ISA International Sign Expo 2018 Scores Records in Orlando
April 8, 2018
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 closes with attendance topping 20,387 - making it the largest ISA Sign Expo in Orlando and one of the largest in ISA Sign Expo history.
The showfloor also was the largest-ever footprint for the event.
“Significant weather issues throughout the country affected air travel, but attendees found a way to get here anyway,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO.
She added, “And they came in a mood to buy. Exhibitors reported that sales were outstanding. This reinforces that ISA International Sign Expo is the only industry event connecting sign and print companies with vendors who can help them capitalize on the expansions in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry.”
The previous record for Orlando attendance was set in 2016, and this year, it nearly eclipsed the 2017 attendance in Las Vegas.
ISA International Sign Expo alternates between Orlando and Las Vegas, with the West Coast show typically slightly larger.
At 221,000 square feet, the sho floor was the largest footprint in ISA International Sign Expo history.
Nearly 600 exhibitors were in attendance, many offering tremendous specials and introducing new products.
ISA International Sign Expo annually brings together the breadth of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry, ranging from neon and LEDs to print and soft signage. Throughout the event, attendees learned more about products, innovations and ideas to help them expand and grow their businesses.
Highlights from 2018 include:
- Three popular Game Changers events, in which attendees were inspired by stories of leadership skills and generational changes.
- Two new pre-conference boot camps, designed to help sales professionals grow in selling wide format projects produced by Idealliance, and an executive leadership seminar produced by Florida State University. Both were well attended and well received.
- The always-popular Networking Reception for National and Custom Sign Companies, which connects local sign companies with nationals who need subcontractors regionally, was packed.
- More networking opportunities helped attendees make that one powerful connection. The ISA Elite program brought in a new class of 36; dozens of alumni returned to the event.
- More influencers, including designers, researchers and planners, were onsite through related programs. ISA’s Planning for Sign Code Success™ was held at ISA Sign Expo 2018 for the first time. The Sign Research Foundation hosted its second co-located National Sign Research & Education Conference (NSREC) onsite. The Experiential Design Program (XDP) offered high-level interaction with clients/end users, sign fabricators and sign material suppliers.
ISA will mark its 75th anniversary as an association at International Sign Expo 2019, April 23-26, 2019.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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