Outdoor events can be a real boon for your business but come with unique challenges. There’s no crystal ball to predict the weather, whether vendors will fall through, or any number of unforeseen circumstances. Quality, well-placed signage can be the key to saving you and your fellow event managers unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re planning a community festival, a corporate gathering, or a small business promotion, deciding on outdoor event signage that can stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at you, or any other unpredictable circumstance, is crucial to ensuring everything runs smoothly. High-quality, well-placed signs not only guide attendees but also enhance the overall experience and promote your brand effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best signage options for your outdoor event, helping you make informed decisions that will elevate your event (and brand) to the next level.
Why Effective Signage Matters
Effective signage serves multiple purposes:
- Navigation: Your event may have multiple areas, stations, stops, or booths. In a large outdoor space filled with crowds, well-placed signage is an absolute must. It not only helps with crowd control but helps attendees find their way around the event.
- Branding: Whether your brand is hosting the entire event, or simply as one vendor participating in a larger event, well-branded signage is also a must because it enhances brand visibility and recall. Well-crafted, eye-popping signage will help you stand out in a crowd and stay top-of-mind with potential new customers.
- Promotion: Event signage allows you the opportunity to put your best foot forward by highlighting key activities, sponsors, and offers.
Let’s look at some top signage options that can make a significant impact on your outdoor event.
Vinyl Banners
Vinyl banners are a versatile and durable option for outdoor events. They can withstand various weather conditions and are easy to transport and install.
Vinyl banners created by Grafics Unlimited for an outdoor event
Benefits:
- Durability: Made from weather-resistant material, vinyl banners are perfect for all seasons. Whether your event is rained on, or experiences high winds, snow, or even hail, your vinyl signage will be the one thing you won’t need to worry about.
- Customization: Available in various sizes and designs, they can be tailored to fit your event’s needs and branding.
- Visibility: Their large size makes them easily noticeable from a distance.
- Portability: Banners are lightweight and collapsible, allowing you to transport and store banners between events.
Usage Tips:
- Placement: Hang them at entrances, stage backdrops, or along fences to attract maximum attention.
- Design: Use bold colors and large fonts to ensure readability.
- Information: Include essential details like event name, date, and sponsors.
Sandwich Boards
Sandwich boards (also known as a-frame signs) are portable and highly effective for directing foot traffic and highlighting specific areas or activities at your event. Whereas vinyl banners are visible high above crowds, sandwich boards direct or inform foot traffic in an immediate vicinity. For example, place sandwich boards in front of a line advising visitors to have their tickets ready. Place a sandwich board outside of a ride letting riders know what to do with their hats and sunglasses while riding the ride. Sandwich boards are so easy to move around, they’re great to use for situations that arise during the event. For example, to let everyone know a parking lot is full, or that an area of your event has been closed off.
Benefits:
- Portability: Easy to set up, move, and store. Unlike vinyl banners that would be hung before the event, sandwich boards can be implemented and moved around during an event.
- Versatility: These can be used for directional signs, menus, or informative and promotional messages.
- Engagement: Their eye-level placement makes them hard to miss when grabbing attention from a crowd within close proximity.
Usage Tips:
- Strategic Placement: Position them near entrances, exits, and high-traffic areas.
- Clear Messaging: Keep the text concise and to the point.
- Updateability: Use chalk or dry-erase markers for easy updates.
Magnetic Car Signs
Magnetic car signs are ideal for mobile advertising and creating a cohesive look for event vehicles. They offer flexibility in that they can be used on company vehicles, third-party event staff, or event volunteers’ vehicles, as magnetic signs are easy to remove and apply to any vehicle.
Benefits:
- Mobility: Turns any vehicle into a moving billboard, emergency, or gear vehicle associated with your event.
- Professionalism: Enhances the professional appearance of staff and volunteer cars.
- Affordability: Cost-effective solution for temporary signage needs.
Usage Tips:
- Brand Consistency: Ensure the design aligns with your event’s branding.
- Visibility: Place on both sides of the vehicle for maximum exposure.
- Durability: Ensure the magnets are high-quality to withstand various weather conditions.
Feather Flags
Feather flags are tall, highly visible vertical-standing flags that can be installed with stakes into the ground or with weighted bases. They’ve become hugely popular with brick-and-mortar businesses because they can capture attention when announcing sales, promotions, or new products. Their versatility also makes them great additions to outdoor events.
Benefits:
- Versatility: Use them to call attention to a booth or area and move them around your event as needed. They can be used in-doors or out and withstand all types of weather.
- Visual Appeal: Feather flags are designed to be unique and eye-catching, increasing visibility and attracting attention even in crowded environments.
- Affordability: Compared to other forms of marketing, feather flags are significantly more affordable and offer a high return on investment.
Usage Tips:
- Keep it Simple: When it comes to the text on your feather flag, less is more. Keep it short, to the point, and easy to read from a distance.
- Visibility: Position your feather flags strategically to maximize visibility. Think high traffic areas such as entrances, walkways or near busy roads.
- Durability: To extend the life of your feather flags, ensure they are stored properly when not in use and cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Combining Signage for Maximum Impact
Using a combination of these signage options can significantly enhance the overall experience at your outdoor event. Here’s how you can integrate them effectively:
- Vinyl Banners for high-visibility announcements and stage backdrops.
- Sandwich Boards for wayfinding and promoting specific activities or menu items.
- Magnetic Car Signs for mobile advertising and maintaining a professional image of event staff.
- Feather Flags for durable, high-visibility, one to two word signage.
Hiring a Sign Shop You Can Trust
If you’re an experienced event planner, you know how fast your task list can grow. You don’t have time to spend fixing mistakes. This is why it’s important to select a sign shop that can handle your event signage needs with ease. Here are some things to consider:
- Experience: Look for a shop with a long history of making high-quality signage for outdoor events.The more examples and testimonials they have relevant to your needs, the better.
- Location: A local sign shop will know the unique challenges in your area. For example, what times of year produce the most rain, how windy it is in your region, and more.
- Complimentary services: Look for a shop with complimentary services such as design experience. Keeping your design and signage needs under one roof helps you streamline the execution of your event.
Conclusion
Choosing the right signage for your outdoor event can make a world of difference. By leveraging vinyl banners, sandwich boards, and magnetic car signs, you can ensure your event is not only well-organized but also memorable for all attendees.
Ready to elevate your next outdoor event? Start planning your signage strategy today and watch your event come to life!
Contact our team of experts for personalized advice and high-quality signage solutions. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Happy planning!
Graphics Unlimited has Decades of Experience in Vinyl Banners, Sandwich Boards, Car Magnets and More
If you’re looking for event signage in the Northern Nevada area, look no further than Grafics Unlimited. Their 40+ years of experience has made them the go-to for event signage (and much more) in the Reno/Sparks area.
Grafics Unlimited has operated as a family-owned, full-service sign business since 1976 and has set the pace for design in the sign and vehicle wrap industry in Northern Nevada. They provide professional, friendly service, and quality products to each satisfied customer.
