Event Detail



2026 MSA Annual Meeting

September 16–17, 2026 | Cleveland, Ohio

The best resource in our industry is each other. Join Midwest Sign Association members from across the region for two days dedicated to sharing knowledge, building relationships, and strengthening our businesses together. This year's Annual Meeting features interactive, member-driven education, open discussions on the issues impacting our industry, valuable networking, a Cleveland Guardians baseball game, and the MSA Awards Dinner. Come ready to learn, share your experiences, and leave with fresh ideas and new connections.

Wednesday, September 16:

9:00 AM – MSA Board of Trustees Meeting
MSA members are welcome to attend the Board of Trustees meeting and hear updates on association business, membership, programs and upcoming initiatives.

11:30 AM – Load Bus for Progressive Field
Meet in the hotel lobby to board the bus for Progressive Field.

1:10 PM – Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game
Enjoy an afternoon at the ballpark with fellow MSA members as the Cleveland Guardians take the field. This casual outing offers a great opportunity to connect with industry colleagues outside the meeting room.

4:00 PM – Load Bus for Hotel
Following the game, attendees will board the bus for the return trip to the hotel.

6:00 PM – Happy Hour and Networking Reception
Reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new members and enjoy drinks and conversation before dinner.

7:00 PM – MSA Awards Dinner Honoring Lenny Diaspro
Celebrate the people and accomplishments that strengthen the sign industry as MSA recognizes Lenny Diaspro for his service, leadership and contributions to the association and the industry.

Thursday, September 17:

8:00 AM – Breakfast Buffet
Begin the day with breakfast and conversation with fellow attendees.

9:00 AM – General Membership Meeting
Hear important updates on MSA programs, finances, membership, committees and future plans. Members will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to become more involved with the association.

10:00 AM – Planning the Next Chapter: A Succession Planning Panel
Succession planning is rarely simple, especially for family-owned and multigenerational businesses. Dan Crannie and Charlie Holthaus will share their experiences from both sides of the transition process, including preparing to step away, evaluating options, transferring leadership and helping the next generation move forward. The facilitated panel discussion will include time for audience questions.

12:00 PM – Networking Lunch
Continue the conversation over lunch and connect with sign professionals from throughout the Midwest.

1:00 PM – Introduction of MSA Leadership Circles
MSA Leadership Circles are small, peer-led discussion groups designed to help members build stronger professional relationships and learn from one another. Participants will discuss common business challenges, exchange ideas and identify practical solutions they can take back to their companies.

2:30 PM – Refreshment Break

2:45 PM – Michigan Sign Specialist: Beyond the Exam

Join presenters Neil Jeakle, National Illuminations a division of Brady Signs and Shawn Wagner, Metro Signs & Lighting, Inc. for an informative session designed for sign professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you're considering becoming a licensed Michigan Sign Specialist, already hold a license, want to expand your electrical knowledge, or are looking to better understand Michigan sign code requirements, you'll gain practical insights you can apply immediately.

The session will also include a brief update on the 2027 National Electrical Code (NEC), highlighting the reorganization of the sign section and what those changes mean for the sign industry. 

4:15 PM – Annual Meeting Concludes

Registration Fees:

Register early and save! Early Bird pricing ends September 8, 2026. Late Registration rates begin September 9, 2026.

Early Bird

(Through Sept. 8)

Late Registration

(Beginning Sept. 9)
Full Meeting Registration (Does not include Cleveland Guardians Game)

$250

 $300
Optional: Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game $75 $90
Addiitional Guest Happy Hour & Awards Dinner Only $75 $90

Full Meeting Registration Includes:

  • Wednesday Happy Hour
  • Awards Dinner Honoring Lenny Diaspro
  • Thursday Breakfast Buffet
  • General Membership Meeting
  • Educational Sessions
  • Networking Lunch
  • Refreshment Break

Please Note: The Cleveland Guardians baseball game is an optional add-on and must be selected during registration. Transportation to and from Progressive Field is included with the baseball game registration.

Hotel Reservations:

Holiday Inn Cleveland-S Independence
6001 Rockside Road
Independence, Ohio 44131

Room Rate $134/night. Reservation deadline is August 25, 2026.

Click Here to reserve your room online or call the hotel at 216-524-8050 and ask for the Midwest Sign Block to get the discounted rate.

 

 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Put your company in the spotlight at the MSA Annual Meeting! Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels, giving your organization valuable visibility before, during, and after the event. Your support not only showcases your commitment to the sign industry but also helps MSA deliver a high-quality meeting while keeping registration affordable for attendees. Partner with us to make this year's Annual Meeting a success!

Speaking Sponsorships are available at the Sapphire and Diamond levels and are noted with ** in the listing.

Deadline: Sponsorships must be received by Sept. 1 to be included in printed materials and onsite signage.