ISA International Sign Expo 2017 Breaks Participation Records in Las Vegas
April 25, 2017
The ISA International Sign Expo 2017 enjoyed a record-breaking show in Las Vegas.
Held April 19-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the annual trade show and conference for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry broke its own attendance records, with more than 20,500 industry professionals, including just under 600 exhibitors, spanning a sold-out, 210,000 square foot showfloor.
At the time of the show’s opening, dozens of exhibiting companies remained on a waiting list, hoping to secure their spot on a packed expo floor.
Last year, the event attracted 20,044 participants, including 566 exhibitors spanning 200,705 sq. ft. of exhibit space at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
In addition to overall attendance, ISA International Sign Expo blew past its educational event projections, surpassing previous records by nearly 40 percent.
Several co-located events also experienced record attendance, including the National Sign Research and Education Conference, which joined ISA International Sign Expo for the first time.
Sponsored by the Sign Research Foundation, the sold-out NSREC drew in academics, students, researchers, planners and designers, with attendance 220 percent higher than its previous record.
In addition, the XDP program brought in architects, designers, buyers and end users to ISA International Sign Expo while the ISA Elite included 34 young professionals in the industry.
“There is no doubt that ISA International Sign Expo is the only trade show that brings together the breadth of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry and those who influence it,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO.
She continued, “Every minute of the four-day education and trade show offered opportunities to make valuable connections, learn groundbreaking ideas and see innovative products and services to help businesses grow.”
Adding to the buzz on the expo floor were a host of product introductions, ranging from groundbreaking print innovations to the latest in workflow solutions and LED lighting.
“Getting to see these innovations in action can propel businesses and the industry forward,” Anderson said.
She added, “It is early enough in the year that sign, graphics and visual communications companies can capture these innovations to make 2017 one of their best yet.”
To capitalize on the show’s growth, ISA plans to expand the expo footprint for its 2018 event, set for March 21-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
ISA International Sign Expo ranks No. 112 on the TSNN 2016 Top 250 U.S. Trade Shows list.
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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