Depot to various wrap challenges held by ORAFOL, General Formulations, the Metamark-sponsored Commercial Wrap Experience and more, where visitors raced the clock for fun prizes. Handpainting also drew attention with the return of The Sign Invitational, a friendly competition co-founded by Dan Sawatzky of Imagination Corp. (Chilliwack, BC, Canada) and Jim Dawson of Synergy Signs & Graphics (Strasburg, OH), where signmakers crafted creative, intricate signs based on the provided prompt — this year’s being a double-sided hanging pub sign bearing the name “__________ TOAD.” Dawson took first place with his “The Toasted Toad” sign, which featured minute attention to detail. Other imaginative entries were displayed not only at the main Sign Invitational booth but across the show floor.

Miniatures detail the back of Jim Dawson’s “The Toasted Toad” sign, first-place winner of The Sign Invitational.

The expo was an occasion to celebrate ingenuity and craft in design, fabrication and all aspects of signs. We joined our sister publication Big Picture in presenting the 2026 Best of Wide Format Awards to 10 standout projects, as well as the 2026 Women in Signs Awards to five well-deserved sign professionals. The awards ceremony was hosted in the ISA Learning Lounge by Signs of the Times Editor-in-Chief Mark Kissling, followed by a cocktail reception.

The annual expo provides an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers around the world to connect with other professionals and prospective clients. “It’s our third year at ISA,” says Robbie McNatt from Toolkit Services (Eads, TN), an installation subcontractor for signs, fixtures and architectural elements. “We hope we can build relationships for our sign installation services here, though our booth is at the back so it’s a little out of the way.”

For some attendees, the diversity of technology on the show floor was the main draw. “It’s very well-organized and has good energy,” comments first-timer Lee Menn from The Hava Group (Vernon Hills, IL). “There’s a good cross-sample of different categories here. Usually the other shows only focus on a few main categories and the others are sideshows, but this is a good blend.”

The ISA International Sign Expo 2027 will be held March 31 through April 2 in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. For a photo gallery of the expo, see 22 Scenes from the 2026 ISA International Sign Expo.

A participant in the Commercial Wrap Challenge.