Reflecting on Sign Expo Canada 2023 and Looking Forward

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Just about four weeks ago, Toronto played host to the noteworthy Sign Expo Canada. This event, a beacon of innovation in the sign and graphics industry, drew attendees from near and far, each leaving with new insights and inspirations. The exhibit hall was a testament to the industry’s progress, featuring captivating digital displays and new techniques that are shaping the future of signage.

The event was more than just a showcase of technology. It was an educational platform, offering a series of seminars that ignited discussions, exchanged knowledge, and fostered a sense of community among industry peers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just stepping into the vibrant world of signage, Sign Expo Canada proved to be a hub of learning and networking opportunities.

As we reflect on the success of the 2023 event, our sights are already set on the future. The next edition of Sign Expo Canada is in the works, scheduled for September 2024. It’s never too early to mark your calendars, and we encourage you to follow @signexpocanada for updates. Staying connected will ensure you’re among the first to know about the exciting features of the upcoming event.

If you weren’t able to attend this year, there’s no reason to worry. The 2024 Sign Expo Canada in Toronto promises another round of engaging networking opportunities, enriching learning experiences, and a glimpse into the future of signage. The event will span two fulfilling days of connection, exploration, and inspiration.

In the meantime, let’s keep the momentum going. The sign and graphics industry is dynamic, constantly evolving with new trends and technologies. As we move towards the 2024 event, there will be many opportunities to network, learn, and engage with peers and industry leaders. We are excited to share this journey with you, as we continue to learn, network, and advance in this ever-evolving industry.

Sign Expo Canada 2023 was a remarkable event, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Let’s look forward to another year of innovation, collaboration, and growth in the world of signage.

Okanagan Sip & Signs

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Connect with the local sign community at an exciting networking event hosted by the BC Sign Association and sponsored by WRI Supply!

This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with others in the sign industry, share ideas, and make valuable connections. WRI Supply, a leading supplier in the area, is generously sponsoring the event to bring the community together.

The event will take place on Friday, November 3rd, from 4-6 PM at the beautiful Okanagan. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and great conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.

Several local sign companies and vendors will be in attendance to connect with sign professionals, owners, and enthusiasts. It’s the perfect chance to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the sign business, this networking event has something for everyone. Chat with others who understand the unique opportunities and challenges within the industry.

Space is limited, so RSVP today using the button below. This exciting event on November 3rd is not to be missed!

We hope to see you as we bring together the vibrant local sign community!

Event Details:

DATE: November 3rd, 2023

LOCATION: 3554 BC-97 Kelowna, BC V1X 5C2 (click here for directions)

TIME: 4PM – 6PM

‘We extend our deepest gratitude to all who participated and savored the experience.’

BOCSIes 2022 – Submit your sign award entries today!

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For the latest information on this news,  go to: https://sac-ace.ca/news-events/news/

Nominations are now open for the Sign Association of Canada Awards: 2022 Sign Professional of the Year, 2022 Young Professional of the Year, and 2022 Volunteer of the Year. Our industry would not be the same without the contributions of outstanding individuals who share their time and wisdom with peers and the association. Members are encouraged to submit nominees for the award.Do you know someone who fits the bill? Check out the considerations for each award category and nominate someone today!

Don’t forget to show off your awesome projects.

The Best of Canada’s Sign Industry (BOCSI) awards honour the top work of sign companies and related organizations across the country with winners selected by an expert panel of independent judges. The awards program is jointly managed by Sign Media Canada and SAC.The BOCSIes includes Canada’s Sign Company of the Year (SCOTY) award! It is the most prestigious in the awards line up and recognizes and celebrates the industry’s commitment to the excellence, customer service, environmental stewardship, and uniqueness of Canadian sign companies.

