Planning and organizing a successful event involves a variety of components, and one of the most crucial elements that should never be overlooked is event signage. Signage has the power to guide, inform, and engage your audience while also representing your brand in the most professional way. Whether it’s a conference, trade show, corporate event, or a public festival, the right event signage can make a world of difference.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential elements of event signage, how to choose the best signage for your specific needs, and why large-format printing can take your event to the next level. We’ll also showcase how BigFormat – The Large Format Printing Company, can provide high-quality, customized signage solutions to help you create an unforgettable event.
1. Why Event Signage is Crucial for Your Next Event
When it comes to event planning, signage plays a vital role in ensuring your event’s success. It not only guides attendees, but also enhances their experience by providing useful information, making the environment more visually appealing, and boosting your brand’s visibility.
Create a Professional and Cohesive Brand Presence
Every event is an opportunity to make a positive impression on your audience. With the right signage, you can reinforce your brand message and create a cohesive look that aligns with your brand identity. Whether you’re hosting a trade show, conference, or corporate event, your signage should incorporate consistent colors, logos, and fonts that reflect your company’s image and values.
Guide Attendees and Enhance the Visitor Experience
Navigating large event spaces can be a challenge for attendees. Event signage provides essential information about directions, schedules, locations, and more. Clear and concise directional signage helps attendees quickly find their way to sessions, exhibitor booths, restrooms, and dining areas. Additionally, well-placed signage can increase engagement by highlighting key attractions or areas of interest.
Boost Your Event’s Visibility
The right signage can create visibility and excitement for your event, even before guests walk through the door. Large-format prints, such as banners, posters, and window graphics, are excellent tools for building anticipation and increasing awareness for your event. Whether you’re promoting your event online or using physical signage outside the venue, high-quality event signage will leave a lasting impression on potential attendees.
Increase Sponsorship Value
For events that feature multiple sponsors, event signage is a crucial way to acknowledge and promote those sponsors. Logos, ads, and messaging on signs, banners, and displays give sponsors the exposure they deserve, while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the event.
2. Types of Event Signage You’ll Need
Choosing the right event signage for your specific event depends on a variety of factors, including the type of event, the venue, and your brand’s goals. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of event signage:
Directional Signage
Directional signage ensures that attendees can easily find their way to important locations at your event. These signs may point to things like entrances, parking, session rooms, exhibit halls, restrooms, and VIP areas. Directional signs are particularly important in large venues where attendees may feel overwhelmed or lost.
- Materials: Vinyl, foam boards, acrylic
- Design Tip: Use clear, bold fonts with arrows or icons to direct people efficiently. Keep the colors consistent with the rest of your branding.
Entrance Signage
The entrance to your event is the first impression people will have of your event. Entrance signage is your opportunity to showcase your brand, set the tone for the event, and create excitement. A large, branded banner or archway with your event name, logo, and theme can make a bold statement.
- Materials: Banners, fabric, or large format prints
- Design Tip: Make sure the design is striking and immediately recognizable. Use bold colors and large fonts for easy reading.
Sponsor Signage
Sponsorships are often a crucial part of event funding, and it’s important to recognize those who have made the event possible. Sponsor signage should be prominently displayed throughout the event space, ensuring sponsors get the visibility they deserve.
- Materials: Banners, posters, digital signage, or standees
- Design Tip: Keep sponsor logos in a consistent size and placement, ensuring no sponsor gets more or less visibility. Add a professional touch with high-quality print materials.
Exhibit Displays
For trade shows, conferences, and expos, exhibit displays are one of the primary ways to engage attendees and promote products, services, or brands. Exhibit displays include banner stands, pop-up displays, and tablecloth graphics.
- Materials: Vinyl, fabric, aluminum
- Design Tip: Make sure the messaging on these displays is concise, with large visuals and your company’s logo visible. A clean and professional design is key.
Stage Signage
For events with speeches, presentations, or performances, stage signage is essential for branding and audience engagement. This could include large backdrops, podium signs, or digital signage screens placed around the stage.
- Materials: Banners, fabric backdrops, printed signage
- Design Tip: Use large graphics and bold text that can be clearly seen from a distance. Keep the design simple so it doesn’t distract from the speaker.
