Let's not get Carried Away!

The Expand a Sign Product Development, Research and Destruction Team (think Mythbusters, but without the facial hair) were on a mission. We needed to test our Ex-Dome gazebo and Ex-Shade parasol umbrella against the harshest of weather conditions; extreme wind!

Every product requires slight modifications and adaptations in order to develop the strongest, most durable item possible. And we were pretty confident that our Ex-Dome and Ex-Shade could withstand the best that Mother Nature could give us.

After negotiations with Nasa Aeronautics and the top International Tornado Specialists (no, not really), we deduced that wind tunnels and turbines were not for us - we wanted to feel the icy grip of the sea winds and to taste the salty blasting gales. The bursts and gusts of the offshore air currents allow for the most accurate natural scenario possible.

Our Ex-Dome gazebo superseded expectations. This 3m x 3.3m beast fared exceptionally well once we had it pegged down. With wind speed picking up to 20knots, the frame's gentle swaying was almost a disappointment for those of us who were expecting demolition and carnage.

View Ex-Dome Video

Next to be put to the ultimate test was the Ex-Shade parasol umbrella. We set 2 up, side by side. The umbrella to the left was an older model and the one to the right, the latest version.

We were amazed that such slight, almost insignificant alterations to the frame have provided some really convincing results. Although we were setting up in absurdly strong wind, the new product stood firmer than the older model. Eventually, the older umbrella succumbed to the elements and a spoke popped out of it's spigot. This is easily fixed, but meant that our experiment was over. 

View Ex-Shade Video 


With salty lips, wayward hair and a sense of satisfaction, we piled up the car and headed back to base camp. 


As always, we must advise that you use your grey matter when setting up any of our products in adverse weather conditions. Common sense is the best method in order to avoid damage to your products and yourself.


Cheers,
EAS R&D Team

Get your business On The Board!

I must be honest; I really know very little about horse racing. All that I do understand is that I never win. When I bet on a horse, it inevitably turns into a 3 legged mange donkey once it leaves the starting gates. I also know that I always seem to be under dressed when I attend a race - even the jockeys sparkle in their satin ensembles. 

Yet something still awakens in me each year, come July. Unmatched as Africa's greatest sporting and social event, Greyville Racecourse in Durban will once again attract more than 50 000 of the country's most dazzling, dashing and downright delicious for the R3 million Vodacom Durban July Horse racing Event on 31st July 2010.

As they have for more than 100 years, the best of the continent's thoroughbreds will come together for the 2 200m clash from which one will emerge to join the esteemed that have dominated in Africa's greatest race. It is an eerie moment as all else pauses for just over two minutes whilst the 20 horses sprint around the course, the drum of their thundering hooves smothered by the roar of the frenzied crowd. As they flash across the line, a new champion will be declared as winner of the Vodacom Durban July. 

The track and arena are fully dressed in the sponsors’ branding. From gazebos and parasol umbrellas to endless banners that wrap around the circumference of the track. Seen as one of the hottest events on the social calendar, the after party is always Durban’s ultimate party experience. Whether drowning your sorrows at your poor luck or throwing your winnings around in boozy bliss, the vibe itself is intoxicating.

I have already designed my peacock-feather-inspired outfit for this weekend. I will also cleverly be placing small bets on each and every horse, just so that I can declare that I won. (I’m cunning, eh?!)

I hope the odds are on me!

Cheers,

EAS

A really Fair Way to brand!

The 139th British Open Championship was held this past weekend, with 27 year old Louis Oosthuizen winning the title by a massive 7 shots. And with millions of people watching each pitch and putt from their living rooms, the big brand names were definitely on display. 

Expand a Sign also supplied branding at a golf event this weekend. We branded a hole where we set up an Ex-Dome gazebo, 2 Medium Flying Banners and a whopping big Ex-Up wind up banner. All of which was easily transported in one car.

The Ex-Dome opens up to 3m x 3.3m but folds away to fit snugly in a medium-sized vehicle. 'The boss' and myself set up the products with ease. Within 15 minutes, we had not only erected our display but also the 2 Flying Banners for the clubhouse entrance and 2 Ex-Roll Banner Stands to be used at the reception area (with no huffing, puffing or cursing!).  Expand a Sign even provided 18 Pin flags and tee-discs for the golf day. 

We went the whole hog here but we can also help you brand your golf day quickly, professionally and inexpensively. Use one or two well-placed banners or brand the whole course! What's more, you can re-use the banners and branding material year after year and from one event to another. 

