IFE 2021
IFE 2021
Why Attend IFE?
“Each year, thousands of attendees from 30+ countries visit the International Fastener Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA to network and find new products and suppliers.
77% of attendees agree that the International Fastener Expo is a “must-attend” event. Why? Because the International Fastener Expo is the most comprehensive B2B trade show that draws together the entire Fastener industry from around the world. It is the largest industrial, fastener, specialty fastener, machinery, and tooling show in North America where attendees and suppliers connect to network, build new relationships, nurture current relationships, and ultimately do business.” – International Fastener Expo
I’ve been to multiple trade shows while working in my previous position, but they were just local trade shows put on by our local chamber of commerce. While impressive, they don’t hold a candle to the IFE.
I was able to network within the fastener industry alone vs. generalized businesses at the local shows. We were out in front of potential customers and suppliers within our industry.
I was able to talk to rolling mills, plating and coating companies, manufacturers of dies, and packing equipment to distributors and manufacturing competitors alike. The knowledge and insight I was able to gain was invaluable. I was able to meet with WIFI and my fellow women in the fastener industry, which was inspiring! There aren’t that many of us in the industry, and it was nice to be able to chat with them face to face.
My goal was to meet with as many customers as possible who came to the show, and to market our products to potential new customers, make the customers and prospects aware of our new B2B e-commerce website and I also wanted to introduce myself to the exhibitors as I’m so new to the industry.
I had such a great time chatting with the attendees and exhibitors alike. There was so much excitement about our new website that I just can’t wait to roll it out to all our customers. I was also able to make my debut in the fastener industry!
I enjoyed the networking. To be able to come home with potential new customer contacts will enable me to grow our business for years to come. I also obtained new potential supplier contacts that will allow me to provide better service to my existing customers as they carried products that we don’t.
I would tell a customer or company thinking about getting into trade shows to sign up today! How can you go wrong getting your business and team out in front of your customers and prospects? The benefits are all listed above! The value of a good networking trade show will always outweigh any naysayer there is.
The lack of attendees was a struggle. Most of my existing customer base decided to not go due to the pandemic, so the loss of potential new business because of it is disappointing. However, I still came away with a lot of new contacts and I’ve already prepared a few quotes! It was successful despite the low turnout. It’s a win in my book! – Danielle Maze, Regional Account Manager