Outdoor signage displays are both big in size and big business. Future Market Insights valued the signage market in the U.S. at $36.7 billion in 2024. Of this total, roughly 61% or $22.4 billion was attributed to outdoor signage specifically.
Custom outdoor signage covers a wide range of applications, from retail outdoor signage and other forms of outdoor signage for businesses. However, there is also an entire subcategory focused on temporary event signage such as splashy, eye-catching event graphics to hardworking directional signage for events.
This blog will explore the topic of temporary outdoor signage displays — with an emphasis on outdoor event signage — as well as the common types of outdoor signs available. It will close by taking a closer look at the materials outdoor signs are made from and what is considered the best material for an outside sign.
Custom outdoor signage is more than just a marketing tool — it’s a vital part of how businesses communicate with the public and create memorable brand experiences. Below are three industries that use temporary outdoor signs on a regular basis to attract attention, guide visitors and reinforce their brand presence. We also describe what types of outdoor signs are available and how they are deployed in each industry for short-term, situational use.
Retail
The retail industry is the undisputed leader in the use of temporary outdoor signage. Whether it’s a national chain or local boutique, retailers depend on signs to attract foot traffic, promote sales and reinforce brand identity. Common outdoor retail signage formats include:
Construction
Construction companies use temporary outdoor signage for both branding and safety compliance. Outdoor signs are required on job sites to inform the public and protect workers. Common types include:
Hospitality and Food Services
Restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues use short-term outdoor signage displays in much the same way that retailers do. In this sector, such temporary outdoor signs serve a variety of functions. Examples include:
When used for special events, outdoor signage displays need to do more than just drive traffic — they are also critical to crowd safety and attendee experience. Here are common scenarios where event signage makes a big difference.
Races & Marathons
Outdoor event signage is commonly used for route markers, mile signs, sponsor banners, hydration station signage and start/finish arch branding.
Farmers Markets
Event graphics can serve as stall signs, pricing boards, directional signage, promotional flags and reusable vendor signs.
Tailgates & Sporting Events
Outdoor signage ideas range from team banners and branded tents to parking signage, sponsor signage and fan photo ops.
Street Fairs & Community Festivals
Custom event signage is often used for entry signage, booth identifiers, stage backdrops, directional signage for crowd flow, and sponsor shout-outs.
Outdoor Concerts & Live Events
In addition to many directional signage needs to ensure crowd safety, concerts and other live events often utilize large-format banners, backstage access signage, merchandise tents and food-and-drink signage.
Charity Walks & Fundraisers
Registration tents, directional signage, thank-you banners, sponsor flags and mile markers are among the custom outdoor signage applications for charity events.
Pop-Up Shops & Seasonal Markets
Pop-up retail events are big users of custom event signage including holiday-themed banners, booth headers, price signs and portable A-frames.
All of the above event signage applications demand materials that are specially engineered to stand up to the elements. When talking about “weatherproof” signage for outdoor events, we are referring to materials and finishes that can resist damage from the following.
Water
Whether the forecast calls for rain, snow or humidity, moisture-resistant materials are necessary prevent warping and deterioration of event graphics outdoors.
Sun/UV Exposure
Prolonged sun exposure can quickly fade ink and weaken certain plastics. UV-resistant coatings and inks are a must for outdoor event signage.
Wind
Signage materials that work beautifully indoors may tear or topple over in windy conditions if used outdoors. Strength requirements and support structures are different for outdoor signage displays and the materials used may be designed to allow wind to pass through.
Temperature Swings
From chilly early morning setups to blazing hot afternoons, outdoor signage materials must be able to handle expansion and contraction without cracking or curling.
Behind every eye-catching outdoor signage idea is a material that determines how well it performs in the real world. When purchasing outdoor event signage, the material chosen can make or break the sign’s effectiveness. Below are the materials outdoor signs are made from most often and their relative performance attributes.
Vinyl (both scrim and mesh)
A flexible, fade-resistant material used for temporary or promotional signage; scrim vinyl provides a solid, durable surface; mesh vinyl has small holes that allow air to pass through; both are easy to print, roll up and transport.
Corrugated plastic (e.g., Coroplast®)
A lightweight, inexpensive, water-resistant plastic with a fluted core; offers good print quality.
Fabric with UV coating
A portable, washable print substrate that enables vibrant, fade-resistant printed graphics when paired with a UV coating.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride, e.g., Sintra®)
A lightweight and durable plastic ideal for medium-term signage applications; resists moisture and is easy to print on.
Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP, e.g., DIBOND®)
Two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a plastic core; strong, lightweight and long-lasting, ACP is a go-to material for high-end outdoor kiosk and wayfinding applications.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
A tough, rigid plastic resistant to impact, moisture and chemicals; commonly used in outdoor signage displays devoted to safety warning signage.
From music festivals and food truck rallies to art fairs and outdoor expos, the events and entertainment industry thrives on the energy and excitement created by custom event signage. Outdoor event signage plays a crucial role in guiding attendees, promoting sponsors and creating immersive brand experiences.
It’s important to remember that every event graphic or towering stage backdrop has been made from an outdoor signage material chosen for its performance, cost and durability. Here are the most common signage materials used for outdoor events and entertainment and how they stack up in terms of function and aesthetics.
Vinyl banners
Whether in scrim (solid) or mesh (woven) form, vinyl is the workhorse of event signage. It’s used for everything from stage backdrops to sponsor banners and directional signs. Vinyl banners are often hemmed and grommeted for easy hanging and can be reused if stored properly.
Corrugated plastic (e.g., Coroplast)
Lightweight but rigid, corrugated plastic is another go-to material when manufacturing signs for events. Coroplast signs are typically mounted on stakes and are ideal for quick setup and teardown.
Fabric with UV coating
Though less durable in harsh weather and requiring tension frames for best presentation, fabric signage can be used for outdoor signage displays if given the appropriate UV coating. Fabric signs are typically dye-sublimated print for vibrant, long-lasting color and can be adapted to outdoor events where a premium look is desired.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride, e.g., Sintra®)
The relative durability of PVC makes it a good choice for outdoor event signage that must withstand the elements for a longer period of time. Month-long outdoor events are generally no problem for PVC and it offers the potential to be re-used for years into the future, such as for an annual music festival.
As one of the leading providers of custom signage solutions in North America, Taylor is a leading provider of custom outdoor signage solutions for retailers, hospitals, construction firms and other businesses. We are also well known for our work in the entertainment and events industry. Taylor’s expertise with event signage encompasses directional signage for events and an endless variety of display signs for events.
All of the materials described above are used by Taylor to create retail outdoor signage, outdoor event signage, directional signage and the like. We are particularly proud of our leadership in the adoption of more environmentally conscious outdoor signage materials and methods:
In need of custom event signage? Want to ensure your event uses the best material for an outdoor sign? Simply looking for some fresh outdoor signage ideas to help build your event’s brand exposure? Click here to see our Outdoor Signage Reference Guide. Or, contact your Taylor representative to learn more about our expertise with outdoor event signage.