Imagemakers Winter 2008

ImageMakers Winter 2008

Vol. 2 No. 2

Canada's Resource for Industry Professionals

Best of

Show

Year in Review

President's Report PM# 40787580

consac 2008 Award Winners

Applications For Film Industry

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L i st i n g s by c at e g o ry

Contents Industry Interest 15 Be a Professional…Sell Solutions

by David MacAngus

20 Featured SAC Member

Features

René Giroux

23 Industry News: Products and Happenings

9 CONSAC 2008 Award Winners The Best in the Business

16 Signage in the Film Industry Talking Shop with Sticky Signs

Sign Association of Canada News & Views 6 From the SAC Office 7 President’s Report 2008 The State of the Union

26 New Members

Departments

ImageMakers Winter 2008

Vol. 2 No. 2

Canada's Resource for Industry Professionals

BEST OF

SHOW

Winner of the “Best of Show” award in the 2008 Imagemakers competition, this 35’-high sign was designed by Signature Design and created by Transworld Signs of Montréal.

4 From the Editor YEAR IN REVIEW

President's Report

CONSAC 2008 Award Winners

APPLICATIONS For Film Industry

PM# 40787580

ImageMakers_December_09.indd 1

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Winter 2008 | 3

ImageMakers

from the editor

Canada's Resource for Industry Professionals

Exciting plans for ImageMakers are taking shape. In 2009, we will publish four comprehensive guides chock full of information and resources that will help you manage your business more effectively. Taking over with the next issue is a dynamic new team – Publisher Tina Brillinger, Editor Susan Ponting and Senior Graphic Designer Annette Carlucci – who collectively bring more than 25 years of publishing experience to the publication. Watch for editorial and design enhancements that will make all ImageMakers publications worthy of keeping on the shelf, handy as a reference.

In this issue, we present the winners of the 2008 CONSAC industry awards. We congratulate all of them on their wins. These are the industry’s leaders, the innovators, the best…a source of inspiration to all others working in the field.

Inspiring, too, is SAC member René Giroux, who is profiled in this issue. René has worked in the sign-making industry for 25 years and continues to find it exciting and rewarding to do so. Making use of the newest technologies, René challenges himself to create signs that wow his customers. He succeeds, too, judging by the many awards he has won in recent years.

Sticky Signs, also featured in this issue, is inspiring in a different way. The company has found a niche market working in the film industry, and serves it well, from a shop located within the studios of “Smallville,” a TV show filmed in Burnaby, B.C. Have a look at what the company achieves on set.

In another vein, we present, as well, the “State of the Union” report of SAC’s president, Fred Elkins. Be sure to read about new membership benefits and more.

As always, we welcome your comments, and article suggestions and submissions. Please send them to Susan Ponting, at susanp@ mediaedge.ca.

Kim Biggar Acting Editor

p.s. Watch out for the new ImageMakers interactive website, coming in 2009.

President: Vice President: Executive Director: Publisher: Editor: Sales Manager:

Fred Elkins Graham Wyndham-West Robert (Bob) Bronk Steve McLinden Kim Biggar Tina Brillinger PUBLISHED BY

President:

Senior Designer: Production Manager:

Kevin Brown Annette Carlucci Debbie Dollar-Seldon

Published four times annually

5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6P4 Phone: (416) 512-8186 • Fax: (416) 512-8344 Please return undeliverables to: Sign Association of Canada, 44 Victoria Street, Suite 1519 Toronto, Ontario M5C 1Y2 For address corrections or changes please e-mail us at bronk@sac-ace.ca All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the association.

PM #40787580 Please call Tina Brillinger for advertising inquiries at (416) 512-8186 ext. 255 Please call Bob Bronk for circulation and subscription inquiries at (416) 628-6609

44 Victoria Street, Suite 1519, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1Y2 BOARD MEMBERS President: Fred Elkins ND Graphics Products Ltd.

Ontario President: Tom Hrivnak Steel Art Signs

Vice-President: Director-at-large: Graham Wyndham-West Wyndham-West & Associates

uébec Chapter (A.Q.I.E.) Q President: Michel Spénard Médiagraphe inc.

Secretary-Treasurer: Saskatchewan Sign Association President: Nyle Cockwill All Brite Signs (2006) Ltd. Past-President: Peter Brimmer Gemini Canada Executive Director: Robert (Bob) Bronk Sign Association of Canada Atlantic Provinces Chapter President: Chris Boone Jr. Day Nite Neon Signs Ltd. British Columbia Chapter President: Mike McWilliams ND Graphics Products Ltd.

4 | ImageMakers

Manitoba Chapter President: Wayne Robson Robson Maintenance Services

Saskatchewan Sign Association President: Gerry Weninger Seventy Seven Signs Ltd. Director-at-large: Graham Wyndham-West Wyndham-West & Associates International Sign Association Representative: Larry Catton Acme Design Service Ltd. upplier Member Directors: S Michael Barry Allanson International Inc. Brian Kennedy 3M Canada Company Mark West ND Graphics Products Ltd. Marc Zarboni EM Plastic & Electric Products Ltd.

from the sac office

Vision 2009 SAC National The Board of Directors has authorized an ambitious membership campaign starting in January, with the goal of doubling the SAC membership from 500 to 1,000. Look for major changes in the SAC website in early 2009. New features will include an RSS feed for up-to-the-minute news affecting the sign industry, social networking/blogs, a members-only section, and resources that will benefit all industry stakeholders.

In addition, we are pleased to announce a new program with Mark’s Work Wearhouse. Each member company will be receiving discount cards for its employees in the mail, along with a 2009 calendar featuring the winners of the 2008 Imagemakers competition.

Bob Bronk, Executive Director

BC Chapter Monthly breakfast workshops are scheduled at the Accent Inn in Burnaby. Each meeting is hosted by a business coach. Results to date have been very positive and beneficial to those who have attended the first sessions. See the B.C. Chapter page on the SAC website for all the details.

A boat cruise for members and those considering joining the association is scheduled for April 3, departing from Vancouver. Make sure you plan to attend, as this will be a great networking event.

Alberta Sign Association The ASA Sign Expo is scheduled for June 19 and 20, with the golf tournament on June 18. Plan to attend this great event; see ASA’s website or the Alberta page of SAC’s website for event information.

Saskatchewan Sign Association The SSA annual golf tournament will be held on June 5 in Elbow, Sask. The SAC Board will be holding a quarterly meeting and travelling to Saskatchewan for the first time.

