Fastener News Desk spoke with Courtney Harold | Marketing Consultant with Emerald Expositions, with only 21 days before the largest Fastener Expo in North America, we wanted to find out more about the recent name change and what attendees can expect at this years exposition. This year’s Fastener Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on October 17 – 19th. Industry Leaders and Procurement professionals from throughout the supply chain with converge for three days of educational sessions, industry association events, and exhibits.
Was it an easy decision for Emerald Expositions to change the (very long) name of the National Industrial Fastener and Mill Supply Expo (NIFMSE)?
The reasoning was two-fold: first – to be perfectly honest…..NIFMSE was a mouthful. Any name of a show, company – should be as easy as possible to say, hence why we changed the name to International Fastener Expo. Second, for 37 years we have been a resource to the US Fastener Industry and by adding International and Expo into the name indicates we want to become THE resource to the fastener industry beyond exhibition and networking. We are already working on a 2018 seminar agenda that focuses on an even more robust education offering, from technology and 3D printing, the pressure to keep up with having a digital presence, globalization and consolidation, and solutions to the ever-growing gap between highly skilled workers and the vital manufacturing positions that remain unfilled on a daily basis.
Emerald Exposition’s experience and knowledge with Expos really brings so many possibilities. Fastener News Desk attended Emerald Expositions’ Internet Retailer Conference Expo (IRCE) this year in Chicago. The content and breakout sessions were so informative in today’s digital business world. Do you see a crossover of educational resources from some of the other industries you serve in your portfolio?
We absolutely plan to cross-pollinate ideas with Emeralds assets and then combine those assets in a way that result in benefits to the Fastener Industry. As I mentioned above, having a digital presence is a top issue we will focus on in 2018 and beyond. No other Fastener show in the US has assets like IRCE and so many others to leverage speakers, content and solutions that will ultimately benefit the Global Fastener industry.
Have you done anything different to increase attendance this year?
Buyers at the 2017 show are bringing mega purchasing power and they aren’t just seeking information. 86% of attendees are buying decision-makers. This year the Fastener Expo implemented a “VIP Attendee Outreach Team” that has resulted in multiple buyers from each company, and those in attendance are from the top 50 most influential distributors. Here’s a sampling of just some of the confirmed CEO’s and buyers that will be in attendance:
Ferguson Enterprises Inc./Wolseley N.A.
That makes millions of dollars in buying power under one roof coming to see your products!
Can you give us any insiders info about Circle Bar?
Share your pics from the Circle Bar Gathering! hashtag: #meetatcirclebar
While being a global resource and solution to the Fastener industry is our top priority. We know that networking (and lets face it…. by networking I mean this industry enjoys a cocktail or two) is also very important. Given our show is the most established show in the US (est 1981 folks…….) we are able to pull from past programs that were a success, The Circle Bar being one of them. The Westgate Hotel; our official Expo Hotel has a bar in the lobby and its an actual circle! You will see circle bar signs, napkins and cups just for IFE badge holders all during the show. Our intent is that everyone will gather, share, network and talk about the nuts and bolts of the industry. Location is the Lobby Bar at the Westgate Hotel – from Oct 17-19th. For those who are looking for good food and networking, there are plenty of other restaurants within the hotel. There really is something for everyone. (including a nice spa for a manicure or a good hair blow dry.)
Also, please join us at the Official Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening 6:00-8:00pm. Location: The Westgate Resort Las Vegas (Open bar is only until 7:30 pm. Cash bar until 8:00 pm) Back by popular demand is our Whiskey, Wine and Cigars event, brought to you poolside by B&D.
This year’s Demo Zone is a new edition, where on the floor can folks find the Demo Zone?
For the first time this year industry leaders and top exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate their product lines through live demonstration events at the show’s Demo Zone. These demonstrations show new technologies, capabilities and advancements in the industry including captive, proprietary, and standard commodity fasteners, as well as unique fastening methods and application solutions – Parker will be one of many showing their new 3-D technology which will be located in the Machinery area.
Will Sessions Corner be located at the center of the floor this year?
Yes – just like last year the sessions will be held on the show floor near the machinery area. You won’t want to miss it!
Will you be bringing back the ‘Hall of Fame’ wall? When will the Award ceremony take place?
Of course we are thrilled to honor this years HOF and YFP winners on Wednesday, October 18th at the Hall of Fame wall on the show floor. Starting at 3:30.
Any updates on 2018 expo?
Emerald Expositions wants attendees to know that they are pulling out all the stops to make the International Fastener Expo (IFE) not only the biggest and the best, but that it will remain that familiar place where people return year after year. That’s why in 2018 the show is getting you BACK ON THE STRIP with an even bigger venue that brings attendees and exhibitors that much closer to all the action that Las Vegas has to offer. 2018 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Oct 30 –Nov 1, 2018.
