Workshops
Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop A:
The Price is Right - The Art and Science of Estimating
For sign companies, estimating can be one of the most critical and at the same time frustrating components of running a business. “Winging it” might seem like an enticing option when you don’t know where to begin. But if you are not fast enough – you could lose jobs to competition or even lose money if the job wasn’t priced right. In trying to get out fast and accurate estimates, sign companies often have to sacrifice one of the two qualities. What’s worse – sometimes they miss the mark on both counts.
This session will discuss factors sign companies need to consider when building an estimate, shared best practices to enable you to create the most accurate estimate in the fastest time and to provide excellent customer service that keeps your clients returning time and time again.
Speaker: TBD
Workshop B:
Breaking Barriers Executive Discussion: Empowering the Next Gen of Women Leaders
Leadership doesn’t just happen — it’s cultivated. And in the evolving sign industry, empowering the next generation of women leaders is not just good for business, it's essential for long-term success.
Join us for a candid and inspiring panel discussion featuring four senior leaders from the sign industry—three of whom have played pivotal roles in mentoring, sponsoring, and promoting women into leadership, and one who has risen through the ranks from shop floor to executive office.
Together, they'll share powerful stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice on how to support and elevate women at every stage of their careers.
Key themes include:
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What Managers Can Do: Concrete strategies to identify talent, foster confidence, and open doors for advancement.
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Shop Floor to C-Suite: A firsthand account of one executive’s remarkable rise—and what it took to get there.
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Crafting career paths: How to help women leaders self-advocate, navigate career roadblocks, and make their voices heard.
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Culture Change Starts at the Top: Creating workplaces where women can thrive, innovate, and lead.
Whether you’re an executive, a mid-career professional, an emerging talent, or an ally committed to equity, this discussion will leave you with actionable takeaways and renewed energy to build a more inclusive and empowered future for the signage industry.
Speaker: TBD
Workshop C:
Winning More Clients: Sales Tactics for Small Businessess
Small sign companies face unique challenges—and opportunities—when competing with larger, more resourced firms. This practical, action-oriented workshop is designed specifically for small business owners and sales staff looking to grow their client base, increase repeat business, and stand out in a competitive market.
Speaker: TBD
Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Workshop A:
Outsourcing for Growth: Building Partnerships That Expand Your Capabilities
You don’t have to be a big company to take on big projects. Strategic outsourcing and the right partnerships can give sign and graphics businesses of any size a competitive edge. This session explores how outsourcing—from large format printing and design to fabrication and installation—can help you scale, streamline, and grow without overextending your internal team. Learn how to build reliable relationships with suppliers, designers, engineers, and installers to deliver exceptional results, enter new markets, and expand your service offerings. Whether you're just starting to outsource or looking to strengthen your existing network, this session will provide practical insights to help you grow smarter.
Speaker: TBD
Workshop B:
From Concept to Completion: Stories Behind Award-Winning Signs
What does it take to create a truly standout sign? In this dynamic panel discussion, three BOCSI Award-winning sign companies pull back the curtain on the projects that earned them top honours. From the first spark of an idea to installation day, they’ll share the highs, lows, and key lessons learned along the way. Discover what made each project unique, how creative and technical challenges were overcome, and what ultimately led to their success. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical insights, this is your chance to learn from the best in the business.
Speaker: TBD
Workshop C:
Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace
Speaker: TBD
Thursday, October 3, 2025 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop A:
Generations in Sync: Leadership That Bridges, Builds, and Plans Ahead
Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever, spanning multiple generations with differing expectations, communication styles, and work habits. This interactive session explores how to build collaboration and trust across age groups, manage workflow expectations in hybrid or remote settings, and adapt leadership strategies to meet evolving demands. We’ll also touch on long-term planning—including how to prepare an exit strategy and position your business for a successful transition. Gain practical tools to lead with clarity, foster team alignment, and future-proof your operations.
Speaker: TBD
Workshop B:
Ideas That Shine: From Sketchpad to Skyline
Explore the latest trends in signage design and technology while rethinking how materials are used to transform bold ideas into functional, eye-catching installations. This session dives into how designers can push creative boundaries by approaching products and substrates in new ways—supported by the expertise of fabricators, installers, and material specialists. Learn how successful projects move from sketchpad to skyline through collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of what’s possible in today’s sign landscape.
Speaker: TBD
Presented in Partnership with SEGD
