Making our Mark amongst the Masses.

This week was Markex week. As the premier marketing and promotions trade exhibition in Southern Africa, being seen and standing out at this annual event is really important.

So, with Ex-Dome Gazebos, Banner Stands, Medium and Extra Large Flying Banners and Backwalls boldly decorating Expand a Sign's stands, we had a great presence. As the industry leaders, we cannot ignore the obvious pressure to keep pushing the boundaries as the innovators of creative branding. Our new Extra Large Ex-Up banners really impressed, and the new collapsible Event Bin was enjoying it's trade exhibition debut.

On day 1 of the show, we picked up an urgent request for an Expanding Backwall. An order was placed, artwork was created, then approved, and we have already provided another happy customer with their branding product.

We also pride ourselves on the fact that we can brand almost anything. As experts in printed textiles, we indulged in some overkill and branded our mini bar fridge, main stand's flooring and our bar counter. These were not intended to add to our already extensive product range, but instead to dig deeper into the possibilities in print. 

We invented the patented teardrop-shaped Flying Banner. Many have attempted to replicate it, but nothing can match the signature design and print quality. Which is why we chose to place 2 double-sided Extra Large Flying Banners on our stand, to aide people in navigating their way to Expand a Sign. Like a giant 'Hellooo! Here we are!' it provided 2 functions; advertising our brand and directing prospective customers to us. 

If you missed us at Markex this week, come and visit at Sign Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 8-10th September. 

Cheers, EAS Team.

Combining innovation with ease.

Organising an event can be a time-consuming and sometimes stressful undertaking. So being able to effortlessly brand your golf day or sponsored occasion is crucial. The red dot award winning Ex-Up banners wind up quickly and easily.They have the weight advantage of a pop-up A-frame banner combined with the great shape of a traditional rigid A-frame banner.

Ex-Ups are compact, lightweight and portable so they can be moved from one location or branding opportunity to another.The printed fabric or skin is removable and can be unclipped to insert new branding or to update your marketing message.

Dumesani is our security guard at Expand a Sign, Durban. Although he stands 6ft tall, we're afraid that his co-ordination leaves a lot to be desired.

Which makes him a perfect candidate for testing our Extra Large Ex-Up.The XL is the latest in the Ex-Up range and pushes the boundaries; one product, no loose parts, and opens up to 1.4m x 2.5m! Dumesani sets it up each day, no matter the weather conditions. (view this video of our tester Ex-Up in strong winds) He pegs it into the ground and cranks it down 9hrs later.

Ex-Ups can also be used indoors. The Ex-Up Tower has 3 panels, making it eye-catching from any angle. Both the Ex-Up A-Frames and Towers are now available in Medium, Large and Extra Large.

Cheers,

The EAS Team

How one handles fear is an excellent indicator of one’s temperament and attitude.


Although we work hard at Expand a Sign, we also understand that keeping a fun and lively vibe within the company is essential in maintaining a motivated and inspired crew.

So in a teambuilding effort, the Expand a Sign big boss held a competition asking people to submit their names for the chance to ride on the Moses Mabhida Stadium Big Swing. 

It looks completely terrifying, but at least 20 thrill seekers put their names in a hat. Last week, the lucky individual's name was drawn – Bruce Bollay from the Art Studio.

Meet Bruce.

28 years old. Talented graphic designer. Father to a 4year old son. Recently married to his long-time love.

i.e. Not great if his stadium swing proves fatal.

The afternoon of the big jump arrives and we bustle off to the stadium to witness his leap of bravery. Lots of chat and laughter in the car by everyone... except 1 x very quiet Bruce Bollay. At the base of the stadium's 120metre arch, even the boss' 6yr old son's 'The pig went to the doctor for oinkment and the bird for tweetment' jokes didn't catch a laugh from the harnessed-up, pale-looking guy whose usual broad smile and jovial ways seemed to have subsided a little. By now, I was wondering if this was such a good idea. It seemed almost cruel to subject this poor bloke to such free-falling fear. 

We bid farewell and good luck to Bruce and settled at the seats within the Moses Mabhida stadium, which has recently been host to some exciting Soccer World Cup matches. Binoculars, video cameras and fancy camera lenses are tested (can you say Japanese tourists?!) whilst we sit and wait for the 5 would-be dare devils to reach their jumping point. First, a lady takes her leap. We watch in silence as she sways into the great vacancy inside the stadium. And then another. And another. C'mon Bruce - where are you? Finally, always the gentlemen, Bruce is the last madman person to step forward to soar on nothing but a bungee cord. 

He timidly navigates his way toward the jumping point....we watch him get into position...we hear '3.2.1.Step Off.'..and nothing. Once again, we witness Bruce bracing himself for his fall. And once again, nothing. But on the third attempt, he flies through the air and loud shouts and howls of delight are heard emanating from this tiny creature on the end of a rope. 

