Making Visual Communications Solutions as Smooth as Ice

The Opportunity

Hockey Canada® is the national governing body of ice hockey in Canada. They contacted FASTSIGNS® because they needed assistance producing and installing various types of arena signage for their National Female Midget Championship (NFMC) in April 2013. Since the tournament has a high number of attendees, Hockey Canada needed to control traffic flow and warn attendees of restricted areas, as well increase awareness about the upcoming tournament.

The Challenge

Hockey Canada needed temporary solutions that would withstand the cold environment of the arena, aswell as adhere to various types of surfaces like concrete and flooring. Space was limited for equipment, but installation required a lift. Due to an event prior to the NFMC tournament, FASTSIGNS had to complete installation for both interior and exterior graphics in a day and half time frame.

The Solution

Hockey Canada allowed the FASTSIGNS team to visit the space, where the team could take measurements, test materials in the colder environment and make appropriate material suggestions based on their findings. By assigning one of their team members as the project manager, FASTSIGNS was able to stay organized and ahead of the timeline. The project manager was the main point of contact for Hockey Canada in each stage of the process: quoting, proofing and managing all the installations. Due to the narrow installation time frame, FASTSIGNS planned it out so that they would produce and install all signage that didn't require any large equipment. Then, when the big install day arrived they could focus primarily on the large-scale sign installations.

With careful placement of perforated Window Vision® vinyl, Hockey Canada was able to control the arena views while alleviating traffic flow issues with attendees. FASTSIGNS was able to remedy the arena climate and surfaces issue by using high tack vinyl. As result of the temporary nature of the signage, the FASTSIGNS team kept costs reasonable by foregoing the lamination of high tack items. And since the install team was comprised of skilled and trusted veteran installers, they were ensured the install without lamination would be successful.

The Result

The FASTSIGNS team presented a complete comprehensive solution that alleviated all of the initial challenges, such as withstanding a cold environment, graphics that adhere to non-traditional surfaces and providing the Hockey Canada team with control over traffic flow. They were able to accomplish the overall task by implementing traditional banners, mounted and hanging coroplast signs, light box graphics, fabric pole banners, stair and floor graphics, wall graphics and transparent window graphics. FASTSIGNS also provided Hockey Canada was an extensive installation guide that emulates the language of the invoices.

Key Takeaways

By setting up site visits earlier in the project timeline with both production and installation teams can eliminate surprises and avoid last minute scrambling.

*FASTSIGNS® of Vancouver is owned by Franchise Partners Paul LeBlanc 
www.fastsigns.com

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