Needing to Network
I think people are very interested in hearing what other people have to say about the economic climate, especially how it pertains to the fastener industry. There seems to be an increased interest in the fastener shows lately. On LinkedIn, there is now a group you can join that is specifically for getting information on the National Industrial Fastener Shows. Susan Hurley, on behalf of the shows, has even announced that you can get continuous updated information on Twitter. When recently speaking with Lisa Graham of the North Coast Fastener Assocaiation, she indicated that the response from suppliers who are attending the show is much greater than originally expected. And distributor response has also been very strong with a large number of distributors bringing several purchasing, quoting and sourcing personnel. This NCFA Distributor Social is taking place on Tuesday, May 19.
And recenlty, I have been getting several calls asking me if I will be attending the Midwest Fastener Show in June. Suppliers are looking for opportunites to get in front of their customers and distributors are curious to hear how their peers are doing. I would be curious to hear from anyone associated with the Midwest Fastener Show as how many people have pre-registered for the show and how that compares to last year.
I think people are starved for news. No one wants to hear bad news - other than the occasional comment from someone hoping they lose a competitor or two. But it does stress people out to hear when a factory closes or a long standing distributor shuts its doors. It kind of spooks people. But to some degree, hearing nothing is also spooky. I continually get asked, "so, what are you hearing out there"?
What I am hearing is that distributor sales seem to be off from about 25% to 40% on average. And companies that are doing better than that are generally those that have stolen some business or a saleperson away from another company. I think companies are more aggressively trying to market their products and many companies are looking for ways to increase internal communications so that they do not miss business opportunities.
I would like to hear feedback on any of the other upcoming regional shows from other fastener associations. Please chime in if there are other shows coming up.
And recenlty, I have been getting several calls asking me if I will be attending the Midwest Fastener Show in June. Suppliers are looking for opportunites to get in front of their customers and distributors are curious to hear how their peers are doing. I would be curious to hear from anyone associated with the Midwest Fastener Show as how many people have pre-registered for the show and how that compares to last year.
I think people are starved for news. No one wants to hear bad news - other than the occasional comment from someone hoping they lose a competitor or two. But it does stress people out to hear when a factory closes or a long standing distributor shuts its doors. It kind of spooks people. But to some degree, hearing nothing is also spooky. I continually get asked, "so, what are you hearing out there"?
What I am hearing is that distributor sales seem to be off from about 25% to 40% on average. And companies that are doing better than that are generally those that have stolen some business or a saleperson away from another company. I think companies are more aggressively trying to market their products and many companies are looking for ways to increase internal communications so that they do not miss business opportunities.
I would like to hear feedback on any of the other upcoming regional shows from other fastener associations. Please chime in if there are other shows coming up.
Keeping the positive news in front of customers and peers is essential for positive growth and the spread of new ideas and trends. Advance is connecting with our clients on linkedin, twitter and facebook. We hope that more businesses in the industry will join us online. We can only benefit from staying connected and ahead of the next curve that comes our way!
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Two of the best fastener industry networking opportunities I know of are the 13th Annual National Industrial Fastener Show/West, November 16-18, 2009, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada and the 30th National Industrial Fastener Show/East, May 25-26, 2010, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.
We are planning a wonderful Welcoming Reception on Monday evening, November 16 with complimentary food and drink for everyone...and this event will be immediately followed by a fun-filled Poker Tournament sponsored by Vegas Fastener Manufacturing. Vegas Fastener is also hosting a plant tour on Monday, November 16. Complete info will be available soon at www.fastenershows.com.
The 2010 East Show in Columbus, Ohio is off to a great start with a number of companies already signed up for exhibit space.
The economy is beginning to turn around and manufacturing will require...guess what...FASTENERS!
Hang in there everyone. There are better days ahead.
Jim Bannister
General Partner
National Industrial Fastener Shows
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I was surfing around to the different association sites, and decided to just put together a web page with links direct to each association's events page. So here it is if anybody else can use it http://www.screwcrew.com/fastener-association-events.html Some of the associations have nice, clear events or calendar pages, some just put there events on their home page. I linked to the page that seems to have the best summary of what is coming up. If anybody has any suggestions, please pass them on.
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A recent comment on Fastener Talk commented on fastener shows. I'd like to clarify, the Mid-West Fastener Association rotates between a MWFA Table Top Show and Fastener Tech (which is managed by MWFA and Fastener Technology Int'l Magazine. This year's event will be Fastener Tech '09 (June 8th-10th) which is coming together well for a very down economy. Registration to attend both days of the show is free until June 1st. There are several excellent seminars as well as the All Industry Fastener Reception sponsored by several companies.
Show hours have been adjusted to allow exhibitors open time slots to also attend seminars. This down economy is certainly an excellent time to take advantage of the many educational opportunities our industry offers. (I recently spoke to a member who was utilizing this time very well, working on their ISO, updating company publications, attending seminars etc.)
Exhibitors will also be treated to the "Taste of Rosemont" hosted by local restaurants offering food samplings, cocktails, raffle prizes and other give aways.
Many groups are cosponsors of this show working hard to bring you programs for your benefit. Fastener Tech '09 is running (June 8th-10th) the same time as the International Robots, Vision and Motion Control Show. Attendees of both shows are invited to visit the two shows at no additional fee.
Join us at Fastener Tech '09 for a great networking event for the fastener industry, giving back to the fastener industry. Further details are available at fastenertech.com and mwfa.net, as well as a link to direct on line registration.
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Nancy, I am very glad you wrote in to promote your show. I really think during these challenging economic times that it is important to network and get a pulse on the industry. I am already registered and am looking forward to the show. And that "Taste of Rosemont" deal doesn't sound bad either. I must be hungry.
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