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
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
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