WINTER 2017

28 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

28 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL FASTENER & MILL SUPPLY EXPO 34 North High Street, New Albany, OH 43054 TEL 614-895-1279 FAX 614-895-3466 EMAIL info@fastenershows.com WEB www.fastenershows.com VEGAS FASTENER TRADE SHOW REPORTS UNPRECEDENTED 18% ATTENDEE GROWTH by Susan Hurley The National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo held October 25-27, 2016 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas was a great success by every measure, reports Show Management. The 36th annual event featured the latest products and services offered by 758 exhibiting companies covering just over 100,000 net sq. ft. making it by far the largest and most comprehensive Fastener event ever in the U.S. Exhibiting companies came from throughout the United States with 113 new exhibitors, as well as from 17 other countries including Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. “Our manufacturers were thrilled and shared in our enthusiasm over the 18% growth in key buyer attendance”, said Karalynn Sprouse, EVP for Emerald Expositions Manufacturing Group. “We received so many positive testimonials from exhibitors and attendees alike over the new product offerings as well as the new networking and business matchmaking opportunities.” The show also enjoyed a 26% gain in total overall attendance, which includes buyers, marketing and media as well as exhibitor personnel. This is significant XL SCREW CORPORATION BOOTH AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW because there is a multitude of cross-selling that takes place among the manufacturers who also do business with each other,” adds Ms. Sprouse. The show activities got underway with the ever popular and fun-filled Welcome Reception held poolside at the Treasure Island Hotel on Wednesday evening. Unlimited complimentary beverages and appetizers were served while the crowd enjoyed the party’s nautical theme enhanced by snappy Captain’s hats and lively background music. The addition of the free hand-rolled cigar and whiskey-tasting stations were a crowd favorite and everyone enjoyed the extended time frame for the event that allowed for more networking and spending time with their key industry friends Other new show features included educational sessions and award ceremonies held right on the trade show floor, Sessions were well attended, and the Hall of Fame ceremony drew a larger than ever gathering. A striking “Wall of Fame Brick Display” honoring all past winners of the award was erected at the Sessions Corner and proved to be an overwhelmingly popular new show enhancement. In addition to the time-honored Hall of Fame ceremony, the show also honored the younger generation of fastener professionals with the inaugural version of the annual Young Fastener Professional Awards. SHOW EVENT ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 106