Bruce's big jump video 

He is slowly winched back up to the top of the arch staircase and begins his descent. When we meet up with Bruce on solid ground, his eyes look wild, his grin is wide and he is relaying his experience at super speed. 

I'm not entirely sure as to the moral of this story. Perhaps, 'If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.'

Cheers,

EAS Adrenaline Junkies.

Keeping the Team Hydrated


Expand a Sign headquarters is a hub of design, creativity, and good old fashioned hard work. Our employees and their wellbeing are important to us. Keeping our staff happy and healthy is a top priority (discount that last paintball trip - pain and suffering was the mission of that day).


Which is why we have invested in a device that not only purifies the drinking water in our factory and office building, but also enlivens and alters the structure of damaged water by enriching it with thousands of positive frequencies and healthy energy to bring it back to its natural state. I was skeptical at first. Why install an appliance purely on the promise that it will regain and maintain my level of health? Subscribing to the school of thought that being healthy meant adding ice cubes to my gin 'n tonic, I was never one to clamber for the latest health fad or jump at this month's '10 steps to smoother skin'.  And a daily intake of 2 litres of water meant the inconvenience of more trips to the bathroom, so I didn't stick to that New Years Resolution for very long.

The point of this unique Gie Water Activator device is that the key to healthy, enlivened water lies in its natural whirling, swirling and vortexing motion. Not only can water cleanse itself both chemically and physically through this motion but the Gie Water Activator is a device that can mimic the simple yet powerful process of nature’s dynamic ways: turning lifeless, inactive water back into its living state.


Great - so I can now shlurp my Gin 'n Tonic (on the rocks) through a straw to activate some twirling, swirling action, allowing the water to pirouette down my throat and dance it's way into each nucleus of each cell.

No. Not quite.

But we genuinely believe in this process. In the one month since we have installed our Water Activator, we have already noticed some benefits. From subsiding of skin disorders to a general sense of wellbeing, it seems that energised water really does result in energised bodies.


To learn more about the Gie Water Activator from Spyralyx, go to http://www.spyralyx.com/


Cheers,
EAS Team.

Some people are natural cyclists, whilst others (ie, myself) are more prone to flying over handlebars, acquiring nasty roasties and denting their helmets. But even if you happen to be a disaster on 2 wheels, it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy yourself in the company of other Lance-Armstrong-Wannabes at events like the Duesouth Xterra.

The action-packed Duesouth Exterra duathlon was held during the Annual Knsyna Oyster Festival at the magnificent Pezula Private Estate in Knysna, South Africa. On Thursday the 8th of July, hundreds of focused competitors gathered to participate in 25km of off-road mountain biking and a 10km trail run. 

 

Expand a Sign Ex-Dome gazebos and Feather Banners were set up at the finishing leg of the cycling discipline, welcoming the athletes back and sending them off for the final trail run. KTM Bike Industries are loyal and satisfied customers of ours, who enjoy sending photos and feedback from events.

Knysna is a quiet seaside town that comes alive for a week every July. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival is a vibrant occasion with sporting events, an art and culture emphasis and many food and wine tastings.

You know what they say about oysters and their affect on endurance? I reckon these athletes are at an unfair advantage!

Cheers,

The EAS Team.

At Expand a Sign, we're all about using the environment to your benefit.

From branding the walls of buildings, staircases and fences to street poles and pavements; we know how to make the most of both the man-made and natural landscape.

Generally, every main road has a street lamp. Whether in a bustling town, a University campus or along the beachfront, lamp posts and street poles are ideal for outdoor signage.

Boulevard Banners are great for branding main roads, shopping districts, business parks and exhibition centres. Located above eye level, they stand out from afar. We just supplied these Boulevard Banners for the 2010 BC Summer Games in Vancouver, Canada. These brightly designed branding products could be seen throughout the township of Langley.

Flying and Feather Banners are also really effective advertising banners when used on lamp posts. This shopping mall has made maximum use of its light posts and fence for branding and have been loyal customers for 4 years, purchasing over 300 Banner skins (fabrics only). How is that for added value and great recycling - keep your hardware and change your marketing message or promotion whenever you like!

The Ex-Disc is the best way to give your brand 360° impact and combines the practicality of the Boulevard Banner with the movement of the Flying Banner. This clever design allows the disc to feather out of the wind and the double-sided print shows off your brand from any direction. The innovative clasps are adaptable, attaching to any size pole - from 50 to 300mm.

We're not all destined for a future in pole dancing, but pole branding is certainly unique and distinctive, without taking up floor space. We have a a wide range of outdoor branding products and mounting options so give us a call to put your brand firmly on the map!

Cheers,

The EAS Team.