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The following post was written by Brianna Beere, our gifted project manager. This is a first-hand account of Brianna’s experience as a 2019 ISA Elite delegate.
For the last five years, the International Sign Association has invited young people from all walks of the sign industry to participate in its highly competitive ISA Elite program. The program, which recognizes the next generation of sign, graphics and visual communications leaders, gives participants a prime chance to network with peers and professionals from across the country.
“The ISA Elite is the epitome of a program that provides wins for everyone,” said Lori Anderson, president and CEO of the International Sign Association. “Participants make life-long connections with their peers and receive training to help them grow in their careers. Company leaders have told me that ISA Elite members deliver an immediate, tangible benefit to the company through their enthusiasm and connections. And the industry benefits by keeping the best and brightest engaged and ready to lead.”
During the last year, I met so many people, learned so much—and repeatedly stepped out of my comfort zone. When Robbie suggested I apply to the ISA Elite program, I jumped without hesitation. I am always on the lookout for new adventures and learning opportunities, and I wasn’t about to turn down the chance to visit Vegas, either.
I submitted my application… and waited. Five long weeks later, I got the phone call that I had been accepted! As an ISA Elite, I was invited to join my peers for what would be an educational, busy, rewarding and exhausting experience.
Last April, the 2019 Elite class (including yours truly!) joined vendors, educators and board members at the 75th Annual International Sign Expo in Las Vegas, NV. Our group of 37 also attended ISA’s fall leadership conference, held at ISA headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
The two events were polar opposites. The Las Vegas Sign Expo was a non-stop rotation of networking, seminars, trade show exploring, parties and sightseeing. The Annual Leadership Conference was a more personalized, casual affair. While the Sign Expo loudly showcased our industry’s biggest innovators, Alexandria was a quieter event that focused entirely on education.
I have been a part of the sign industry for a relatively short time, so my networking opportunities have been few and far between. My introverted personality doesn’t mind, but I like to participate in meetings and events that push me to talk with others, engage in listening and learning, and take an active role in professional conversations. (Mingling is definitely a learned trait!)
In Las Vegas, I attended receptions, breakfasts, roundtable sessions and tours with various trade groups. Our ISA Elite class also sat down with the Association’s Executive Committee, comprised of people who have worked in signs and visual communications for many years.
In Alexandria, I got to know my fellow Elites and learn about their companies in detail. Some participants were third- or fourth-generation sign makers who were there to gain the knowledge needed to run the family business. Other folks were more like me: lucky ones who fell into the world of signs and were just starting to find our footing.
I’m incredibly grateful to have had this experience, and I highly recommend that young sign professionals take the shot and apply for ISA Elite. The group I have gotten to know this past year is made of people I trust when I need advice, feedback or new vendor connections. They are also the like-minded professionals I contact when a cool new project crosses my desk.
In upcoming posts, I’ll share more details and photos from my first-ever journey to Las Vegas. My boss, Katherine, was kind enough to escort me since I knew I couldn’t navigate the trip alone. We saw some crazy stuff—and that was just on the tradeshow floor. There were holograms, competitions, and a roller coaster involved. I mean, IT IS VEGAS…
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Brianna is the “face” of Performance Signs and the first person you’ll meet when contacting us. She is the cheery voice on the phone—and the smile that greets everyone visiting the shop. Brianna is a music lover and enjoys concerts with friends, family and her son.