What Information to Include on Event Signage (And What to Skip)

Event signage has a different job to business signage. It needs to orient people, direct traffic, and communicate time-sensitive information quickly. Here's what earns its place on the sign and what doesn't.

Must Include

Event name and date. People need to confirm they're at the right place on the right day. This sounds obvious until you see a banner that says "Annual Fundraiser" with no date, year, or identifying information.

Directional arrows. Parking, entrance, toilets, first aid, food, main stage. People at events are navigating unfamiliar spaces with hundreds of other people. Clear directional signage prevents bottlenecks and confusion.

Key times. If the event has a schedule - performances, sessions, closing times - put the headline times on signage where people will see them without checking their phone.

Include If Space Allows

Sponsors. If you have them, they expect visibility. A dedicated sponsor banner at the entrance is better than cramming logos onto every sign.

Contact or social media. One handle or website for people who want to follow up after the event. Keep it to one - not a list of every platform you're on.

Leave Off

Long descriptions. Nobody reads a paragraph on a sign at an event. If it takes more than 5 seconds to absorb, it's too much.

Fine print. Terms, conditions, disclaimers. Put these on your website and include a URL or QR code on the sign if legally required.

Too many sponsors on one sign. A wall of logos at small sizes doesn't give any sponsor meaningful visibility. Separate sponsor signage from wayfinding.

Design for Distance

Event signs are seen from further away and in more chaotic environments than business signage. Go bigger with text, bolder with colours, and simpler with messaging. A sign that works perfectly in a quiet office will be invisible in a crowded event space.

Planning an event? Send us the details and we'll help you figure out what signage you actually need.