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Special Event Signage |
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Event Signage for a special occasion - whether small or large in scale - outdoors or inside - typically requires certain elements to generate the right buzz. Thinking of having a big outdoor concert or a conference that needs to be visually represented with eye-popping graphics and colors? Dreaming of being able to provide just the right visual impact for your next outdoor party, festival, or indoor fashion show? Need to advertise your next fundraising show or a charity golf tournament?
Wm. Whiteley Ltd has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of projects for literally hundreds of those events that require a special touch. Our end-to-end services include product design, interior and outdoor event signage and wayfinding sign system planning, graphic design, prototyping, manufacturing, and installation.
How Do You Make Your Event Successful?
Wayfinding or sign systems specified for a special event generally include the following four primary sign classifications:
- Directional (point the way to special areas, seating, etc.)
- Informational (hours of operation, services available, etc.)
- Identifier (the event's host, guest names, room / suite numbers, etc.)
- Safety / Security (emergency procedures, heath alerts, etc.)
When a visitor has been successfully guided through a building or an outdoor area using its wayfinding system, identifier signs are like finding the ‘pot of gold at the end of the rainbow’, confirming that a particular location, event or person has indeed been found. For this navigation process to be successful, other supporting wayfinding elements – such as directional and informational signage - must be in place. Someone arriving at the front entrance to a building and not having access to directories, directional signage, etc. would have little hope of finding the right person or seat.
Some Considerations in Specifying Event Signage
Compliance with Accessibility Standards
Event signage needs to be designed and installed in such a way that it meets all of the relevant
accessibility standards (ADA / ODA or other) including use of graphic symbols, size of graphics, color contrast and mounting height.
Visibility
Special event signs can be mounted on a door or, if there is no door, immediately beside the
building or outdoor entrances. Depending on the physical layout of the building, the layout of an outdoor area, visitors may also find perpendicular overhead
signage helpful in locating certain places or seating locations.
Maintenance and Durability
The volume of traffic at some events can be very high, making it important that these signs are tough,
durable and easily cleaned and maintained by cleaning or facilities staff.
Appearance
Another important consideration is to select signage that relates appropriately in style and co lour to the
event's theme or purpose. As a general rule, the more neutral the signage is in relation to its environment, the better and more flexible choice it is.
Other General Event Requirements
In addition to the “Event” signs themselves, there is often a need to post general information
for invited guests (i.e. hand washing instructions, requests concerning the disposal of waste materials, etc.).
Sign holders required for these purposes should be chosen with consideration to whether the sign’s
contents will need to be changed or updated from time-to-time, whether holders need to be tamper-resistant,
as well as overall aesthetic & maintenance considerations.