Manitoba Chapter A members meeting in Winnipeg is scheduled for February 9 for Board elections. On the following day, Dan Hale will conduct a pricing and estimating seminar. Please see the Manitoba page of the SAC website for details.

Ontario Chapter The Ontario Chapter has been involved in the City of Toronto’s Sign Bylaw Project. Phase Two of that project began on December 15. The City will be harmonizing its Bylaws and is investigating a public signage tax.

SAC has represented the sign industry’s concerns and is heavily involved in the process. The city is planning to complete this process by spring 2009.

The annual Ontario Chapter golf tournament in Milton is scheduled for June 18. The Board is also planning quarterly breakfast workshop meetings.

Quebec Chapter The AQIE annual golf tournament is scheduled for June 5 in Victoriaville. See AQIE’s website or the Quebec page of the SAC website for more information.

Atlantic Provinces Chapter T he bi-annual APC Sign Expo will be held in Dartmouth on February 19 and 20. See the APC page on SAC’s website for all the details.

6 | ImageMakers

President’s Report 2008: The State of the Union The Sign Association of Canada has been involved in a number of different projects and activities in the past year, of which I would like to highlight several of our major accomplishments and events.

Membership is a key indicator of relevancy to an industry association. If an association does not provide any benefit to its members, it will cease to exist. In 2001, for the first time, SAC had representation from each province, and totalled 267 member companies. By year end in 2007, we had 473 member companies, an increase of more than 75%. To date, we stand at over 560 members. As the association will be conducting a focused membership campaign in January 2009, we fully expect to be well over 600 members in the next few months.

Membership benefits, along with successful representation of the industry, are a key factor in membership retention.

This year, we are pleased to announce a major benefit enhancement made available by one of our Associate Members, Wiesner Insurance Inc., which is now offering discounted pricing for SAC members on a commercial insurance program, designed specifically for the sign industry, that includes group home and auto insurance.

See details about the program in the previous edition of ImageMakers, the Resource Guide.

Safety issues are becoming increasingly important each year. The media frequently reports on such issues, and every level of government is paying more attention to enforcement. The bottom line is that your bottom line will improve if you create and follow through with proper health and safety training. Another one of our Associate Members, the Workplace Safety Group, can assist you in this training, again at a discounted rate for SAC members.

We are also pleased to announce a new discount program with Mark’s Work Wearhouse for SAC member companies and all their employees. You will be receiving discount cards in the mail shortly; take advantage of this program to save 10% on all of your purchases. In addition, you will soon receive a calendar from SAC that indicates all of the association’s and other industry-related events. The calendar will feature winners in the 2008 Imagemakers competition.

A key role for SAC is representing the industry to various levels of government. SAC and/or its chapters

have been active in this regard in Winnipeg, Toronto and Quebec City, and in Ontario. SAC recognizes that, when restrictions or new taxes are enacted in one region, the likelihood is that neighbouring legislative bodies will adopt similar regulations.

This year’s CONSAC show was our largest ever.

With 259 booths, we have succeeded in expanding the show by 50% since 2000, when we had only 173 booths. The Board’s goal is to double the show size in the next five years.

Communication is an important component in affirming the value of membership. The SAC Board felt that a newsletter would be the best vehicle to inform members of what is happening in their home provinces, as well as nationally. Our second issue was mailed in December, and the plan is to issue a newsletter each quarter. If you have information or news appropriate for this format, please contact Bob Bronk.

SAC has approached other related associations with varying degrees of success in order to pool resources and offer more benefits to each association’s members.

We currently have a long-standing relationship with the International Sign Association, which has provided many opportunities for our members. ISA has developed two model sign codes that are available to any SAC member.

In addition, ISA has developed resources and training webinars on topics that are relevant here in Canada.

During the next year, SAC will be working toward a number of goals, including increasing membership to 1,000 members, revamping our website, expanding membership benefits, and enlarging the size and scope of the trade show. Watch for information about these developments as they happen, in the quarterly newsletter or on our website.

These are exciting times for our industry and we look forward to continuing to working hard on behalf of our members across the country.

Fred Elkins President Sign Association of Canada

Winter 2008 | 7

CONSAC “Imagemakers” 2008 Recap From the opening shot at the Annual Golf Tournament to the closing bell, CONSAC 2008 was a record-setter all around, which is nothing but good news for the dynamic Canadian sign industry.

Lionshead Golf & Country Club welcomed 159 golfers this year to the “First Annual Don Morgan Memorial Golf Tournament” on Thursday, September 25. Participants enjoyed perfect weather, a great meal and, no doubt, many business benefits from this tremendous networking opportunity. Congratulations to the winning foursome of Brad Hillis, Jim Malfitano, Robert Mattatall and Rae Townsend.

The show featured 112 exhibitors and 259,000 square feet of exhibit space. It was difficult to imagine a more visually and technically exciting show than last year’s, but, according to most attendees, this one seems to have been just that. Many individuals passed by the Sign Association of Canada booth to tell us that the show was one of the best they had ever seen and particularly noted the consistent high quality of the booths, displays and on-site demonstrations. Our own SAC-ACE booth served up free coffee and donuts again this year and was the scene of non-stop action, as members and those enquiring about membership dropped by for a visit. Many new companies took advantage of the special show bonus gift to join SAC-ACE on the spot, and we look forward to getting to know them better and to supporting their growing businesses. We now number over 500 members and are growing all the time. Approximately 2,000 visitors attended the show, many coming from the U.S to do some crossborder shopping.

Of course, no CONSAC show would be complete without the popular “Great Canadian Beaver Dam.” This year’s craftsmen

8 | ImageMakers

included René Giroux, Pierre Tardif, Tramp Warner, Don Edwards, Ghyslain Grenier, Bevin Finlay, Ralph Noble, Steve Greer, Noella Cotnam and Kelly Thorson, and there was usually a crowd watching these talented artists demonstrate wood and foam carving, gold leafing, pin striping, hand lettering, air brushing, glasswork, chipping, guilding, and more. Such crafts are among the earliest forms of sign making, so it is a real privilege to have a piece of our ‘living history’ as a part of the annual show – more so when one considers the largely high-tech nature of the show.

Formal seminars were well attended, and we want to invite you to send us a note or give us a call to let us know what topics you would like to see on next year’s slate as well as throughout the year. We are certainly open to your suggestions.

