IFE 2019 will run September 17-19 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Bayside D-E. Early preview Source Global & Machinery from 8:00–10:00 AM Wed. The show officially opens at 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Wednesday and Thursday.

Edited by Mike Santora

The International Fastener Expo is the largest B2B of industrial fasteners and tooling & machinery in North America. Since its inception in 1981, the event continues to connect the manufacturers and master distributors of fasteners, precision formed parts, fastener machinery & tooling, and other related products and services with distributors and sales agents in the distribution chain. Held annually in Las Vegas, the event consists of an all-day conference program presented by endorsing fastener associations and a show floor with more than 850 exhibiting companies from around the world.

Attendees

Each year, more than 5,000 attendees from more than 30 countries travel to North America’s trade show hub, Las Vegas, Nevada to network and do businesses with suppliers, showcasing every type of fastener for the industrial, construction, aerospace, and automotive industry including electronic fasteners, specialty tooling products, special application fasteners, tooling and machinery, hand tools, power tools, service solutions, and more. From industrial to construction, electronic to automotive and aerospace, this is a trade show where all types of distributors come to network and see customers, build new relationships, and find new products. 

The IFE show has been endorsed by more than 30 publications and long-standing fastener associations. The show’s comprehensive conference program helps grow and strengthen attendees’ businesses and provides opportunities to build new relationships, network with peers, industry leaders, and business partners. Also, attendees can meet with current suppliers, prospective suppliers, and can find new products and learn the latest technologies being used in the fastener industry. 

SourceGlobal at Fastener Expo

Looking to go overseas and sources directly from factories? Cut traveling cost by sourcing first at SourceGlobal at the International Fastener Expo. SourceGlobal is the destination for importers, distributors, and sourcing professionals to connect and source directly with manufacturers from around the world in one location.

As part of the largest fastener, mill supply, tooling and machinery trade show — The International Fastener Expo, SourceGlobal is a sourcing area where U.S. distributors, importers, and sourcing professionals can meet face-to-face with hundreds of international factories without leaving the states. There is no better place to source for new suppliers and products and make the best buying decisions for your business.

Product categories include:
• Fasteners
• Production Machinery, Tool & Die, and Supplies
• Inspection/Testing/Packaging Equipment
• Specialty Fasteners and Tooling
• Plant Maintenance & Safety Supplies
• Fastener Technology and Services

Exhibitors

According to the IFE, 89% of exhibitors say the event is the “must exhibit” event. This event is know as the #1 show in North America where customers and prospects come to see the supplier. At the International Fastener Expo, suppliers will find more than 2,500 qualified eager buyers looking for new sources and solutions to myriad manufacturing and fastening applications all in one place. All within three days of the expo. 

This event is an obvious opportunity for manufacturers of industrial products, fasteners, and fastener related products. But manufacturers/suppliers of mill supply products including, plant maintenance, safety, installation tools, and services will also find high value in exhibiting. Additionally, exhibitors in software, logistics, inspection testing, and packaging machinery are represented each year.

Exhibitors by the numbers
• 82% of IFE attendees have purchasing authority.
• 72% said IFE is the most important fastener event they attend.
• 89% consider IFE a must-attend event.
• 63% of attendees are buyers, sourcing procurement, owners, and executive management.

Conference Schedule 

Controllers, Accounting, Credit & Accounts Receivable Managers Meeting
• Room: South Pacific Ballroom A
• Session Number: FC1
• Tuesday, September 17, 2019:
   8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fastener company financial managers are encouraged to attend. This education session discusses maximizing cash flow, the financial implications of sales agreements, providing effective customer financial services, proper determination of credit limits, and prudent risk management. Discuss effective open account credit evaluation techniques, when to seek third party help in recovering receivables, bad debts, and what alternatives are available when customers file bankruptcy, dissolve or go out of business. These issues continue to challenge companies as they seek to expand market share. 

Round table discussions on these and a variety of other important industry and critical business topics leads to the exchange of information, ideas, industry best practices, risk analysis procedures, timely handling of bankruptcy law procedures, fighting preference demands, and comparing payment habits of those purchasing from fastener industry suppliers. Avoiding unnecessary risk, effectively managing cash, and knowing what your options are in dire situations, is critical to your company’s health, stability, and profitability.  

Fastener Platings & Coatings – including new innovations and processes
• Room: South Pacific Ballroom B
• Session Number: FC2
• Tuesday, September 17, 2019:
   8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Platings and Coatings are one of the most critical post-production processes that fasteners receive. They enhance the performance and appearance of fasteners and are one of the most important value-added services that fastener suppliers provide.

There have been some recent and significant changes to the specifications used use for plating and coating fasteners. These are not minor changes – it is information you need to know to properly process your plated/coated product and to manage the associated risk.

Owners, managers, quality assurance, sales, and purchasing personnel need this training program. This is essential content even if your company does not engage directly in post-processing of your fastener product.

Fastener Coatings and Platings is intended for all levels of experience. If you are new to fasteners you will come away with a wealth of knowledge and a solid understanding of the coatings used in the fastener industry.

This is a hands-on, interactive training program. Attendees will conduct fastener testing, search through standards for answers to important fastener coating questions, process decisions for the selection of fastener finishes, and test their knowledge about fastener platings and coatings.  

To register for the International Fastener Expo visit www.fastenershows.com/attendees/register-to-attend/

International Fastener Expo
www.fastenershows.com