ISA International Sign Expo 2010 Wrap-Up

"It did not seem as though there were a large number of new innovations shown this year although the reoccurring topic that we found was around high production rates and efficiencies that are needed," said Durst's Howard.

"A few trends were noticed. The most notable trend is the continued trend of improved business in the market. Nearly 100 percent of the DPP have seen their business stabilize and realize quarter over quarter growth," said EFI's Wozny.

"With the launch of the new SEPIAX 'direct-to-anything' water based resin ink, there is a real trend towards purchasing complete 'green' environmentally friendly inkjet systems. We had a large number of 'green' substrate vendors approach us with testing to ensure their products are compatible with SEPIAX. The green movement is real and we are pleased to participate in this market change," said Barefoot.

"An interesting trend that I saw at ISA was the increase of alternative visual communications mediums, way beyond the traditional printed sign and banner. The exhibitors and conversations at ISA showed a shift in the industry to wider acceptance of new technologies and applications that really push the envelope in terms of how our customers’ customers reach their target audience and deliver a message. This included an increase in true digital signage and a diversification in the types of applications being made possible with digital printing technologies, such as new ways to advertise out-of-home and indoors from textiles to very unique and varied substrates," said Claudia Barbiero, Signage Segment Marketing, HP Graphics Solutions Business, HP.

"One of trends we noticed was the increasing focus on environmentally friendly technologies. We held a 'Green Product' showcase at which 20 companies touted a specific green product. Even aside from the showcase, the show floor was full of products that were highlighting some type of environmental benefit," said ISA's Anderson.

"I think the show has become smaller as for as vendors go and that’s not necessarily bad. The marginal players didn’t come," said Steve Urmano, marketing director, Mimaki USA.

"There seems to be a much bigger focus on green products and trying to put some quantifiable measurables around green products. Much of the signage used by the show organizers was green and it is good to see," said Angie Mohni, vice president of marketing, Neschen Americas.

"Specialization is becoming increasingly important. There is a lot of different equipment out there that meets the core needs of the signmaker, so if they are looking to make an investment, customers are looking for something that will differentiate them and add new capabilities to their businesses and take them beyond their competition," said Andrew Oransky, director of product management, Roland DGA Corp.

"I saw two distinct trends: 1. Shop owners were more optimistic about 2010, and many reported increased business since February. Many owners who had previously decided to postpone equipment upgrades were now openly discussing what they should buy in 2010, or what to buy now.

"2. I also detected a financial and technological conservatism that I had not seen in the past. Specifically, customers looking to buy printers were much more concerned about proven reliability and company reputation than in the past. Many were tired of living on the “bleeding edge” of technology, or didn’t really believe manufacturer’s claims about new technologies. So we saw a renewed effort by customers to make sure they were making the right decision about equipment. We were asked to do many more thorough demonstrations at the show, and I think there was less reliance on dealer recommendations than in the past. They were also more concerned about service and support after the sale," said Seiko's Ryan.

"I think the main trend that I noticed was bouncing back from the economic crisis. There was a lot of positive talk on the show floor," said Royce Owen, director of marketing, Summa.

"The upward shift in the economy. Very enlightening indeed," said Jaime Giannantonio, marketing manager, Ultraflex Systems Inc.