SUMMER 2026

46 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

46 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION PO Box 44, 500 Elm Grove Road, Suite 210, Elm Grove, WI 53122 TEL 1-800-352-2981 EMAIL cusher@stafda.org WEB www.stafda.org REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR STAFDA’S 50th ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW! by Cathy Usher STAFDA’s 50th Annual Convention & Trade Show is going to be a blow-out bash! Excitement is building as exhibitors and attendees continue to register, new members join, the Agenda is packed with new and motivating events and educational opportunities, and STAFDA friends are eager to gather together once again. Visit stafda.org and register now for STAFDA’s 50th Annual Convention & Trade Show, November 15-17, in Anaheim, California. STAFDA Spark Sessions As part of STAFDA’s ongoing endeavor to add value and excitement to the upcoming Trade Show, STAFDA Spark Sessions are being introduced to the 50th Annual Convention & Trade Show. What Are STAFDA Spark Sessions? Spark Sessions are invitation-only, curated, pitchfree education programs running concurrently with the STAFDA Trade Show inside the exhibit hall itself. Sessions are short — no more than 30 minutes — and designed to deliver one powerful, actionable idea to those who attend. STAFDA wants to enhance partnerships between our exhibitor and distributor members as well as create a lively, engaging Trade Show atmosphere. Programs will be designed with the distributor audience in mind and how the presenting company can help them tackle current challenges through joint programs. SHOW EVENT ARTICLE Sessions run 2:00-5:00 p.m. Monday, November 16, and 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, on two stages, with two themed tracks running concurrently: ¤ Spark: Solve — Sessions anchored to a specific distributor challenge (labor, margin pressure, jobsite productivity, safety, inventory) ¤ Spark: Sell — Sessions focused on sales approach, solution bundling, value conversations, and attach-rate improvement The STAFDA Spark Sessions Promise: Short sessions. Real ideas. No pitch. Manufacturers, technology vendors, and endorsed consultants who have genuine expertise to share — not just products to sell will be invited to present. Spark presenters will: ¤ Work closely with independent distributors and understand their day-to-day challenges ¤ Can speak to what actually moves the needle based on data, patterns, or direct experience ¤ Are willing to present ideas that work Visit stafda.org for frequent updates, a complete agenda, and registration details. Join today to ensure early access to booth selections, host hotel reservations, and discounted registration rates. Your company must be a member to exhibit and attend. For more information, please contact Catherine Usher, Member Services Director, cusher@stafda.org or call 262-784-4774. Register online now at: https:// stafda2026.expotracker.net. SPECIALTY TOOLS & FASTENERS DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 47