Exploring the Highlights and Innovations of the 2026 FASTSIGNS® International Convention

2026 FASTSIGNS® International Convention: A Look Back at Success and Innovation

The 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it marked a significant milestone for the company and its franchise network. The event, themed "Focus Forward," attracted over 700 attendees and 150 vendors, celebrating remarkable growth not just in numbers but in the spirit of collaboration and innovation within the fast-expanding visual solutions industry.

From the outset, the convention highlighted FASTSIGNS®’ impressive achievements in the past year. With sales exceeding $900 million, the company has expanded its footprint to 790 locations across eight countries. Jim Howe, President of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., expressed gratitude toward franchisees, acknowledging their contributions to this impressive success. As he noted, the convention serves not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a launching pad for new strategic initiatives aimed at sustaining this growth trajectory.

Keynote speakers, such as Scott Klososky, the founder of Future Point of View, presented cutting-edge ideas on using innovation and AI to prepare for a future driven by technology. Additionally, the legendary boxer and gold medalist Sugar Ray Leonard shared insights from his extraordinary career, inspiring attendees to pursue excellence in their personal and professional lives.

One of the standout moments of the convention was the recognition of franchisees who achieved extraordinary annual sales for the first time. A total of 60 FASTSIGNS/SIGNWAVE centers crossed the $1 million mark, showcasing the brand’s potential for profitability. This included impressive achievements such as one center reaching over $43 million in sales, a true testament to the brand's reach and impact.

Moreover, the prestigious FASTSIGNS Award was given to Gaby and Bob Mullinax, franchisees from California, to honor their embodiment of the company’s values. Their focus on empowering both their customers and employees while fostering a culture of collaboration has set a benchmark for others in the network.

Awards also played a significant role in the event, with WhatTheyTh!nk recognizing Peter Knight-Sheen and FASTSIGNS of Bend as the Project of the Year for their successful collaboration with Hayden Homes. Similarly, individuals from various centers were celebrated for their contributions to community projects, further cementing the role of FASTSIGNS in their local ecosystems.

In addition to the awards and recognition, the convention included a special community service initiative. FASTSIGNS organized a two-day event where participants created kits to support the Charlotte nonprofit, Classroom Central. With the support of various partners, they assembled 375 homework kits and 450 wellness kits, embodying the brand’s commitment to social responsibility.

The 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention was not just an exhibition of accomplishments; it served as a potent reminder of the collective capability of the FASTSIGNS network. As they look to the future, the company is poised to continue fostering growth through innovative solutions and community engagement. With strategic initiatives in place and a culture that celebrates collaboration and excellence, the journey ahead appears promising for FASTSIGNS and its community of franchisees.

For anyone interested in the sign and visual solutions space, the 2026 convention showcased not only the successes of the past year but also laid out a visionary path forward. With such an engaged and passionate network, FASTSIGNS stands ready to redefine what’s possible in the world of visual communication.