Friday evening the buses arrived to take us to Dave & Buster’s for a notso-quiet evening of fun and games in the D & B Corporate Challenge.

On Saturday, SAC-ACE members gathered for a buffet breakfast and the Annual General Meeting. After an address by President Fred Elkins, awards were handed out to the winners of this year’s sign competition.

A record number of entries were on display on the show floor and drew a steady crowd of onlookers, many of whom made comments such as, “Why didn’t we do that?!” Well, 2009 may be your year to show us what your business is doing and we look forward to welcoming your contributions to the contest and you at CONSAC 2009 – September 25 and 26. See you then! IM

Transworld Signs of Montréal, Québec for Centropolis Pylon, located in Laval, Québec. Designed by Signature Design.

Best of Show

CONSAC

2008

Imagemakers Competition A record number of entries were submitted in the Sign Association of Canada’s 2008 Imagemakers competition.

Conceived in 1989, this competition promotes excellence in Canada’s sign-manufacturing industry. Winners are recognized for their special achievements in business identification, promotion of corporate image, and marketing of products and services through visual communications.

Judges of the 2008 competition were: l Ian Gregory – Professor at the George Brown College School of Graphic Communications l Judith Gregory – Coordinator of the Design Management Program of George Brown College l Jerri Johnson – Professor at the George Brown College School of Design They chose winners by looking at each project’s appearance, innovative use of materials and technology, professional quality, appearance and creativity of the design, design compatibility with the building or structure, and communication clarity.

See for yourself the quality and innovation being achieved in the sign industry in Canada.

10 | ImageMakers

Creaters of Award Winning Signs

Supplier of Award Winning Designs

Award Winners

Commercial Monument Signs Premier Award

Pattison Sign Group of Toronto, Ontario for ING, located in Toronto, Ontario. Designed by the Pattison Sign Group.

This sign is aluminum with a painted finish. The background has a horizontal brushedstainless-steel face. The returns are painted with white acrylic faces and applied vinyl. It is internally illuminated with white LEDs.

Excellent Signs and Displays Inc. of London, Ontario for Western Fair Association, located in London, Ontario. Designed by Excellent Signs and Displays.

This 13’ by 6’ illuminated sign is aluminum with routed-out graphics backed with acrylic and gold vinyl. The cut-out aluminum logo is painted gold and mounted over a gold background section.

Award of Merit

Wayfinding Systems Premier Award

Gregory Signs & Engraving of Vaughan, Ontario for Concordia Developments, located in Toronto, Ontario.

Designed by Gregory Signs.

This system has a 20” by 40” touch source digital directory with a custom manufactured stainless-steel cabinet and vinyl graphics.

Transworld Signs of Montréal, Québec for Centropolis Directory, located in Laval, Québec.

Designed by Signature Design.

This directory has a 6’ by 10’-high backlit triangular aluminum cabinet with a column and ring.

Award of Merit

Carved Signs Premier Award

L'Enseignerie of Lévis, Québec for Le Corsaire, located in St-Michel-de-Bellechasse, Québec. Designed by Ghyslain Grenier.

4’ by 3’, front and back, Western cedar, carved by hand, with 22-karat gold leaf. Character painted by Rosanne Pomerleau. Ornamental iron: André Rouillard, Les Soudures de Précision from Pintendre.

Imagination Corporation of Yarrow, British Columbia for Ryno Holdings, located in Orillia, Ontario.

Designed by Dan Sawatzky.

The rhinoceros head is sculpted from clay. The background panel is routed and painted, and the lettering is gold leaf.

Award of Merit Winter 2008 | 11

Award Winners

Electronic Message Centres Premier Award

Electra Signs of Winnipeg, Manitoba for Manitoba Centennial Centre Concert Hall, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Designed by Brett Aho. Approximately 25’ high with a double-sided illuminated pylon display. Contains routedout graphics and is backlit with fluorescent lamps. Features a full-colour electronic display.

Complements the existing architecture.

Transworld Signs of Montréal, Québec for Saputo Stadium, located in Montréal, Québec. Designed by Transworld Signs.

This message centre is 25’ by 38’ with an LED screen and backlit flex face.

Award of Merit

Fascia Signs/Illuminated Awnings Premier Award

Forward Sign of Toronto, Ontario for Mercatto, located in Toronto, Ontario. Designed by Kelvin McCall.

The non-illuminated canopy is constructed of an aluminum-tubing frame wrapped in white fabric decorated by opaque silver metallic vinyl graphics.

The lettering is illuminated by white LEDs.

Mattatall Signs of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia for Brussels Restaurant, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Designed by Aaron Babcock.

Carved from sign foam then painted and gilded.

The panels are aluminum with digital print decals.

Award of Merit

Free-standing Signs and Roof Signs Premier Award

Transworld Signs of Montréal, Québec for Centropolis Pylon, located in Laval, Québec. Designed by Signature Design.

This 35’-high aluminum pylon is made of reversed channel letters with a backlit acrylic logo.

Electra Signs of Winnipeg, Manitoba for James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Designed by Electra Sign and Clark & Huot.

Single-sided illuminated display. Aluminum cabinet and faces with routed-out push-through graphics and fluorescent illumination. LED halo down and up lighting on base top and face.

12 | ImageMakers

Award of Merit

Award Winners

Hand Lettering/Pin Striping Premier Award

Pierre Tardif of Québec City, Québec for Michel Barrette, located in Montréal, Québec. Designed by Fabrice Monceaux and Pierre Tardif.

Pierre Tardif of Québec City, Québec for Island City Paints, located in Compton, Québec.

This is a reproduction of a 1905 sign on a historic site.

Neon Signs Premier Award

Vital Signs Promotions of Markham, Ontario for Starlite Hamilton, located in Hamilton, Ontario. Designed by Vital Signs.

The frame is welded to the building and has formed aluminum cabinets. The sign has chaser lights, with an exposed neon border. It has an illuminated centre cabinet and neon channel-letter script.

Rolands Neon Signs of Windsor, Ontario for A.D.E. Collector Cars & Restoration, located in Windsor, Ontario. Designed by Vaughn Beneteau.

Channel letters are red neon with clear acrylic covers and are controlled by electronic spelling flasher. Ovals are channel letters illuminated by white neon, channel is covered with clear acrylic.

