2023 is the year that trade shows are well and truly back. Covid restrictions have virtually all lifted, confidence has returned to international travel and shaking hands with strangers no longer seems quite the gamble it was. So, while trade shows have been running since lockdowns lifted, 2022 was more of a ‘dry run’ while things were getting back to normal.

So expectations for the International Fastener Expo (IFE), the largest North American B2B Expo focused on the fastener industry, are high when it returns 9-11 October, back at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. IFE 2022 was not exactly under par, however – it attracted over 3,500 attendees from 36 countries over its three days, numbers which were “getting pretty close to pre-Covid numbers”, said Show Director Morgan Wilson, at the time.

Onward to 2023 and IFE 2023 is expected to bring in 650-plus exhibitors to the Expo floor, representing a strong global fastener footprint.

Not under par

This year’s show will feature special events like the always popular golf tournament at the Bali Hai Golf Club, the fun-filled Welcome Reception at Mandalay Bay’s Daylight Pool, and the honorary tradition of inducting the Hall of Fame award winners and Young Fastener Professional of the Year. IFE 2023 will once again be partnering with Fastener Training Institute to provide a full-day class “Fastener Fundamentals – The Nuts and Bolts for Fastener Professionals,” led by FTI instructor, Carmen Vertullo.

An energising keynote speaker will take to the stage to kick off the show presenting a highly relevant speech. Additional educational opportunities will take place throughout 10 and 11 October on the Expo Hall Session Stage, offering attendees strategic, forward-thinking knowledge on topics that included risk management, technology and digitalisation, succession planning, fastener finishings, and more. A new educational format will be introduced at IFE 2023, Fireside Chats. These microlearning sessions will provide the audience with engaging and interactive interview-style discussions.

IFE 2023 will also provide attendees and exhibitors with the official mobile event app and “smart” matchmaking technology, IFE Match.