Wayfinding Signage
Wayfinding signage helps guide guests around your event space. These signs are usually placed throughout the venue, directing people to different areas such as session rooms, food courts, lounges, or bathrooms. Wayfinding is especially important in large venues or multi-level buildings.
- Materials: Foam boards, vinyl, directional signs
- Design Tip: Use symbols, large fonts, and arrows to make the signs easy to follow. Ensure they are placed in high-traffic areas for maximum visibility.
Interactive Signage
Interactive signage is becoming increasingly popular at events as it offers more engagement opportunities. Interactive signage can be digital, allowing visitors to access event schedules, maps, and other information through touchscreens or QR codes.
- Materials: Digital screens, LED displays, interactive kiosks
- Design Tip: Incorporate visually appealing graphics that encourage users to interact. QR codes and live updates are great ways to engage the audience.
3. Choosing the Right Materials for Event Signage
The materials you choose for your event signage can make a big difference in the overall quality and durability of your prints. It’s important to select materials based on where your signage will be placed, the weather conditions, and how long the event will last.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for both indoor and outdoor signage due to its durability and versatility. Vinyl is weather-resistant and can withstand harsh conditions, making it perfect for outdoor events. It’s also ideal for banners, flags, and other large-format prints.
Fabric
Fabric signage gives an elegant and high-quality finish to your displays. It’s perfect for trade show booths, stage backdrops, and any event where you want to create a premium look. Fabric is lightweight, easy to transport, and gives a sleek, professional appearance.
Foam Core
Foam core is a lightweight material that’s often used for indoor signage, such as directional signs, posters, and displays. It provides a sturdy base for printing and gives a polished, clean finish. While foam core is not ideal for outdoor use, it’s a great option for event signage that won’t be exposed to the elements.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a high-end material that offers a modern and polished look for event signage. It’s often used for premium signage, such as sponsor displays or VIP area signage. Acrylic offers a sleek, sophisticated appearance but is best used in controlled indoor environments.
Coroplast
Coroplast is a durable, lightweight material often used for yard signs and outdoor event signage. It’s perfect for outdoor use, offering resistance to weather conditions such as rain, wind, and sun. Coroplast is a great choice for directional signage or temporary event markers.
4. Design Tips for Event Signage
The design of your event signage plays a significant role in how well it performs. A professional, eye-catching design ensures that your signage communicates the right message and engages your audience. Here are some essential design tips for event signage:
Keep it Simple and Clear
Event signage should be easy to read and understand at a glance. Avoid overcrowding the design with too much information. Use short and concise messaging that directs attention to the most important aspects of your event.
Use Bold Fonts and Colors
Bold fonts and high-contrast colors ensure that your signage stands out from the crowd. Use colors that are consistent with your brand identity, but don’t be afraid to add contrasting tones to make key elements pop.
Include Your Logo and Branding
Make sure to include your company’s logo, brand colors, and visual elements consistently across all signage. This helps reinforce your branding and makes your event feel cohesive.
Incorporate Visuals and Graphics
Including visuals like images, icons, or illustrations can help communicate your message more effectively. However, make sure the visuals complement the message and don’t overshadow it.
Plan for Scalability
Keep in mind that your signage should be designed to fit the event space and audience. A banner that works well at one event might not suit another venue or audience. Always consider the size and scale of your signage and adjust accordingly.
5. How BigFormat Can Help with Your Event Signage Needs
At BigFormat – The Large Format Printing Company, we specialize in creating high-quality, custom event signage that helps make your event stand out. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, trade show, or festival, our expertise in large-format printing ensures that your signage will be visually stunning, durable, and effective.
We offer a wide range of signage options, from banners and backdrops to wayfinding signs and interactive displays. Our team works closely with you to understand your specific needs and provide personalized solutions that align with your branding and event goals.
Conclusion: Make Your Event Unforgettable with the Right Signage
Event signage plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your event. With the right signage, you can guide your attendees, boost brand visibility, and create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a large trade show, a corporate seminar, or a public festival, BigFormat – The Large Format Printing Company, has the experience and expertise to deliver high-quality, custom signage that will make your event stand out.
Don’t let your next event fall flat—reach out to BigFormat today and let us help you create impactful, high-quality event signage that ensures your event is a resounding success!