Unusual/Unique Displays Premier Award

Gateway Signs & Service of North Bay, Ontario for École publique Héritage, located in North Bay, Ontario.

Designed by Larocque Elder Architects.

The custom logos measure 103” by 103”. They’re cut from ¼” plate aluminum and are mounted to an outer circle frame on open galvanized steel triangles.

Perfexion of Gatineau, Québec for TFT International, located in Gatineau, Québec. Designed by René Giroux.

This sign uses LED technology integrated with oldfashioned 3D manual techniques. The entire project was constructed without the help of computers or any machine.

Winter 2008 | 13

Award Winners

Vehicle Graphics Premier Award

Cardinal Signs of Lindsay, Ontario for Century 21 Bancroft, located in Bancroft, Ontario.

Designed by Cardinal Signs.

This design uses vinyl with gloss over laminate.

Vital Signs Promotions of Markham, Ontario for Ed Leavens, located in Markham, Ontario. Designed

by Vital Signs.

This design uses assorted cut vinyl graphics and printed graphics.

Award of Merit

Vinyl Graphics Premier Award

Vital Signs Promotions of Markham, Ontario for Sirens, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Designed

by Pat Candelero Designs.

The cut-out frosted vinyl graphics are installed to the second surface of glass. The flat cut-out 3D letters have a metallic laminate face.

Gregory Signs & Engraving of Vaughan, Ontario for Dancap, located in Toronto, Ontario. Designed by Interiors by Lynne.

This project uses perforated digitally printed vinyl.

Award of Merit

Commercial Building Signs Premier Award

Excellent Signs and Displays Inc. of London, Ontario for Cranberry Resort, located in Collingwood, Ontario.

Designed by the Cranberry Resort and Excellent Signs.

Approximately 8’ by 16’. The channel shapes are fabricated aluminum with plastic faces and red and blue LEDs. The aluminum fabricated reverse channel letters are halo-illuminated with white LEDs.

Perfexion of Gatineau, Québec for La Station, located in Gatineau, Québec. Designed by René Giroux.

The back panels are two aluminum boxes placed in a diamond shape. The centre is 4”-thick laminated high-density urethane carved on a router. It was finished with exterior latex with gold leaf letters.

14 | ImageMakers

Award of Merit

Marketing solutions

Be a Professional…

Sell Solutions

Being a professional that sells solutions demands that a trusting relationship exist between client and sales associate, creating a free flow of information.

Here are a few ways that you can increase your credibility and build trust with your clients: 1. Take a sincere interest in your client. Get to know your client on a deeper level than that of a business person who will buy your product.

While some people call this “small talk,” if the truth be known, it should be called “big talk.” Trust in the relationship begins to form around these conversations, about what the person’s likes and dislikes are, what he values and how he likes to be treated.

2. Transition into the sales call is natural when you know the person. Talk to her about general benefits that your company has provided to her industry. Continue to develop credibility by discussing how past clients have benefited, and talk specifically about the return on investment that was created by your solution. Knowing that each customer will have a different outcome, suggest that similar benefits might be available and that a further discussion would clarify their return.

3. The next stage of the conversation is all about the client and his business world, where the business is today and where he would like to see it in the future. In the discussion, have your client explain what, if anything, has held him back and, most importantly, what he is trying to accomplish. At the end of the day, in order to sell a solution, you need to see it from the client’s point of view.

4. Talk your client’s language, address her concerns. Support your solution with evidence: answer the client’s unspoken question, “Who says so, besides you?” During the final step in presenting your solution you must convey that you believe it is the right step for your client to take, so say it with conviction and enthusiasm; you are, after all, helping your client to achieve her goals.

5. If you have worked well with your client, built trust, listened well and have provided him with a solution that both of you can see is the correct step to take, ASK for the order. It’s in your best interest to have your client make his decision while you are there to answer any questions he may have; by asking for the sale, you give him the nudge he might need to buy.

A professional salesperson knows how to profile his clients by the solutions his company can offer. If a sales professional’s solution options are based on quality, the customer who wants the low-price quick fix is not a proper fit. If, on the other hand, the customer demands a solution that requires a higher level of quality than the professional salesperson’s solutions can offer, the professional refers the client to a company more suited to provide that type of solution. Whatever the case may be, the professional salesperson must understand customers’ needs. At times, this can be achieved during stage 1 of the process noted above, but it may be necessary to complete stage 3 before you can determine whether or not the person fits the profile your company serves. As a professional, you should complete the full five stages only if the person you’re dealing with definitely fits your profile. Make the right choice…be a professional. IM David MacAngus provides Dale Carnegie Training® in Northern Alberta/Saskatchewan through his company, MacAngus & Associates Ltd.

Winter 2008 | 15

Signage in the Film Industry

Metropolis Police car parked in front of the Smallville Hardware Store

Talking Shop with Sticky Signs Ltd.: “Smallville” Signage Producers Dan Donais and Louis Solyom are partners in B.C.-based Sticky Signs Ltd. They spoke recently with ImageMakers. Joining them was Dustin Farrell, Art Director of “Smallville.”

Tell us about Sticky Signs Ltd. Louis: Sticky Signs Ltd. started in the fall of 2007 when Dan and I formed a partnership. Our intention was to service the printing and signage needs for the hit television series “Smallville,” which is filmed in the Greater Vancouver Area of British Columbia. Our shop is located within the “Smallville” film studios in Burnaby. Although “Smallville” is our biggest client to date, we are quickly growing, as we add more and more accounts to our client base. Sticky Signs specializes in wide-format printing and vinyl signage.

16 | ImageMakers

How did you get into sign making?

Louis: I’ve been working as a paint coordinator in the film industry for many years now. I’ve worked on shows such as “The X-Files,” “Insomnia” and “Voyage of the Unicorn,” to name a few.

As a coordinator, I purchased some sign-making equipment to help service the needs of these shows.

I realized that the equipment could be used not only for signage, but also to create many different faux finishes, by combining cut vinyl with paint.

[Louis is credited with being one of the first coordinators in the union to have his own sign-

making equipment. In doing so, he played an important role in creating the position of sign fabricator in the film industry. Most paint coordinators soon followed suit, by purchasing their own equipment and hiring sign fabricators to operate it.]

