When the new, the tried and true, the fun, and the brain food all come together in one big, annual event, it can be hard to put into words the impact and, well, magic of it all. So we’ll use some great image galleries to share what happens at a Sign Biz Convention – which we call “Reunions.”
First, there was an inspirational opening address, and an eye-opening presentation, “What’s Owl Got to do With It?,” all presented by Sign Biz President, Teresa M. Young. From a New Member Welcome and Member news makers, to mind-blowing insights into Google’s algorithms, it was an excellent kick-off to a huge program!
AMP IT! 2018 features a bumper crop of the newest, best and brightest, all in one incredible paneled “sip from the firehose!” The Panel of Pros who presented the AMP IT! program came from these famous companies: Floor Signage LLC, Mimaki, Orbus, Spike, General Formulations & School of Sign Arts!
Next up on the agenda was a huge General Session. The content of these conventions is determined by Member votes in November of the prior year. General Sessions are those topics with the most votes. This unique system assures our guests gain the insights they want and need. This morning’s paneled presentation, AMP IT!, is an annual favorite. Here, award-winning floor and wall media, new printer technologies, fabric architecture, XL lightboxes, special Member discounts for measurement apps, and extreme video training center were featured. As Member Joe Tindall said, “The new product review is one of my favorite sessions each year.”
Six hot sessions with peers and pros, including the first ever Sales Consultants POWOW.
At the Reunion, you’ll encounter a new version of the traditional Roundtable event: The POWOW – The Power of What Owners Want. Unlike panels, with generally feature a sequence of 15-20-minute talks followed by discussion, roundtables gather a group of participants around a shared topic to generate discussion among the participants. These six hot POWOWs gives attendees a choice: They can stay a 90 minutes to soak up what they want, or sit in two sessions for 45 minutes each. As always, the topics are selected by Members in the December voting process.
Between sessions, Members enjoyed a surprisingly gourmet lunch, and plenty of snack and beverage breaks. The Doubletree by Hilton venue served up a bountiful lunch, including Mixed Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Salad, Red Skin Potato Salad, Tequila Tomatoes and Onions, Spicy Shredded Beef and Chicken, Guacamole, Jack & Cheddar Cheeses, Hard or Soft Flour Tortillas, Chips with Spicy Queso, Refried Beans, Mexican Yellow Rice, Sopapilla and Honey, Red Velvet and Kahlua Cakes!
Just sayin’… No one left hungry!
AT 4:00 PM, the highly-anticipated second General Session was set, preparing Members for advancing with proven, unique paths for National Account projects.
Heavy hitters were lined up to share strategic and tactical information to put Members on the map for National Sign Programs. Three Fortune 500 Manufacturers + Members of the Sign Biz Network revealed inside tracks to fulfill projects for Nationals, across all 50 States, Canada & beyond. From site surveys and fabrication, to inspections and installation, three giants of the sign industry coached attendees. Subcontractor sign-up packages, forms, contact lists and more were loaded on each Member’s flash drive, for later review and use.
Closing remarks and wrap up at 5:15 allowed our guests to refresh for the evening Gala! Commencing at 6:30 PM with cocktails and delicious appetizers, followed by plated dinner, unlimited hosted drinks, and equally abundant awards and recognition ceremonies!
The Gala culminates with our infamous Fun and Games – photos below! See the story of our many award winners in an upcoming post. After the incredible success stories of our new Milestone Members and Sales Consultants of the Year, a special tribute and “light roast” of one of our earliest Sign Biz Members was at hand. Peter C. Bates, who opened his shop in Nassau, Bahamas in 1990, was about to retire, and some long-time employees would have some of the business stock. Honoring the successes, the contributions, and the passion that Peter has brought to his three-million dollar operation was a true highlight of the evening. His story and one-of-a-kind style have been part of the Sign Biz Network for 28 years. Read more about this man and his tribute in a follow-up post!
Every guest table at the Gala had multiple self-serve cameras! Hundreds of photos later, we have curated the best and most interesting memories captured by our guests. Apparently we have some pretty good photographers in our midst! Enjoy these “front and center” scenes!
When all was said and done, ALL was said and done! As party-goers made their exits late that night, clean up began, and notes filed for next year’s convention. “The format was ideal- everyone loved it! We will go for a repeat and hopefully make our 30th Anniversary event just as perfect as this,” said Young.
Special thanks to one of our sponsors that night, for staying late to help carry boxes back to Teresa’s room. Megan Ritter of 3M was there until the lights were turned off, contributing smiles and a helping hand.
