A Front-Row Seat to Innovation: Sign Experience Canada 2025

What an honor it was to attend Sign Experience Canada 2025's 70^th anniversary in Niagara Falls!

This reimagined event, hosted by the Sign Association of Canada, brought together professionals from across the country to celebrate the industry’s evolution and its bright future. As a Sales Intern at Daktronics, I had the incredible opportunity to represent our company, connect with industry leaders and gain firsthand insight into the trends shaping signage today.

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the energy. Sign companies, plastics manufacturers, LED digital display providers, business credit banks and installation experts all gathered under one roof to collaborate, share ideas and explore new opportunities. It was a true celebration of innovation, education and community.

Showcasing Daktronics: A Trusted Name in Digital Displays

Working the Daktronics booth alongside Nick Davies (Sales Representative for High Consistency-Ontario and Western Canada) and Domenico DiNardo (Sales Representative for High Consistency-Quebec and Eastern Canada) was a highlight of the trip. They empowered me to take the lead in conversations, share my internship experience, and demonstrate our products and services to attendees.

I spoke with dozens of professionals, some familiar with Daktronics and others meeting us for the first time. It was rewarding to hear how much our long-standing partners value our reliability, quality and service. I showcased our commercial on-premise products such as Galaxy® GT6X Electronic Message Centers, discussed our scoreboard solutions and emphasized our turnkey approach, from hardware to software to support.

One key takeaway that resonated with many was our Venus Control Suite software. The ability to manage content remotely from a mobile device or computer is a game-changer for clients. It’s just one example of how Daktronics continues to evolve with technology while staying true to our commitment to excellence.

Learning from Industry Leaders

A standout session for me was the workshop “Don’t Let Pricing Mistakes Cost You Business” led by Nick Hansen, President of Hansen Signs, and Jeff Wallis, Director at Signature Sign & Image. They shared practical strategies for accurate estimating, managing overhead and navigating economic uncertainty. It was eye-opening to see how critical pricing is to a company’s success, and how easily it can be overlooked.

Another inspiring moment came from keynote speaker Fahd Alhattab, who spoke about unlocking leadership potential. He emphasized that great leaders don’t limit their teams, they elevate them. His message about empowering high-performing employees and fostering a culture of growth really stuck with me.

Reflections as a Sales Intern

This experience helped me sharpen my sales skills, deepen my industry knowledge and build meaningful relationships. I learned that in business, people work with those they like, trust and respect, a lesson I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

I’m incredibly grateful to Daktronics for this opportunity and to Nick and Domenico for their mentorship. Being part of this event gave me a deeper appreciation for the signage industry and the role Daktronics plays in shaping its future.

Looking Ahead

Sign Experience Canada 2025 wasn’t just a conference, it was a glimpse into the future of signage. From tighter pixel pitches and sleek designs to the integration of AI and globalization, the industry is evolving rapidly. I’m excited to continue growing with it and to contribute to Daktronics’ mission of delivering innovative display solutions across Canada and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who made this experience unforgettable. I look forward to sharing more stories from my journey with Daktronics!

Edward Csiki
Sales Intern, Daktronics
University of Windsor– Major in International Relations & Development