Have you ever found yourself lost in a hotel or convention center? If so, then you know how it can set a bad tone for the rest of your day. Arriving late often means you have to tiptoe through the opening session and humbly find a seat in the back of the room. This is definitely not the way you want to represent yourself at the beginning of a conference.
Ultimately it is up to the event coordinator to make sure you find the registration table without having to pace through a maze of endless hallways. It is not an easy job, especially when you consider how many different paths each attendee can take to get to the same spot. This is where a good signage strategy is essential to making sure everyone knows where to go.
I can tell you from my experience as a venue coordinator, the general population has a subliminal aversion to signage. The most effective signs stand out from the background and demand attention. You can't be too shy about announcing your presence in the building, particularly if you are utilizing a venue for the first time.
Want to make an even better impression on your attendees? Nothing beats a smiling face waiting at the entrances for guest to arrive. If you have the extra staff or even volunteers, put them in a location where they can help attendees the moment they walk through the door. This is an easy way to kick your event off with smiling faces!
as an AV provider for many events i cannot begin to express how important signage is. being someone who arrives before everyone else does is till find myself getting lost at times. ive found some of my clients handing out maps/floor plans of the meeting floor. and others personally escort guests. but signage is the most effective way to get this done.
Miguel – Sharon AV
I hate going to conventions, conferences, hotels, or frankly anywhere that lacks directional signage. It makes you feel lost, frustrated, and usually really angry. Those are not great emotions to associate with whatever event you are attending.