Planning an event? Don’t forget the signs. After all, the simple fact is that great signs attract attention. Think back to any event you’ve gone to. What attracted you to it? A grand welcome sign? What kept you there? A simple directional sign? What made it a great (or awful) experience?
If you go to a highly-anticipated event and you can’t find the restroom, concessions or information area – that experience just went from great to horrid and frustrating in a matter of seconds. So, when you are planning an event, put yourself in the patrons’ shoes. Map out the details and use signs to make the experience the best possible for attendees.
Use signage to achieve higher attendance. Before your event takes place, strategically place your signs to get the word out and spark interest. During the event, signs generate a sense of credibility and legitimacy.
Clean and creative signs used during your event can be used to promote your organization. Making your event title or logo visible provides a visual cue for all attendees, which results in better brand recognition. Use signs during your event to promote upcoming events. Use signage to showcase your sponsors and advertisers.
Of course, you can use signs simply for directional purposes. Sports events can be hectic and confusing. What court or field am I supposed to go to? Where is the viewing section? Where are concessions? Where are restrooms? Where is the gift shop? Where are tournament results posted? Communication is always key; communicate to your visitors and give them an easy and enjoyable experience.
Now that you know why you need signage, here’s how you pull it off.
Go Green and Use the Natural Landscape
Use existing landscape and unexpected areas to display graphics. Signs don’t have to be limited to walls, and you don’t have to install obnoxious posts just to hold a sign.
Wrap It
Vinyl adhesive decals are made to adhere to almost any surface—flat, contoured or textured—for indoor and outdoor applications.
Think Big—and then Bigger than that!
Banner graphics can be billboard size or even larger to cover locations that can easily be seen from a distance. Big visuals are more likely to attract attention.
Capture Idle Moments of Opportunity
Use areas of forced pedestrian foot traffic—stairwells, escalators and elevators—as opportunities for branding, promoting and sponsorship.
Use See-Through Graphics
Graphics such as perforated window vinyl are great products to use during temporary events, as they can be easily removed from windows. They can even block glaring light from coming in on shiny courts. Large window graphics can be made to be viewed from the outside, but seen inside as soft black screens.
Define Event Space within the Event
Need to designate or barricade an event area within the event venue itself? A-frames are great economic and transportable ways to display graphics where no structure currently exists. They collapse easily and can be reused.
Make a 360 Impact
Fence mesh and windscreens can be printed front and back to capture the audience on both sides of the fence. These are especially helpful in making your sponsors happy.
Go Where the Fans Are
Bleachers and grandstands are great structures to utilize for installing large graphics that capture the audience’s attention on the way to their seats.
In summary, look for areas of opportunity for signage where you wouldn’t expect it to grab people’s attention. A sign does not have to be a paper poster or banner anymore. Graphics can be installed temporarily on walls, windows, floors and pillars in a large-format scale and be removed without leaving damage for short -term use. Go for full color, customize the shape and size or add dimensional elements like layering materials to add even more impact.
If you are looking to maximize your signage at your next sporting or non-sporting event, contact the experts at Forerunner Signs & Graphics!
