Las
Vegas, NV -- The 19th Annual Sign Biz International
Reunion exceeded the expectations of attendees, as well
as Advisory Board and staff that organized the
two-day program in Las Vegas over the weekend of April
18-19, 2009.
More than 100 Sign Biz entrepreneurs filled the Rio
convention center where Reunion attendees were booked in
All-Suite Rooms.
This year's convention offered 45 educational events,
more than in any year prior. In addition, the 2009
format included a well-organized, interactive series of
high-octane Roundtable sessions featuring more than 20
in-demand subjects. Panel-led
General Sessions were devoted to the top three
sign business topics which Sign Biz members across the
US and overseas requested in a voting system launched
last November. [See story link, right].
The new
Roundtable initiative delivered exceptional benefits -
profoundly
empowering information within a group of 10 to 12
business owners who devote that hour to one critical
business-building subject. "These are intensive,
speed-learning, interactive events,"
says Bill Potts, Sign Biz
Advisory Board Member.
The annual gala Sign Biz Cocktail Party took
place in a buyout of the Wine Cellar, where the largest
collection of wine in the world resides. [See photos,
link right].
Stepping
up this year to support the many learning experiences
were more sponsoring companies than in any year past.
"We are committed to the partnership we have cultivated
between the home office, our Network of business owners,
and our suppliers and service providers. This
focus on building a win-win scenario for each and every
industry partner has given us deep roots that allow us
to confidently build a quality program, even in
uncertain economic times," says Teresa M. Young,
President/CEO of Sign Biz, Inc.
A total
of 17 contributing companies and organizations supported
the Reunion event, including Gold Sponsor Proveer, and
Silver Sponsor for a third year in a row, Denco Sales.
For a sixth year in a row, N. Glantz has provided Silver
Sponsor keynote luncheon support; and this year, for the
first time, Gemini became a Silver Sponsor. Bronze
Sponsor SAi allowed Mark Rugen, Certified Flexi
Instructor, to present his annual 3-Hour Tour of the
industry's favorite signmaking software for graphic
designers in attendance at the Reunion.
This was
the first year that a Green Sponsor was brought to the
table: Hewlett-Packard contributed on one of the 3
General Sessions, and also printed the 4' x 14' event
banner on their new environmentally friendly Latex
Printer, using recyclable HP Dupont Tyvek.
Roundtable Sponsors included high-profile companies such
as Gravograph, Nazdar Source One, ASI, DreamScape,
Cyrious, Main Tape, and California Sign Association.
Some roundtables featured individuals whose
contributions to the industry are well-known: David
Fellman, author of Sell More Printing, and Forms and
Signs; Bob Lodie of Strategic Partners Group; Kerry
Moore of MC Sign Company; and Roy Flahive, Past Chairman
of California Sign Association's Board of Directors.
"Members
who seek knowledge, networking, and have a desire to
outwit the economy planned on this big event, starting
with a Mentor-guided tour of the International Sign
Association EXPO," adds Paul Strauch, VP Worldwide
Product Development. "To thrive, you must grow, improve,
be bold, and map a course for success. These
annual Reunions are a critical piece of that planning
process."
The Best
In Show awards are a favorite highlight that takes place
at the end of the entire program. This year's theme was
tied to exterior signage that returns rewards for
end-user and sign business alike. Scott Lerry,
Great American Signs, out of Wappingers Falls, NY was
honored with the First Place award. Second Place was won by Bud Werner, Sign & Sign Again, based in
San Francisco; and Third Place awarded to Susan Clark
and Signs by Design, based in Raleigh, NC.
[See story link,
right]