Nominate someone for a SAC Award

Submit your entry to the BOCSI Awards

2022 BCSA Golf Tournament – August 26, 2022

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For the latest information on this event,  go to: https://sac-ace.ca/news-events/upcoming-events/

August 26, 2022
12:30 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
Mayfair Lakes Golf and Country Club

Join us for the 2022 BC Sign Association Golf Tournament at beautiful Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, sponsored by EM Plastic!!

With the towering beauty of Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains serving as a backdrop, Mayfair Lakes in Richmond is a genuine golf sanctuary, offering year-round golf in a secluded country ambiance that’s just minutes from Vancouver.

Spend a Friday afternoon with the BC Sign Association, our Members, Sponsors and Suppliers; enjoy the course, good food and networking.

Non-Members are welcome! It’s all about networking, meeting others in the industry and learning more about the BC Sign Association.

Date: August 26, 2022
Timing: Registration begins 11:30am; tee times start at 12:30pm

Cost:

$187.95 ($179 + 5% GST) – Members
$210.00 ($200 + 5% GST) – Non-Members
*Includes 18 holes, power cart (shared), lunch voucher for sandwich and beverage, and dinner

$63.00 ($60 + 5% GST) – Dinner Only

Registration Deadline: August 12, 2022

Don’t forget about sponsorships! If you would like to be a tournament sponsor, you can find sponsorship opportunities here.

 

BCSA Member Spotlight: Nikki Boechler, Pattison Sign Group

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Nikki Bochler
Director of Operations, Western Canada,
Pattison Sign Group (Penticton, BC)

How long has your company been in business?
Right around the 100-year mark!

Who has inspired you in your career? 
Kim Brumwell, our former Director of Operations for Canada at PSG. She really showed me that women can do anything, even in male-dominated industries like ours. She’s a wonderful mom, grandmother and was an inspirational boss. 

What has been the most challenging sign you’ve built and/or installed?
The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital letter sets in Saskatoon. The installation had to be coordinated around Stars Ambulance and we had to be careful of wall penetrations going into the maternity ward! 

What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the sign industry?
Do it! It’s a great industry to be a part of, so rewarding. 

What is your favorite part of the job?
Making our customers happy – it’s all worth it when you have a satisfied customer.

What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career so far?
Before September 24, 2021 I would have said winning PSG Employee of the Year for Western Canada in 2012 but now the highlight was being named Sign Professional of the Year at the 2021 BOCSIes!

How do you spend your free time?
Listening and recording podcasts, kayaking, hiking, swimming and enjoying the beautiful Okanagan! 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about your business?
We don’t just service North America, we have PSG built signs in Japan, New Zealand and Australia! 

What has BCSA membership meant to you both personally and professionally? 
Being a member of the BCSA has helped me build a network of professional and exceptional manufacturing and installation partners for my day to day business but the most important thing membership has done has linked me up with other women in the industry. And these dedicated women have banded together to form Breaking Barriers: Women in the Sign Industry – a group of women helping women navigate their careers in a male-dominated industry. I’m very proud of the work we have done to elevate the visibility of the Sign Industry as a lucrative and viable career option for women.

Check out Nikki’s podcast, Breaking Barriers: Women in the Sign Industry — celebrating and elevating the business of signs and sign making, with a special focus on the women breaking barriers in the industry — on Spotify and Buzzsprout.

Style Your Ride – June 23, 2022

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For the latest information on this event,  go to: https://sac-ace.ca/news-events/upcoming-events/

The automotive industry is evolving faster than ever, as have the products that are used in automotive restyling.  Driven by technological innovations, new market entrants, and ever-changing consumer attitudes, sign companies involved in vehicle graphics must stay on top of these technologies to ensure that they meet their customers’ wants and stay ahead of the competition.

The vehicle wrap products available today are anything but ordinary, available in a variety of head-turning colours and finishes to make your car truly stand out.

Sign up for our June 23rd webinar to find out more about the latest on 3M product offerings:

  • 3M PPF,
  • 3M Tint,
  • 3M 2080,
  • 3M Knifeless; and,
  • 3M Ceramic coating

Hosted by 3M’s Kevin De Silva, the comprehensive discussion will provide insight into the products and will also give attendees the opportunity to ask specific questions they’d like answered.

