International Fastener Expo to Bring Fastener Industry to Phoenix October 7-9
The International Fastener Expo (IFE) returns October 7-9, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center, bringing together the fastener industry for three days of education, sourcing, networking and business development. The 2026 event begins with the International Fastener & Assembly Summit and special networking events on October 7, followed by the IFE Expo on October 8-9.
Now in its 45th year, IFE continues to serve as a central meeting place for manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, OEMs and other professionals across aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices and industrial manufacturing. The 2026 Expo is expected to feature approximately 550 exhibiting companies, giving attendees an opportunity to source products and materials, evaluate new suppliers and build relationships across the global fastener and assembly supply chain.
New for 2026: International Fastener & Assembly Summit
IFE week begins Wednesday, October 7, with the new International Fastener & Assembly Summit (IFAS), a one-day program designed for senior decision-makers and technical leaders whose work is shaping the future of manufacturing and fastening performance.
The Summit brings together leaders from aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices and industrial manufacturing for discussions focused on practical industry challenges and emerging opportunities. Programming will address topics including AI-driven manufacturing, supply chain resilience, zero-defect quality, automation, data and emerging technologies. The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will lead the Summit’s Technical Program, covering critical topics including joint design, materials and compliance, and failure analysis. Featured companies represented in the program include General Motors, Toyota, Ford, The Würth Group, Yaskawa Motoman Robotics, Timken, Zimmer Biomet, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and others.
IFAS also includes built-in one-to-one matchmaking designed to help attendees connect with qualified decision-makers and peers before the Expo begins. Summit registration includes an IFE Expo pass and complimentary admission to the IFE Welcome Party later that evening.
Start IFE Week on the Golf Course
The seventh annual IFE Golf Tournament will take place October 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Papago Golf Club.
One of IFE’s most popular networking traditions, the 18-hole tournament gives exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to spend time with customers, prospects and industry peers in a relaxed setting before the Expo opens. Golf participants receive lunch, a $25 transportation credit and complimentary access to the IFE Welcome Party that evening.
Reconnect at the IFE Welcome Party
Following the Summit and Golf Tournament, the fastener community will come together at the IFE Welcome Party at The Churchill from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on October 7.
Located in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District and approximately a 15-minute walk from the Phoenix Convention Center, the Welcome Party provides an informal setting for attendees, exhibitors and industry partners to reconnect with longtime colleagues and make new connections before the Expo floor opens. Admission includes one drink ticket and one dinner ticket, and registration is required. IFAS and Golf Tournament participants receive complimentary admission.
Two Days of Sourcing, Education and Industry Connections
The IFE Expo Hall will be open October 8 from 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and October 9 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center. Attendees will have direct access to hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers representing fastening technologies, materials, machinery, automated assembly solutions and supply chain innovations.
Networking continues throughout the event, including Fastener Fest: Happy Hour on the Expo floor October 8 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and the IFE After Dark Networking Event at Sazerac that evening from 8:00-10:00 p.m.
The 2026 event will also recognize outstanding members of the fastener community during the IFE Awards Ceremony on October 8, celebrating the Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year honorees.
Join the Fastener Industry in Phoenix
From high-level education and international sourcing to face-to-face meetings and some of the industry’s most anticipated networking events, IFE 2026 is designed to help attendees make stronger connections, discover new solutions and prepare their businesses for what comes next.
Key Dates for Phoenix Convention Center
- International Fastener & Assembly Summit: October 7, 2026
- International Fastener Expo: October 8-9, 2026
Introducing IFE Show Director Anya Falcone
“One of my priorities is to be a face you recognize and someone you feel comfortable coming to,” said new IFE Show Director Anya Falcone. “Whether it’s your first time at IFE, or you’ve been doing this show for many years, I want to hear from you, understand your business, and make sure IFE continues to be a place that is worth your time and energy.
“As I’ve gotten to know the IFE community and the broader fastener industry, I’ve heard many of you navigating the same pressures: global supply chain uncertainty, changing tariffs, rising costs, margin pressure and evolving customer expectations. At the same time, the path from supplier to end customer is becoming more complex, making strong relationships and access to the right people more important than ever.
“Those challenges make bringing the industry together more important than ever. IFE 2026 marks a new chapter as we bring the show to Phoenix, October 7–9. The move gives us an opportunity to put IFE closer to a broader concentration of manufacturing activity, and importantly, the people who specify, purchase and use fastening products.
“IFE isn’t changing what it is. We’re expanding where and how our customers can find opportunity.
“That’s the approach I’m bringing to this role. My goal is to build on what this community already values while creating more opportunities to find the right customers, suppliers, partners and ideas.
“I’m looking forward to meeting you in Phoenix—and, if we haven’t connected yet, I hope you’ll come find me.”
For registration, event schedules and additional information, visit www.fastenershows.com