Post-ISA Sign Expo Priorities

SO, YOU’RE PROBABLY overwhelmed with all the information you got from last month’s ISA International Sign Expo in Orlando. I am, for sure. So many new things to see and people to talk to about new technologies and different companies.

Where do you start with all the new information and contacts? If you’re like me you have collected a bunch of business cards, written down several notes on napkins or scrap paper or have taken selfies with people and just can’t remember their names. Sorry Frank, or was it John? I have a book full of business cards and I try to transfer all my napkins and scrap papers to a single notebook. I don’t know how many times later on I come across a project where I needed some help only to use my collection of information to help solve a problem. Knowing that someone out there has a machine, too, or product that would work in a project allows me as a designer to get more creative.

Not so long ago I had a set of channel letters I wanted to do something fun with. I had little room to work with and a plain set of letters would have been overlooked and blended into the background. Then I remembered seeing a design for thinner channel letters with prismatic faces at a past Expo. Searching through my books and notes I was able to track down the company I spoke with at the Expo and found a solution to my problem.

As an industry we are lucky to have such a resource as the ISA Sign Expo. It gives us a chance to see the people we deal with over the phone and to meet new friends. Some of us find opportunities to expand our businesses or research a new tool to help our company grow and explore new avenues.

I use the information gathered and the contacts I make at the Expo as a source of inspiration in my creative process. Others, such as fabricators or installation crew members, may find the Expo a good source for learning new processes or getting inspiration for new equipment to help make things easier. Owners in turn see where they can move the company to the next level or add a new product to their abilities.

So, what did you get out of the Sign Expo this year? Did you catch one of the live recordings of The Sign Industry Podcast? Who did you meet? What will you do with all the shiny, brand new ideas you got? Oh, I almost forgot — Sarah, I found my pen in my computer bag. Sorry about turning your booth inside out and making it look like a hurricane went through.