Dan: I started about 11 years ago working for my brother, Greg Donais, in what began as a wideformat print shop in the Greater Toronto Area. His company quickly grew to become a grand-format shop with various printers and finishing equipment.

s p e c i a l f e at u r e Digital wallcovering with black and white photo reproduction

Being a newbie to the industry, I learned all about being a press operator, about laminating, heat welding and other types of finishing, as well. I eventually moved to Vancouver and worked as a press operator for a couple of different printing organizations using both wide and super-wide formats. With the help of some friends, I became a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 891, one of the local film unions here. My first job in the union was working for Louis as a sign fabricator on “Smallville.” I started at the beginning of the third season and have been here ever since. I ran a 30-inch Graphtec vinyl cutter and a 12-inch Roland Colorcamm to do all sorts of signage for the show. We started Sticky Signs at the beginning of the seventh season of “Smallville.” We are now well into season eight, and things are going great.

Why did you start Sticky Signs?

Dan: Having a background in printing, I became frustrated with the limitations of cut-vinyl graphics.

I could see that we were using cut vinyl for many types of faux finishing, and I figured that having a wide-format printer would really add a new

dimension to what we were doing. Louis agreed.

After doing some research on the latest technologies available, we found a printer/cutter that not only met our needs but was also affordable.

Louis: We saw an opportunity that would benefit everyone. We knew that “Smallville” would save money by having us in-house and, in turn, we could make a few extra bucks. At the time, we didn’t know how much of an impact Sticky Signs would have.

Describe your workspace Dan: Sticky Signs is located on the second floor of the “Smallville” studios, directly above the paint and construction departments. We have about 800 square feet of space, most of which is taken up by computers and equipment. We currently have two PCs, one for ripping and controlling the Roland SolJet Pro III and the other to control the 30-inch Graphtec vinyl cutter. We use a Mac for design and file-setup purposes. A 55-inch Royal Sovereign laminator also takes up a good portion of space. Factor in desks and worktables, and there’s not a lot of room to move around, but we make do.

What kind of signage/graphics do you produce for “Smallville”?

Louis: We produce all kinds of stuff for “Smallville.” Signage and graphics can be found throughout the sets. They add realism to the scene and help make Smallville and the city of Metropolis look like actual places. I’ve put vinyl on everything from cell phones, to football helmets, to tents and even on clothing. Here’s a brief list of the morecommon applications: Vehicle graphics are used all the time. We do everything from news vans to delivery trucks to emergency vehicles. We’ve also put graphics on helicopters, snowmobiles and dirt bikes, even trains and planes. l Posters are often used as background decoration. l Billboards are quite common now, as well, and can often be seen on the streets of Smallville and Metropolis. l Canvas prints and photo prints are often used to re-create art. l Backlit graphics are used for signage, as well as in artistic and decorative applications. l

Winter 2008 | 17

s p e c i a l f e at u r e 12' by 24' billboard

It’s not uncommon to use floor graphics to create the look of different floor surfaces, such as marble, tile or wood. l Window graphics are used for signage and decorative purposes. l Directional signage can also be found in sets such as the Metropolis General Hospital. l

How has Sticky Signs changed “Smallville”?

Dustin: Sticky Signs has impacted the way we work at “Smallville” in many ways. First and foremost, they have allowed us to move beyond layered cut-vinyl graphics and print graphics. With this in mind, we are able to output almost anything we can think up within the Art Department. Having this flexibility with output also allows us to be more creative in our problem-solving, be it due to budget constraints or a particular look we are trying to achieve.

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Tel: (416) 630-8811 (905) 660-6888 Toll Free: (877) 630-8811 Fax: (905) 660-8889 Email: info@sunitron.com Showroom 40 Pippin Road, Bldg. 4, Concord, Ontario L4K 4M6 Canada www.sunitron.com 18 | ImageMakers

Has the introduction of Sticky had an impact on the way sets are designed?

Dustin: Yes, the ability to print graphics has become quite useful in the way we approach some aspects of a set's design. We have been quite successful with printing backlits or textures (marble or wood panelling, for example) and applying these to set floors and walls. In the case of textured finishes, after applying the vinyl, we often seal the vinyl with epoxy or other washes to give it some "life." This process has often proven to be more inexpensive and faster than painting or finishing the set by traditional means. So whenever we’re faced with budget constraints or a look we are trying to achieve, we turn to Sticky Signs as a viable option to create that look for less money and on a faster turnaround than could be accomplished using conventional methods.

What is the biggest advantage to having a full-colour sign/print shop at your disposal?

Dustin: The biggest advantage would definitely have to be turnaround time. Having an in-house shop has been amazing, as it saves a huge amount of transport time and cost due to no longer having to make any drop-offs or pick-ups. As well, it has allowed us to solve on-set "emergencies" in an efficient manner – keeping the shooting crew rolling!

Who else does Sticky Signs Ltd. do work for?

Dan: Although “Smallville” and the Vancouver film industry keep us busy, our client base is growing all the time. Our work can be found on the vehicles and window fronts of many local businesses. We also do subcontracted work,

producing and installing graphics for bigger names like Milestones, Bell, Laura, Geox, Triumph and French Connection UK, to name a few.

What are your future plans?

Louis: We’d like to keep moving forward by expanding our presence throughout the film industry. We’re also concentrating on accumulating more work from “real-world” clients. We expect that our great quality and service will keep everyone coming back for more. We’re also looking into acquiring our own facility with more space, which will allow for more equipment. IM Contact Sticky Signs at 604-720-3403 or info@stickysigns. ca, or visit www.stickysigns.ca.

F e at u r e d S ac M e m b e r

by Kim Biggar

René Giroux: Twenty-five years and still loving it

René Giroux is one of those lucky people who seem to have things sorted out better than the rest of us. He has fun in his work – which alone is somewhat unusual – and works from a home studio/workshop, creating award-winning signs. He’s still learning as he goes, “trying stuff, using new materials and new software,” excited by emerging technologies and innovative ideas. Focusing on creative projects, he especially enjoys when he’s free to see “wild and crazy” concepts through to fruition. He’s driven in his design work, aiming at signs with a high “wow” factor.

Having always drawn and doodled – even when it got him into trouble – René knew in high school that he wanted to make his living doing so. He took advertising art at college, figuring on a career in a print shop. When he graduated, he applied for work at both sign-making and print shops. Offered a job with a sign maker, he set out on his lifelong career more through fate than by design.

A f t e r a l m o s t t h re e ye a r s w i t h t h at f i r s t employer, when René was 24, he joined forces with an entrepreneur to establish a new signmaking company. His partner brought business acumen and experience to the enterprise; René brought the technical know-how and creativity.