ISA Sign Expo (Atlanta, GA) – May 4-6, 2022

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For the latest information on this event,  go to: https://www.signexpo.org/

ISA Sign Expo is the place to find everything you need to be successful in the sign, graphics, print and visual communications industry.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business or advance your career, ISA International Sign Expo® is the only place to find everything you need to be successful in the sign, graphics, print and visual communications industry.

YPN’s Lead With Confidence – June 1-2, 2022

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For the latest information on this event,  go to: https://sac-ace.ca/news-events/upcoming-events/

This three-day, two-night conference will empower participants to seek out leadership positions within the association and their own companies, and will provide inspiration for the next steps in their career. Participants will gain insight into industry-wide best practices and make crucial connections that will benefit not only their careers, but their current employers.

The retreat will be business-focused with an emphasis on the sign industry, while maximizing participants’ potential for leadership excellence.

Our thought-provoking guest speakers will inspire and entertain, challenging our participants to level up in their sign careers. Further information on speakers and sessions coming soon!

Speakers

David Shapiro

David Shapiro is a 20+ year sign industry veteran who specializes in Environmental Branding in the Design-Build Environment, and Digital Integrations. David has managed projects for major banks such as TD Bank and Truist Bank; Sports Stadiums, including most recently the Allegiant Field, Las Vegas; As well several major retail destination projects in Times Square. Time square projects include the Fossil, Oakley, and T-Mobile stores.

One of David’s passions is continuing education and research in the sign industry. He has served as a volunteer on the International Sign Association’s Signage Research Foundation, and United States Sign Councils Foundation’s committees. David is a graduate of Towson University, in Baltimore MD and a previous ISA Elite member.

Gilson Lubin

Gilson Lubin is a comedian based in Toronto. He has appeared at Just For Laughs in many occasions, on Kevin Harts LOL Network, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and has recorded his own special for CTV’s Comedy Network and other platforms.

Luca DeMontis

Luca DeMontis is the Program Director of Canadian Blind Hockey and the General Manager of the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team. Luca has been part of Canadian Blind Hockey for over 10 years.

Michaud Garneau

Michaud Garneau is a professional facilitator with over a decade of teaching and training experience. He’s created and facilitated workshops for Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profits, as well as developed curriculum for elementary, high school and post-secondary institutions.

Michaud (pronounced Me Show) draws on his experience as an award-winning performance artist to create memorable engagement opportunities and recently delivered a TedX talk on why the clown in the leader of the future.

Michaud founded Weird is Nrml (WIN), a modern training and development organization. WIN acknowledges the feels that adults get when we learn (aka the weird and scaries) and builds the capacity required to sit comfortably in that discomfort.

Eligibility

This conference is open to all current members of the Sign Association of Canada who are 40 years and younger.

Travel and accommodations:

Participants will be required to pay for their travel and accommodation expenses. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Omni King Edward Hotel for the Sign Association of Canada. To take advantage of our deal, please reserve our room before April 15, 2022. A link to a reservation portal will be sent out at a later day.

Health and safety considerations:

We take the health and safety of all participants seriously and will be adhering to all government-mandated protocols. Due to the nature of the event, which will include being indoors at close proximity, and with respect to the current policies of the sign shops we will be visiting, we will require that all participants show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Cost:
$195 + HST – SAC members only

Registration

Registration for this conference is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sponsorship

Connect with us to find out how you can partner on this conference and demonstrate your company’s leadership in supporting the next generation of Canadian sign industry leaders.

CANCELLED – 2022 BC Sign and Graphics Expo

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This year’s BC Sign and Graphics show, previously scheduled to take place April 1-2, has been cancelled due to the unpredictability of current gathering restrictions and with the health and safety of everyone in mind. Stay tuned for updates! We can’t wait to see you.