3 Ways to Use Wayfinding Signage for Hosting Successful Conferences

Organizing a conference requires a lot of planning, time, manpower, and financial investment. Because of this, on the day of the event, you want everything to run smoothly and make sure it achieves all its goals.

However, even the smallest detail can affect the flow and success of your conference. From failing to double-check the program, to choosing colors that are not in line with your brand, to forgetting to ask your caterer about the refreshments they will serve, even the simple things you miss can quickly undo all your plans and result in a lackluster event.

The lack of effective wayfinding signage and the failure to use them correctly can also lead to a disorderly, possibly chaotic event.

Maximizing Wayfinding Signage to Manage a Better Conference

For most event planners, signage may not be their top priority when planning a conference. But with a few simple tips for incorporating and using them properly, these features can make a huge difference in the overall experience of the attendees and the success of the event.

Leading signage and wayfinding consultants in Dubai share below three ways to make use of wayfinding signage to run a problem-free and successful conference:

1.Directing attendees to your venue

In any kind of event, you don’t have to wait for the guests to be in the venue to start giving them directions. If you are holding your conference in a stadium, concert hall, or any large area, ensure that all attendees find the place where they should go as soon as they park or are dropped off.

Put entrance and parking signs outside the venue to help attendees park at the right spot, which is the one nearest to the building’s entryways. If they have to park farther away, make sure there is plenty of signage directing them straight to the entrances.

Keep in mind that attendees who got lost or took longer routes will attend your conference tired and irritated. If you want them to be attentive and engaged during the event, make sure they arrive happily at the venue.

2.Effective Wayfinding

For conferences that take place in a large venue and at different rooms, wayfinding signs can help attendees navigate the area and find what they are looking for faster.

Directional signs should be posted throughout the common routes of attendees and at each intersection along those pathways. Signage at junctures should also state what rooms are available at each turn.

Additionally, long hallways should have signs halfway down to let attendees know they are headed in the right direction.

The venue should have noticeable and clear directional signs for food and refreshment stands, dining areas, and restrooms within the conference space as well. Although the facility may have its own directional signage, your attendees will find it easier to look for and use your branded and customized signs.

3.Getting your brand out there

Failing to use your conference as a marketing tool is a huge mistake to make. To get the most returns from this event, aside from hiring the right presenter, use signs to promote your brand.

Choose designs that stand out and make sure your brand or logo is displayed clearly on all signs to attract attention. Be creative with the placement of your graphics and signage as well so that you can set the scene for the event.

Branded signs that stand apart from the regular signage in the venue are much more distinguishable for your guests. They are more likely to remember such signage, too. As such, make sure your brand and logos are displayed clearly to catch the eye of anyone who sees them.

Examples of branding signage you can use for your conference are customized vinyl banners that you can mount on overhead poles and other architectural features in the venue. Custom decals and digital signs are excellent options as well.

Although each conference you host is different, paying attention to all details can make every one of them successful. These include making use of signs to help your attendees navigate the venue and give you a hand with your marketing and branding goals.

If you need help with creating functional branded signs and putting them at the right spots to optimize their use, work with signage and wayfinding design experts on your next conference.

AUTHOR BIO

Zak Zakaria is a Waymaker at dezigntechnic in Dubai who also previously worked as the company's Graphic Designer and Art Director. Zak is a creative with work experience in multiple multinational agencies such as JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi. Signage design is a family business, making Zak's personal experience with signage his longest professional commitment.