Wow, it’s January 15 and already there have been several announcements. Just this morning, I received an update from Global Fastener News that Keller & Kalmbach out of Germany acquired Infinity Fasteners headquartered out of Lenexa, Kansas. Earlier this week I heard that EFC acquired Technology Components Southwest which now gives EFC a location in Dallas. Cable Tie Express announced an equity investment by Roman Capital. Tony Van Hoozer and Char Cooper will continue to lead the company, but it’s still a bit of a shift from the previous set up. Finally, and this reached back to last year a bit, G.L. Huyett acquired Precision Specialties which was a Tinnerman and AVK stocking distributor.
In some regards, each of these transactions might not be earth shattering news in the marketplace, but I think each one is significant. Certainly, a couple of these moves will change the Tinnerman marketplace. And Infinity has a footprint in several states, not just Kansas.
So, welcome to 2016. Let’s see what else pops up in the coming weeks and months.
TS –
The Expo entrance will be much closer to the Venetian and Palazzo hotels. In fact, we are going to make the entrance into the exhibit hall from the corridor leading to the Sands Expo. Expo exhibitors and visitors won’t even enter into the Sands like before. The walk will be appreciably shorter. Incidentally, since “Rock of Ages” pulled out of the Venetian, the hotel has closed the Bourbon Room. I am not certain what will be put in that space.
I am delighted to still be connected with the Expo through my consulting agreement with Emerald Expositions, and will keep you updated on the event.
Here’s hoping for a great year in the fastener industry!
TS and All:
Speaking of changes, just a reminder that the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, October 25-26-27, 2016 in Halls C & D at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. We believe the new Tuesday -Thursday format will help boost attendance, plus allow Expo visitors to have more time to visit the exhibits on Thursday without having to worry about catching a flight home for the weekend until Friday.
The move from Hall A to Halls C & D at the Sands Expo also provides considerable more room for expansion of the Expo.
We are already experiencing strong interest in the 2016 event with exhibit space sales pacing ahead of last year. There are exciting plans to grow both the Expo size as well as attendance through aggressive sales & marketing.
I am pleased to be associated with the Expo through a consulting agreement with new Expo owner, Emerald Expositions, and am eagerly looking forward to seeing all of my industry friends at the show.
Please keep us updated on anything to do with the show. We are all anxious to hear more.
TS:
Will do. We have already contracted 498 booths (49,800 sq. ft.) with 321 companies, plus we have reserved another 163 booths (16,300 sq. ft.), bringing the total to 484 companies in 66,100 sq. ft. of exhibit space. These figures are well ahead of last year. More Expo news as it develops.
We are constantly striving to make the Expo better and more cost effective for our valued exhibitors, and are working on ways to increase attendance by more buyers, recommenders, and specifiers. We would love to hear from your bloggers with suggestions on how to make the Expo even better. We are listening.
Hey, I’m already happy that I will not have to walk as far down the hallway to get to the show this year! You’re in the closer exhibit hall, correct?