After a few years, René had learned what he needed to know to run the business himself; he bought his partner’s share of the business and carried on alone.

René now has two roles: he designs and creates dimensional signage through his own company, 20 | ImageMakers

New sign with 3D elements combined with LED lighting.

One of René’s favourite creations

Top photo: René (at right) with good friend and fellow signmaker Dan Sawatzky from B.C.

F e at u r e d S ac M e m b e r

Doodles from high-school days.

Enseignes Perfexion (with an ‘x’), and he sells, in the Ottawa area, promotional banners, illuminated and neon signs, channel letters, interior signage, architectural systems and more for Montreal-based Enseignes Perfection (with a ‘ct’). Occasionally, a single product will call for input from both companies – for example, a dimensional sign will need a metal structure – but mainly the two companies serve different markets.

Although René specializes, through Enseignes Perfexion, in carved and handpainted wooden signs, he has begun to increasing ly put his experience in the backlit-sign industry back into service, finding new ways to make use of lighting in his 3D designs. He has been experimenting, for example, with hiding LED lights in his sculptures. Because he’s always trying to innovate, some customers may need a guide to visualize his proposed concepts, so, when time permits, he makes samples based on his new ideas to use as sales pieces. With his experience and growing reputation, however, customers nowadays often seek and trust René’s advice, and he’s able to craft interesting – and first-rate – signs that more than satisfy his customers’ expectations.

Letterheads and the Great Canadian Beaver Dam With his focus on creative projects, it’s not surprising to hear that René has long been involved in Letterhead meets. (See www. letterville.com for more information about Letterheads.) The friendly bashes – “sign parties” – at which Letterheads share

ideas to help each other learn the skills and techniques of both hand-crafted and hi-tech signage attracted René when he had much to learn. Although he has since become one of the “old-timers,” René continues to enjoy and learn at the meets, while sharing his knowledge. He works during the events on projects that he knows will create interest, taking the lead, along

with other experienced participants, to stimulate discussion and exploration.

In a similar vein, after seeing the Bullpen at Sign World USA, where sign-making skills such as pin striping, hand lettering and faux finishing are showcased, René organized a Bullpen for the Quebec Sign Show early in this decade. When planners of the CONSAC show saw this Bullpen, they arranged with

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Winter 2008 | 21

F e at u r e d S ac M e m b e r 2008 Beaverdam demonstrators (missing: Don Edwards)

René to put together an exhibit of this type at the national show.

René pulled together a team of Letterheads to demonstrate such skills as wood carving, pin striping, hand lettering and gold leafing, and so began the now-annual Great Canadian Beaver Dam, which René has ever since been organizing.

Like “monkeys in a cage,” according to René, the Beaver Dam demonstrators work on projects as onlookers watch and learn. They’re there to answer questions and share their knowledge, to help other sign makers acquire new skills.

To further share his knowledge and skills in – and enthusiasm for – dimensional sign making, René recently held a sold-out teaching seminar, which he expects will have been the first of many.

At this stage in his career, René is not only having fun; he is also recognized as being at the top of his craft. Among others, he has won six CONSAC awards in the last few years. Last year alone, he won five merit awards from U.S.-based Sign Business magazine. And this year, he has received four awards through magazine and show competitions.

Excited by new technologies and focused on creative projects, René has been “on a high for the last four or five years” that he thought had ended in the ’90s.

And, as he pushes boundaries coming up with new concepts, he’s helping to give the whole industry new ways to consider existing materials…stimulating others’ innovation along the way. IM

22 | ImageMakers

Industry News Products DigiFab products is available at www. digifab.com.

Durst Image Technology U.S., LLC: DGIA Products of the Year

Cooper Wiring Devices: New Energyefficient LED Accent Lights Cooper Wiring Devices recently introduced a new line of Arrow Hart® commercialspecification-grade LED accent lights that provide energy-efficient and long-life lighting for wayfinding, egress and task illumination. The LNL1 and LNL4 Series feature a choice of vertical or horizontal louvered faceplates that distribute light evenly in hallways, stairways, outdoor walkways and other areas that need pathfinding lighting. The LNL2 and LNL3 Series were created for task lighting or where a nightlight is needed. They provide focused lighting without disturbing surrounding quiet activities. Arrow Hart’s LED lights are also available in wetlocation configurations for use outdoors for deck and path lighting. The lights feature a polycarbonate lens and diecast aluminum faceplate, and operate on standard 120V power supply. They have a 20,000-hour rating. The LNL1, LNL3 and LNL4 Series lights are available in white, amber and red, with white, black and brushed-nickel faceplates; the LNL2 Series LED is available only in white, with a white faceplate. For more information, visit www.cooperwiringdevices.com.

DigiFab Systems: Winner, DPIA Product of the Year Award for Textile Media DigiFab Systems, a manufacturer of preand post-press digital-printing equipment and pre-treated textiles, has won the Digital Printing and Imaging Association (DPIA) 2008 Product of the Year Award in the Textile Media category. DigiFab Systems was given the award for its inkjet printable cotton canvas product line for the wideformat printing market. Information about

The new 126”-wide Durst Rho 320R UV inkjet roll printer was named the Digital Printing & Imaging Association’s “Product of the Year” in October at the SGIA conference and trade show in Atlanta.

Based on an evaluation of printer output overseen by an independent quality-testing organization and judged on the SGIA show floor by a team of digital-imaging experts commissioned by DPIA, the Rho 320R was judged best in the grand-format UV-curable class. Entrants were required to submit a test print produced on the nominated printer. The image, designed by SGIA, was created specifically to challenge the capabilities of the output device, according to SGIA. Imaging applications such as light-box displays, illuminated posters, window graphics, POP displays and advertising textiles can be executed on Durst’s Rho 320R. It prints on a wide range of coated and uncoated media up to 10.5 feet wide at speeds up to 1,440 sf/hr. Following a similar procedure, the Durst Lambda production digital photo imager was also named “Product of the Year,” in DPIA’s direct photo print class.

For information on any of Durst’s products and services, visit www.durstus.com.

