by Digital Output staff
The International Sign Association (ISA) held its main event—the ISA Sign Expo—April 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The event attracted more than 20,600 attendees and close to 600 exhibitors. Some main show themes centered on efficiency and productivity—doing more with less.
Above: ISA attracted more than 20,600 attendees and close to 600 exhibitors.
Floor News
The show floor was big—clocking in at 235,000-plus square feet; which made for a lot of news to cover! EFI featured some of its newest devices, including the 126-inch EFI VUTEk h5 hybrid flatbed/roll-to-roll UV printer. Epson joined the print-and-cut revolution with the announcement of the SureColor S-Series Print and Cut models. Newcomer Fluid Color showcased its portfolio of devices from the ZR roll-to-roll series and RH/ZH hybrid series to its RF/ZF flatbed series.
Gerber Technology highlighted two Gerber MCT Cutters on the show floor. HP Inc. announced the HP Stitch S series of printers. The 64-inch HP Stitch S300 and the HP Stitch S500 printers are equipped with HP dye-sublimation (dye-sub) inks able to print either transfer or direct.
Mimaki USA, Inc. debuted the JFX200-2513 EX, successor to the JFX200-2513. Mutoh America, Inc. brought its entire arsenal to the show, but announced ValueCut II cutters as well as its UV ink being GREENGUARD GOLD certified. Onyx Graphics, Inc. reviewed ONYX 19—which launched officially at FESPA. Roland DGA Corporation highlighted its newest products in the booth, but visitors also got a peek at the new Texart RT-640M multi-function dye-sub printer.
SA International unveiled Flexi 19, with a 30 percent increase in speed compared to older versions of the software. With a decidedly Swiss theme, Zünd demonstrated its D3 L-3200 digital cutter in the booth.
Media vendors were also in big supply from Vycom Corp. debuting a booth made out of the company’s product portfolio to Plaskolite showcasing its OPTIX-DA lineup. ORAFOL Americas highlighted ProSlide—its newest adhesive technology. Fisher Textiles brought fabrics from its Digital Apparel lineup. Top Value Fabrics’ booth had visitors reaching for sunglasses with bright backlit signage and tropical furniture. Ultraflex Systems, Inc. included magnetic signage and backlit fabric.
Reason to Celebrate
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, ISA had its own exciting announcement. The association plans on co-locating ISA Sign Expo 2020 with Impressions Expo in Orlando, FL April 1 to 4, 2020 at the Orange County Convention Center. Impressions Expo is focused on the imprinted and decorated apparel industry. Combined, the co-located event will consist of 350,000 square feet of space. The crossover between the two shows is evident with digital printing making inroads into decorated apparel and garment decoration. To hear about how the co-located 2020 event will benefit attendees, visit digitaloutput.net and listen to our latest podcast with Lori Anderson, president/CEO, ISA.
