Where Compliance Meets Experience - Reimagining Accessibility Signage Beyond the Code
Thursday, September 17 | Day 1
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM | Session 2A – Room: Flat
Where Compliance Meets Experience: Rethinking Accessible Wayfinding
Accessibility is more than meeting a code—it’s about creating environments where people can confidently understand where they are, where they need to go, and how to get there.
This panel brings together perspectives from accessible wayfinding and digital signage to explore how physical and digital solutions can work together to create more inclusive experiences. We’ll discuss where compliance ends and the user experience begins, how technology is changing expectations, and what sign professionals should be thinking about as accessibility continues to evolve.
Through practical examples and candid discussion, attendees will leave with a broader perspective on the role our industry can play in creating spaces that are easier for everyone to navigate.
Moderator: Kerri Eady
North American Sales Director - Gemini, Inc.
Kerri Eady is a sales and business leader with more than 20 years of experience in sales strategy, leadership and customer development, including 15 years in the signage industry. She currently serves as North American Sales Director with Gemini Inc driving strategic focus in signage opportunity growth and strong industry partnerships across Canada and the United States.
​
Kerri also serves on the Board of Directors for the Sign Association of Canada and is passionate about advancing industry education, collaboration and more accessible, inclusive signage experiences.
Speaker: David Hickey
Vice President of Advocacy - International Sign Association (ISA)
David Hickey is the Vice President of Advocacy for the International Sign Association (ISA), where he oversees and coordinates ISA’s legislative, technical and outreach efforts on behalf of our industry. Since 2011, David and his ISA Advocacy team have educated over 10,000 local government officials and have helped hundreds of jurisdictions all over the United States develop reasonable and beneficial sign regulations. David also helped lead ISA and the on-premises sign industry to a successful outcome in the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Austin v. Reagan. Prior to starting at ISA, David worked in the U.S. Senate and the U.S House of Representatives.
Speaker: Erin Shilliday
Chief Creative Officer - Pedesting
Erin thinks in city blocks and big ideas. As Pedesting’s co-founder, and a licensed architect, he connects the dots between design, business, and accessibility. He combines creative expertise with strategic leadership: identifying opportunities across geographies and leveraging his love of architecture to ensure the accurate deployment of Pedesting Zones. Whether he’s mapping new markets or sketching with his trusty fountain pen, Erin’s always focused on one thing: making cities work better for everyone.
Speaker: Steven Phillips
Executive Vice President, Nummax
Steven Phillips is Executive Vice President of Nummax and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Sign Association. With more than 25 years of experience in technology and accessibility-related industries, Steven has spent over a decade helping organizations create innovative signage, wayfinding, and digital communication solutions. Prior to joining Nummax, he spent 15 years with HumanWare, working in the field of assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. His unique background provides a practical perspective on the intersection of accessibility, compliance, design, and user experience, helping organizations create environments that are both inclusive and impactful.