So, get in the swing of things and brand your business. Don't be left with a handicap - get seen and stand out from the crowd!

Cheers,
The EAS team.

We like to give. It warms even the darkest corners of our hearts.

So, when TWBA (big Ad Agency in South Africa) approached us and asked if we could help, we jumped at the chance to donate our time and material.

Addington Childrens Hospital in Durban was opened in 1933. Unfortunately due to a lack of funding and upkeep, it closed it's doors in 1984. For the past 26years the building has been neglected and abandoned and only home to squatters and vagrants.

But The Department of Health has risen to the challenge and has taken on the task of re-opening this building. With the help of some sponsors and R200 million, in about 2 years we hope to see Addington Childrens Hospital once again used to care for and treat the kids of Kwazulu Natal.

  

Expand a Sign sponsored hundreds of metres of fabric for the launch. This was to be wrapped around the building like a giant bandage. We also printed vinyl band-aids with each sponsor’s logo. The perimeter boards were covered in latex-printed bright children’s drawings and old black and white archive photos of the hospital.

We endured 2hrs of speeches this morning, but understood that Expand a Sign’s contributions were a small piece in the puzzle of helping a bigger cause. The Health Minister of Kwazulu Natal and Deputy Mayor of Durban were present (the Deputy Mayor sang a Whitney Houston song... very cringe-worthy listening to off-key ‘The Children are our fuuutuuure’) and my boss hovered around the biscuit table when he wasn't watching the pilots practising their fancy formations for this weekend’s air show.

Cheers,

EAS team

Don't let your company be seen as a blow out. 

Stand proud and fly your flag high!

Every conquering army strives to be the first to plant their flag and be declared victorious. Are you ready to go to battle and win the war in this competitive world of branding? Well, settle your flag in your conquered land and let the enemy know who the leader is! 

And if you are going to be King, you will need a full set of advertising armour. 

Teardrop or Flying Banners are great for indoor and outdoor use and are available in a range of sizes. With strength and stability, this product is long-lasting and can also be reskinned for a new promotion or brand refresh.

Folding A-Frames are lightweight and quick to assemble, offering instant visibility and convenience. These banners are engineered to withstand the elements and can be staked to the ground.

Need to defeat the adversary with an indoor advertising display? Our Banner Stands are designed to be lightweight and easy to set up for trade show displays and other indoor branding opportunities. Our Banner Stands have no loose parts and the graphics can be changed in under a minute! 

 
Every King needs a castle. Expand a Sign's impressive Ex-Dome gazebo with it's domed canopy, provides more headroom and greater shade cover than a standard instant canopy. This ensures that your branding will stand out from the crowd at any event.

You are now prepared for the battle that is business. Good luck, crowned monarch of your brand.

EAS, Royal Advisors.

Brand yourself back to Business!

The flags are frayed. The stick-on tattoos have peeled away. The 2010 Soccer World Cup is winding down. With only 3 matches remaining, most of us are wondering what we will do with ourselves after July 11th. Where to from here? Take up a new hobby? Buy a soccer net for the back garden and re-enact all the great goals (or at least try!)? Purchase the Xbox or Playstation Soccer games and continue living the dream?

Whether Netherlands, Germany or Spain are declared victorious, my heart has swollen with pride for my own country and it really doesn't matter who wins. And as soon as my sleep patterns return to normal and my eardrums heal from the vuvuzela-induced damage, I will get my head back into my work. Many businesses have been in limbo over the past month, but now is the time to inject some life into your company. Re-invent, re-juvinate and re-fresh your branding. Allow the great vibe and hype that has surrounded this incredible sporting event to inspire you and your organisation. 

Branding has become crucial for advertising your business or services. Standing out from the crowd is vital these days. As the leaders in portable instant advertising products, Expand a Sign is continually working on improving our existing products and designs using lighter, stronger components and advanced printing technology to meet your branding needs. 

Our wide range of banners, a-frames, gazebos and other branding products are portable, durable and quick to assemble and can be used for indoor advertising displays and trade show displays as well as outdoor advertising.

Expand a Sign ships to 48 countries, which means that whichever corner of the globe you are, we can help to brand your business and put you firmly on the map.

Germany are playing Spain this evening, to see who will fight it out in the Soccer World Cup Final Match on Sunday. I'm so stressed; will it be frankfurter or chorizo for dinner?

Cheers,

EAS team.