Gemini Incorporated: Additions to Formed-plastic Letter Line Gemini, a manufacturer of dimensional letters, logos and plaques, has added

five new styles to its formed-plastic letter line, bringing the number of its standard styles to more than 140. New standard styles appearing in Gemini’s 2008/2009 price list are upper case Frutiger 65, sizes 4"-24"; lower case Century Bold Condensed to correspond with upper case sizes 6"-24"; upper and lower case Futura Condensed, sizes 4"-24"; lower case Arial Bold to correspond with upper case sizes 6"-36"; and lower case Architectural to correspond with upper case sizes 9"-48".

Formed letters are available in 40 standard colours and in custom colours. Gemini also offers a wide range of symbols and forms in the standard formed-product line.

All Gemini products come with a lifetime guarantee. For more information about Gemini products, contact 1-800-265-0426 or canada@signletters.com, or go to www. signletters.com.

Grapo s.r.o.: New Large-format UV Printer Czech Republic-based Grapo, a manufacturer of UV printers, has launched large-format UV printer the Shark, a universal flatbed and roll-to-roll printer that incorporates Xaar 760 inkjet printheads to produce grey-scale images for a wide variety of display applications. The fourcolour Shark images a maximum print width of 2010mm with an unlimited print length. Production speed varies depending on application: from 80 sqm/ hr for top-quality POS applications to 220 sqm/hr for outdoor displays. The Shark’s ability to print on rigid flat substrates and flexible roll-to-roll materials gives users a wide range of choice. The printer uses UV inks manufactured by SunJet. For find out more about Grapo Technologies products, visit www.grapo.com.

Winter 2008 | 23

Industry News Helius, LLC: MediaAuthor 2.0 Enables Businesses to Create Professional Digital Signage Content Helius has launched MediaAuthor 2.0, a software application that works as a plug-in to Microsoft PowerPoint to allow a n y o n e t o c re a t e digital signage content in minutes and instantly publish it to multiple digital signage players.

Users can select from digital signage templates, create a video playlist, add text and graphics, insert a current news

ticker and local weather feeds, and then publish from PowerPoint to display screens for immediate viewing. When coupled with the Helius SST-Mi media player (based on the Apple Mac Mini platform), MediaAuthor 2.0 creates a cost-effective and visually appealing digital signage solution that can be managed easily by end users who have a basic understanding of PowerPoint. To learn more about MediaAuthor 2.0, visit www. helius.com/products/mediaauthor.php.

Samsung Electronics Canada: LFD Monitors with Touchscreen Capability Samsung Electronics Canada has launched

four new models of large-format display (LFD) monitors that the vendor says will open up new oppor tunities and new applications for solution providers in the digital signage market. The new Samsung SyncMaster monitors, at 40”, 46”, 70” and 82”, are the first LFDs to offer integrated touchscreen capability. In addition, the new Samsung offerings include built-in 10-watt speakers, eliminating the need to add external speakers, which complicates and lengthens the installation. Also new in this generation of LFDs is four-way antiburn protection to prevent image burning.

See more at www.samsung.com/ca/.

Happenings FormaShape: Winner of Canadian Innovation Award for Productivity Enhancement Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has named FormaShape, a designer and m a n u f a c t u r e r o f f i b e rg l a s s re i n f o rc e d p l a s t i c s ( F R P ) f o r architectural applications and signage, winner of Deloitte’s 2008 Canadian Innovation Award for Productivity Enhancement. The award recognizes innovative excellence in improving overall productivity SignFix.qxd

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through the application of Lean processes. The company noted that, in recent years, it has been through some major cultural and strategic changes, including the adoption of Lean manufacturing principles. As part of this process, the company has looked for new and better ways to do things, to enhance quality, to reduce waste and the cost of its products, and to increase productivity, and the safety and morale of its employees.

Information about FormaShape can be found at www.formashape.com.

NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.: Winner of the 2008 Global Frost & Sullivan Customer Value Enhancement Award Based on its recent analysis of the digital signage market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., a designer and provider of desktop LCD displays, professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of projectors

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Installation Professionals

Serving GTA (Greater Toronto Area) over 20 years

24 | ImageMakers

LTD.

Industry News

Updated Report on Global Digital Signage Market: Demand is Increasing The 2008 edition of this Koncept Analytics’ report provides an in-depth analysis of the worldwide growth of the digital signage industry. Current difficulties in the global economic environment are affecting all businesses, including in the advertising industry.

However, the report notes, outdoor advertising is increasing, as advertising dollars are being diverted away from traditional media like newspapers, television and radio. It appears that digital signage is set to be able to resist the general downturn in advertising expenditure. The report indicates that one of the major GrantMetal_revised.qxd

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growth drivers of digital signage is advancement in technology, which has h e l p e d o rg a n i z a t i o n s to ‘narrowcast’ video, graphical and editorial content on digital signage displays located virtually anywhere. Declining input costs are another major factor supporting the growth of the market. The report is available to download at www.konceptanalytics. com/reportDetail. aspx?reportID=105.

© Dean and Chapter of York

and integrated display solutions, with its 2008 Global Customer Value Enhancement Award.

NEC’s broad product portfolio of digital signage displays, coupled with its contentbuilding solutions, has allowed the company to develop customer-centric strategies that offer a total-solution approach. Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Abhigyan Sengupta notes that NEC provides "a comprehensive product and solution package wherein it offers not only a display system, but also software consulting, financing, system configuration, deployment services, maintenance, and logistics to deliver the complete architecture." The company customizes its technology solutions to diverse customer needs. Since 2006, NEC has evolved into a general contractor, partnering with clients to provide a complete service solution that includes a large variety of displays and client server-based infrastructure that run digital signage systems through media engines. For additional information about NEC products, visit www.necdisplay.com.

The Largest Single Graphic Ever Printed is Hung at York Minster A replica of the Great East Window of York Minster in northern England was hung in October on internal scaffolding that currently covers the window itself, which is being restored over the next decade. The graphic replica measures 14 metres by 27 metres, approximately the size of a tennis court. The replica of the window allows visitors to the Minster to see the masterpiece that has been described as "the Sistine Chapel of stained glass," while the window itself, the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the world, is being restored. The giant graphic was printed on epiflex, a non-mesh substrate, using an HP Designjet 10000 Printer. In order to produce a banner that exactly matched the size of the window, the artwork was split into 18 files for production. Each of the 18 images was then fabric moulded to produce a single high-quality replica of the window.

Submit industry news to susanp@mediaedge.ca

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POLYFIT SIGN SYSTEMS Q u a li t y • A f f o r d a i t y • A v a i l a b i l i t y bi l

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Components for: Office Directories, Outdoor Post & Panel, Sign Cans and Much More!!!

