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Last week marked the long-awaited, post-pandemic return to Orlando, FL, for the ISA International Sign Expo. The 200,000 square-foot tradeshow floor featured over 570 exhibitors and witnessed a record attendance of 19,500 registered attendees that surpassed figures from 2018. Feedback from exhibitors and visitors was exceptionally positive, providing an exciting and encouraging event. The expo was buzzing with energy and innovation. The combination of new technology showcased, educational opportunities, and award ceremonies made for an inspirational show for attendees as well as vendors.
This year’s expo was not just about showcasing products and services…it was about creating an immersive experience for every participant. Exhibitors had the privilege to invite VIP attendees, enhancing their networking opportunities. Newcomers were given a special place on the tradeshow floor, ensuring they received the attention needed to launch new products and services.
Wrap Takes Center Stage
One of the standout features of the expo was the Wrap Experience. It’s always fascinating to watch the wrap professionals at work, demonstrating their skill and precision. It really highlights the artistry involved in vehicle and fleet wrap. The Never Stop Learning Contest took center stage and allowed for contestants of all skill levels (from beginners to experts) to showcase their wrap skills while simultaneously getting a personalized workshop with a leading wrap trainer from The Wrap Institute.
Additionally, a significant announcement was made at the expo as ISA is taking an ownership interest in The Wrap Institute. This partnership is set to bring even more educational resources and opportunities for professional development to the industry. It's an exciting development for everyone looking to enhance their skills and grow their careers.
| Innovative wrap and restyling examples from the Never Stop Learning Contest and Avery Dennison. |
Direct to Object Printing is Driving UV Growth
UV printing continues to gain in popularity and allows print service providers (PSPs) to open new market opportunities particularly in direct to object printing. Many exhibitors were showcasing devices and workflows to address this growing segment of the marketplace.
Roland DGA featured their VersaObject MO-240 18" x 24" CMYK flatbed device with options for white, gloss, red, orange, and primer. The MO-240 can print objects up to 8" thick, allowing for a multitude of direct to object applications.
| Roland VersaObject MO-240 18" x 24" direct to object printer. |
Mimaki showcased their new Kebab HS option for cylindrical direct to object printing on their UJF Series flatbed UV-LED printers. The Kebab HS allows for printing on tapered objects 400% faster than traditional kebab units. It can be used to print directly to objects with a maximum 7.5-degree slope angle, which is measured from one end of the object to the other along its length.
| Mimaki presents their new Kebab HS cylindrical printing option. |
Mutoh had an expansive presence throughout the tradeshow with their XpertJet 661UF on display in their booth as well as several of their dealer partners. The XJ-661UF is an 18" x 24" CMYK + white + varnish direct to object printer that (among many features) allows PSPs to digitally print braille, create textured layers in gloss and matte, as well as make lenticular prints for unique visual effects.
| The Mutoh XpertJet 661UF was on display throughout the ISA show floor. |
Great Opportunities with Aqueous
Epson used the ISA show to launch their brand new SureColor P20570 large-format 64" production and fine art printer. Designed for professional photography, fine art reproductions, and graphic design printing, the P20570 represents the pinnacle of professional printing technology for the demanding needs of multiple markets. It combines a high-performance 12-channel PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology and UltraChrome PRO12 ink—including orange, green, and violet—in a 1.6 L ink pack system for the widest color gamut in its class and industry-leading print permanence.
With a market suggested retail price of $11,295, the P20570 can affordably open up opportunities for PSPs to sell high-value art and photo applications into a marketspace they cannot service with their outdoor ink sets.
| The Epson SC-P20570 creates high value opportunities in fine art and photo reproduction. |
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
The ISA Expo is more than just a trade show: It’s a hub for networking, learning, and growth. Every year, ISA Expo provides invaluable insights into where the industry is headed and what we can do to keep pace with changes. While covering all the print technologies that wide format printers expect from the show, the 2024 ISA Expo also showed us incredible opportunities for growth in the wrap, direct to object, and fine art segments.
As we look forward to the 2025 ISA Sign Expo in Las Vegas, I would encourage anyone in the industry to consider attending. It’s an excellent opportunity for PSPs looking to expand their knowledge and make meaningful connections in the field of visual communications.
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