Signarama, the world's leading sign and graphics franchise, hosted its annual international convention in Las Vegas, bringing together nearly 400 franchise owners and employees to celebrate achievements, share insights, and strategize for future growth. The three-day event, synchronized with the International Sign Association's Sign Expo, provided a comprehensive platform for professional development and networking.
President A.J. Titus highlighted the convention's significance, emphasizing the franchise network's strength and resilience. A key announcement during the event was Signarama's strategic partnership with Location3, a premier digital marketing agency specializing in franchise brand marketing. This collaboration aims to elevate brand visibility and support local marketing efforts through Location3's innovative LOCALACT platform.
The convention featured a diverse range of professional development opportunities, including a vendor trade show, specialized training seminars, and breakout sessions focused on critical business areas such as sales, production, financial management, and team culture. These educational components were designed to equip franchise owners with actionable strategies for business growth and operational excellence.
A major highlight of the event was the annual awards dinner, which recognized outstanding franchise owners across multiple categories. Notable awards included Rookie of the Year, presented to Thatcher and Melita Brinton from Timonium, Maryland, and the Bill Schwalje Humanitarian of the Year, awarded to Kevin McCord from Lawrenceburg, Indiana and Florence, Kentucky.
The Sign Awards celebrated exceptional achievements in various categories, including vehicle graphics, digital print output, and original in-house design concepts. Standout performers like Casey Valiant from Evansville, Indiana, and Maggie and Brian Harlow from Louisville, Kentucky, were acknowledged for their innovative work in the signage industry.
The partnership with Location3 represents a significant strategic move for Signarama, offering franchise owners enhanced digital marketing capabilities through the LOCALACT platform. This comprehensive solution includes national advertising campaign management, SEO optimization, and a Single Sign-On integration with Gorilla Dash, demonstrating the franchise's commitment to technological innovation and supporting individual franchise success.
As part of the United Franchise Group, Signarama continues to leverage a global network of resources and expertise, positioning itself at the forefront of the $49-billion worldwide sign market. The convention underscored the franchise's dedication to fostering innovation, providing robust support systems, and maintaining a collaborative community of sign industry professionals.
