Troubleshooting common issues with event signage

Event signage problems, also called signage troubleshooting, come down to four things: message, size, placement and production. Most have quick fixes once you know the cause.

This guide is part of the event branding materials series.

Common issues and fixes

Why is event signage not effective?

Stand in the aisle and look at your stand for three seconds. If you can't tell what the business does, rewrite the header. If signs are hidden behind people or furniture, move them higher. If several signs say different things, remove all but the essential ones.

How do you prevent issues?

Proof at full size, use printer templates in Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva, check colours on the actual material, pack carefully and follow quality checks such as those in ISO 9001-certified print shops. ASTM test data helps compare materials.

What should an on-site repair kit contain?

Spare printed signs, double-sided tape, cable ties, hook-and-loop strips, a steamer for fabric, a cloth for screens, spare cables and adapters.

How do you diagnose a sign that isn't working?

Ask three questions. Can it be read from where visitors are? Does it say something they care about? Can they see it, or is it blocked? Most failing signs fail on one of these. Fix the distance problem with size, the message problem with fewer words and the visibility problem by moving the sign.

How do you fix colour problems?

If colours look different from your brand, check the file's colour space, ask the printer for a printed proof and compare it with your brand swatches under similar lighting. Different printers and materials reproduce colours differently, so keep one printer for core signage where possible.

How do you fix glare?

Glossy materials reflect spotlights and hall lights. Switch to matte finishes or fabric, re-angle spotlights so they don't hit signs directly and position screens away from overhead lights.

How do you fix digital signage on site?

Check power, the input source and cables, restart the device and switch to offline content. Keep a printed version of key messages in case a screen fails completely.

How do you prevent signage problems at future shows?

Keep a log of issues and fixes, proof every new sign at full size, pack signs properly and review all signage before each show season. Retire faded or outdated signs.

How do you prioritize fixes on show day?

Fix in this order: anything unsafe (loose overhead signs, trip hazards), anything that hides who you are (header problems), anything that misleads (wrong prices or terms), then cosmetic issues. If time is short before doors open, remove a damaged secondary sign rather than leaving it up.

How do you avoid sign clutter?

Audit the stand from the aisle and remove any sign that repeats another or that visitors don't need. Fewer signs are easier to read and make products more visible.

How do signage problems affect results?

A stand that visitors can't understand quickly gets fewer stops and fewer leads. Tracking leads alongside signage changes over several shows shows which signage decisions make a difference.

Related

Selecting the right size for promotional signs and signage placement tips.