Canadian Distributor Grant Metal Products 3949 54 Ave N.E. Calgary, AB T3J 3W5 www.grantmetal.com • email: info@grantmetal.com • Ph: 800-672-6088• Fax: 877-990-7990

Winter 2008 | 25

Welcome New Members Aclick Inc. Toronto, ON Tel: (416) 880-8635 www.xlprints.ca

Auto Trim Design Incorporated Concord, ON Tel: (905) 669-0109 www.autotriminc.com

General Signs Ltd. Selkirk, MB Tel: (204) 785-2662

Le Groupe Médiagraphe Canada inc.

Sainte-Julie, QC Tel: (450) 649-8823 www.mediagraphe.com

CLN of South Florida Inc. Belle Glade, FL USA Tel: (561) 996-5900 www.clnofsouthflorida.com

IDL - Instachange Displays Ltd. Aurora, ON Tel: (905) 727-4877 www.idldisplays.com

Careway Sign & Service Headingley, MB Tel: (204) 474-0441

Illumicor Inc. Toronto, ON Tel: (416) 532-1666

Channel Services Inc. L'Ancienne-Lorette, QC Tel: (418) 254-5126 www.channelservicesinc.com

JS LED Power Inc. Baldwin Park, CA USA Tel: (626) 338-8291 www.jsledpower.com

Computerized Cutters, Inc. Plano, TX USA Tel: (972) 422-6900 www.computerizedcutters.com

Jelly Labels Inc. Mississauga, ON Tel: (905) 766-4082 www.jellylabels.com

Current Electric Corporation Regina, SK Tel: (306) 543-4320

John Labonté Sign Services Inc. Essex, ON Tel: (519) 727-5011

Digital Imaging Solutions Toronto, ON Tel: (416) 614-6266 www.disdesign.com

Kincaid Signworks Inc., DBA Prime Signs Chilliwack, BC Tel: (604) 793-7930 www.primesigns.ca

Direct Digital Imaging Ltd. Edmonton, AB Tel: (780) 410-1772 www.directdigitalimaging.ca Egan Visual Inc. Woodbridge, ON Tel: (905) 851-2826 www.egan.com Enseignes RDL inc.

Rivière-du-Loup, QC Tel: (418) 862-6479 www.enseignesrdl.com Exhibit Marketing Laval, QC Tel: (450) 963-7988 www.exhibitmarketing.ca Far Reach Trading Ltd. Duncan, BC Tel: (800) 874-3952 www.farreach.ca

26 | ImageMakers

Kota Graphics & Design Inc. Saskatoon, SK Tel: (306) 652-7058 www.kotagraphics.ca Norvic Sign & Lighting Service Cornwall, ON Tel: (613) 932-8827 Oracal USA Black Creek, GA USA Tel: (912) 851-2251 www.oracal.com Owen Signcraft Ltd. Barrie, ON Tel: (705) 728-6666 www.owensigncraft.com Pelican Signs & Decals Saskatoon, SK Tel: (306) 384-0356 www.pelicanmedia.ca

R Tape Corporation South Plainfield, NJ USA Tel: (908) 753-5570 www.rtape.com SRS Signs & Service Inc. Winnipeg, MB Tel: (204) 777-7446 Sandbox Sign Group Inc. Burnaby, BC Tel: (604) 439-7446 www.sandboxsigns.com Scott Paragon Signs & Screen Printing Ltd. Richmond, BC Tel: (604) 273-4155 www.scottparagon.com Sign A Rama – Moncton Moncton, NB Tel: (506) 854-7446 www.signarama-moncton.com Sign Matters Mount Forest, ON Tel: (519) 323-9445 Sojourn Signs Dartmouth, NS Tel: (902) 468-6892 www.sojourn.ca Sticky Signs Ltd. Vancouver, BC Tel: (604) 720-3403 www.stickysigns.ca Titan Window Films Ltd. Victoria, BC Tel: (250) 391-0890 www.titanwindowfilms.com Tony Displays Inc. Mississauga, ON Tel: (905) 820-3315 www.tonydisplays.com Urban Signs Inc. Concord, ON Tel: (905) 532-0112 Visicom Edmundston, NB Tel: (506) 735-7676 www.visicom.ca Warehouse Plastic Sales Dartmouth, NS Tel: (902) 406-4022 www.myplasticstore.com Zip Signs Ltd. Calgary, AB Tel: (403) 463-9461 www.zipsigns.com

Calendar of Events SAC Manitoba Chapter Members’ Meeting February 9, 2009 – Winnipeg, Manitoba www.sac-ace.ca Dan Hale: Pricing & Estimating Seminar February 10, 2009 – Winnipeg, Manitoba www.sac-ace.ca SAC Atlantic Provinces Chapter Sign Expo February 19 and 20, 2009 – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia www.sac-ace.ca Digital Signage Expo, Interactive Technology Expo and the Out-of-Home Network Show February 24 to 26, 2009 – Las Vegas, Nevada www.digitalsignageexpo.net Specialty Graphic Imaging Association: Color Management for Specialty Imaging March 5 and 6, 2009 – Fairfax, Virginia www.sgia.org/training_and_education/workshops/color_ management.cfm Industrial Fabrics Association International: IFAI Canada Expo 2009 March 5 to 7, 2009 – Calgary, Alberta www.ifaicanada.com Pinstripers Jamboree March 6 to 8, 2009 – Detroit, Michigan www.theycallitdetroit.com/index.html POPAI GlobalShop 2009 March 23 to 25, 2009 – Las Vegas, Nevada www.globalshop.org International Sign Association: International Sign Expo 2009 April 15 to 18, 2009 – Las Vegas, Nevada www.signexpo.org FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2009 May 12 to 14, 2009 – Amsterdam, the Netherlands www.fespadigital.com Society for Environmental Graphic Design: 2009 Annual Conference & Expo May 27 to 30, 2009 – San Diego, California www.segd.org/conference.html Alberta Sign Association Sign Expo June 19 and 20, 2009 – Edmonton, Alberta www.sac-ace.ca Sign Association of Canada: "Imagemakers 09" Trade Show & Conference September 25 and 26, 2009 – Toronto, Ontario www.sac-ace.ca/consac/index.html For more details about these events please go to: www.sac-ace.ca/contact/calendar.html

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