FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2006

Eighth Annual Global Sign Forum Sees Largest Participation Ever - Group Discusses Issues of International Concern

Alexandria, VA - Record attendance earmarked the successful Global Sign Forum, hosted by the International Sign Association (ISA), April 7 during the International Sign Expo in Orlando, Fla. More than 50 participants from 25 countries were on hand to discuss a full slate of topics, including: energy conservation/Dark Skies initiatives; handling hazardous materials; trends in technology; and challenges and opportunities facing the global sign industry.

Now in its eighth year, the event provides a unique forum for sign professionals to learn about regional issues that face the sign industry across the globe. This year’s forum featured an ISA discussion panel, including ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson, ISA International Relations Manager Sapna Budev, ISA International Committee Chair Bob Mattatall, and ISA International Committee Vice Chair Jean-Pierre Meganck.

Additionally, representatives from Argentina, Europe, Japan, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, and the United States, delivered reports from their respective regions. While the critical issues varied slightly in different parts of the world, the group collectively agreed that educating future sign industry workers and fighting Dark Skies should be universal high priorities.

“The slate of experts we lined up from around the world helped to ensure a good turnout for the Forum,” said Sapna Budev, ISA’s International Relations Manager. “We’re especially pleased with the level of interaction among participants. This event really helped to open the dialogue on key issues facing sign companies everywhere.”

Plans are underway for ninth annual Global Sign Forum, said Budev. The event will be held in conjunction with the 61st Annual International Sign Expo, April 11-14 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information, contact ISA at (703) 836-4012 or visit www.signs.org.

ISA is a 1,900 member organization composed of manufacturers, users, and suppliers of on-premise signs and sign products produced by more than 400,000 employees in all 50 states and 69 foreign countries. ISA exists to support, promote, and improve the $30 billion-a-year sign industry, which sustains the nation’s nearly $3 trillion-a-year retail industry.

International Sign Association (ISA)
707 North Saint Asaph St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-836-4012
Website URL: www.signs.org