Association Insights: ISA

At last year’s ISA International Sign Expo, Christopher Ezell from Big Picture Graphics in Sedalia, Colo., was excited to explore more options for wraps on the tradeshow floor. And he was amazed to see some of the “greatest wrappers in the world” demonstrating their techniques. 

In his business, Ezell is aware that “the vehicle wrap industry is exploding” and he was excited to see that ISA International Sign Expo was taking note of it. He enjoyed the Business Boot Camp for Wrap Professionals by Avery Dennison as part of the pre-conference events. 

“There’s so much information on the floor, in the classrooms,” he said. “So many resources and people you can meet. It’s a nationwide network you can build to help grow your business.”

He will be even more thrilled to see how wrap has grown at ISA International Sign Expo 2020, even over the expansive footprint that it had in 2019. More educational events and more hands-on opportunities are in the lineup. 

It’s all for a good reason: Wraps are growing in importance to sign, graphics and visual communications companies. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Wrap Institute in conjunction with Justin Pate to deepen ISA’s programs throughout the year. 

ISA’s Digital Badge program, which has been well adopted by sign, graphics and visual communications companies, will expand to include skills needed most by wrap professionals. Those who pursue Digital Badges in wrap-related areas will be able to set themselves apart from their peers by showing a commitment to continuing education. ISA and Affiliated Association members will be able to receive a discount on education offered through The Wrap Institute, too.

Together, we’ll work together on advocacy issues, bringing ISA’s expertise in working with local communities on reasonable sign codes to the topic of vehicle wraps. The two organizations will conduct research that shows the value of these wraps to businesses. 

And, of course, we’ll build upon the 2019 ISA Wrap Experience at ISA International Sign Expo, with even more programs at the tradeshow. Hands-on training will be a key element, along with Pate’s expertise. He is widely regarded as the foremost expert on vehicle wraps, and we’re excited to have him partner with ISA. 

The relationship grows out of an extremely successful venture during ISA International Sign Expo 2019. The ISA Wrap Experience featured 81 attendees participating in rounds of hands-on competition combined with education, all led by Pate and his group of highly talented instructors.

David Pachtel from JT’s Auto Glass & Tint in Boise, Idaho, was at ISA Sign Expo in 2019, where he came with a mission of helping his company grow its vehicle wrap business.

“It’s just mind-blowing watching these guys work, their technique and how flawless it is,” he said. 

Vehicle wraps are a skill, for sure. Much like bending neon, solving a complex installation or creating amazing print projects. These sorts of projects—where a creative eye meets a skilled hand—have been a part of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry from the very first sign painters. And they always will be. 

I hope you’ll plan to join us at ISA International Sign Expo 2020. It is the only place to see this kind of skill up close. We’ll also have traditional sign making events, where you can see the best of the best on display. And the vibrancy of print will be rolling off printers throughout the tradeshow floor.

The sign, graphics and visual communications industry is an expansive one, and each day it seems to reach into new areas. But at ISA International Sign Expo 2020, it’s all in one place. Make plans to be there. Registration is now open at www.signexpo.org.