Fastener Fair USA is back in full swing with its next event set for May 17th to 19th at Huntington Place (formerly, the Cobo Center/TCF Center) in Detroit, Michigan.
About six months after its last U.S. event, Fastener Fair USA is ready to return — this time, to Detroit Michigan, at Huntington Place from May 17th to 19th. In November, Fastener Fair successfully celebrated its first show in two years and is set to welcome the fastener industry once again, and for good reason.
“Our show has always been held in the spring, somewhere in the Midwest or Eastern part of the country,” shares Bob Chiricosta, event director with RX Global, an international B2B trade exhibition organizer. “After repeated post-postponements because of the pandemic, our goal is to return to normalcy, our original schedule, and to reunite the fastener community again.”
Given the restrictions and event limitations over the last couple of years, the fastener industry is likely more than ready for more in-person opportunities to reconnect and share what’s new.
Fastener Fair USA has been one of North America’s fastest-growing trade shows and conference events for the fastener industry. It is currently the only local exhibition dedicated to the full supply chain, which includes mechanical and design engineers, purchasers, wholesalers, distributors, and OEMs.
“We also know from experience that when we go to Detroit, we attract a somewhat different group of attendees,” says Chiricosta. “For example, we typically see far more design and automotive engineers at the event than elsewhere. And it’s typically not only people buying fasteners for today. It’s also the engineers who are contemplating and designing the fasteners for vehicles that we’ll see on the market five years from now.”
This makes sense considering Michigan is one of the largest manufacturing hubs and home to 96 of the top 100 automotive suppliers to North America.
“This is one advantage to switching cities for each event. You’ll see different people and we think this is important to ensure each part of the fastener supply-chain has the chance to visit,” he says.
This year’s conferences will take place on Tuesday, May 17th, with the exhibition hall open on Wednesday, May 18th and Thursday, May 19th.
Fastener Fair USA covers all areas of the fastener industry, providing insight into key industry trends and information about the latest developments.
Chiricosta says to expect a curated show floor with leading technical and strategic education sessions, a variety of exhibitors (covering automotive, aerospace, construction, furniture, appliances, HVAC, and others), as well as plenty of networking opportunities.
One such opportunity is through the unique Speed Networking Program, which proved a success at the Fastener Fair Mexico event in 2019. How it works: exhibitors and attendees are personally matched prior to the show, with appointments set to meet in person and connect in the Speed Networking lounge on the show floor during the Detroit event.
“This is an exciting opportunity,” he says. “Participants will receive pre-set meetings using our advanced appointment-setting technology and have the chance to connect with 10 to 15 exhibitors over the course of the session.” (Interested in participating? Reach out to MJ McGrath, RX Global marketing director at mj.mcgrath@rxglobal.com.)
Attendees will also not want to miss the Opening Night Networking Party on May 18th, starting at 5:15 p.m.
“It’s at GM Center, General Motor’s world headquarters,” says Chiricosta. “It should be a fun night of fully catered food and drink, surrounded by some of GM’s latest vehicles. It’s the perfect time to network with the industry…and just enjoy the evening. We’re really looking forward to it.”
Overall, Fastener Fair visitors and participants can expect to find the latest insights and products with several chances to connect with others in the industry. Thanks to the gradual easing of pandemic-related restrictions, Chiricosta expects it to be one of the best Fairs to date.
“From our perspective, the industry is busier now than ever. After months of delays ad supply-chain issues, it’s starting to move in full force again with ongoing demands and new innovations,” he says. “We’re excited to see everyone in Detroit.”
Show visitors can expect a comprehensive display of product innovations and demonstrations, technical sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts. They can also start planning for next year’s event, which is set for Music City, Nashville in May 2023!
And you can already mark your calendar for next year: Fastener Fair 2023 is hitting Nashville, currently set for May 16th and 17th.
“We continually send out surveys and poll people in the industry to learn their presences and expectations,” he says. “Nashville has repeatedly come up as one of the top two locations where participants would like to see the show…so, we’re listening!”
Fastening 101: Pre-conference training
Don’t miss the Fastener Training Institute’s Fastening 101: Understanding threaded fasteners and the industry that produces them, a one-day class that’s a must for anyone in the fastener industry.
“Training is not just for the inexperienced, it strengthens self-esteem, allows individuals to plan ahead in their career paths, and reinforces corporate loyalty,” says Jo Morris, director of marketing with the Fastener Training Institute.
Fastening 101 covers fastener engineering basics, including product and design fundamentals. Attendees will learn about different market segments where threaded fasteners are used and the cost differences between them. The class also delves into fastener engineering, including information on torque, stress, tightening strategies, bolt strength, tension control, and several other elements.
“Take advantage of every opportunity to learn,” adds Morris. “As Albert Einstein said: ‘Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.’”
Interested in attending or learning more? Register online for Fastener Fair and/or Fastening 101 here.
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