The Best of IFE 2024: Top Takeaways from the Fastener Industry’s Premier Event
The 2024 International Fastener Expo officially wrapped up, and what an incredible event it was! This year’s event exceeded all expectations and provided invaluable opportunities for fastener industry professionals, exhibitors, and attendees. IFE 2024 welcomed thousands of attendees from 35-plus countries, with more than 600 booths showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services throughout the Expo Hall.
One of the highlights of IFE 2024 was the comprehensive educational program. With nine Session Stage presentations, four Fireside Chats, and two workshops covering a wide array of topics—including AI, work-life balance, technology trends, fastener finishes and applications, marketing, and more—attendees had the chance to gain insights from top industry experts. The keynote address by Beau Groover, president of The Effective Syndicate, kicked off the event with a compelling discussion on operational performance, focusing on clarity, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. If you missed any sessions or want to revisit the highlights, check out the session recordings at https://fastenershows.com/ife-replay/.
Networking was in full swing at IFE 2024, giving attendees ample opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. The Welcome Party on Monday evening was a hit, offering a relaxed setting for more than 900 guests to mingle, enjoy a cigar at the popular cigar rolling cabana, and sample the handcrafted cocktails. The new networking sessions in the Fireside Chat Lounge brought together peers from the same region and industry, while various happy hours in the Expo Hall’s booths and lounge areas added to the networking buzz.
Beyond the structured networking and sessions in the Expo Hall, this year’s event featured special events, including the sold-out annual Golf Tournament at the Bali Hai Golf Course. Congratulations to our 2024 Golf Tournament winners:
- First Place Team: Michael Morrissey, Dan Finucan, Chris Berner, and Kent Shutey from American Ring
- Second Place Team: Jack Dobek, Tim Quick, Eric Mason, and Dennis Doyle from B&D Cold Headed Products
- Third Place Team: Ryan Cooper, Todd Baker, Jamie Nelson, and Andy Sanderson from B&D Cold Headed Products
Long Drive Champions:
- Men: AJ Gallo from Holo-Krome
- Women: Erin Waidelich from FDH
Closest to the Pin:
- Jack Dobek from B&D Cold Headed Products
The Awards Ceremony was a standout moment, celebrating the achievements of industry leaders and innovators, including the newly inducted Hall of Fame recipient Carmen Vertullo and the Young Fastener Professional of the Year Jake Glaser.
As the doors close on IFE 2024, we reflect on the success of this year’s event and the valuable connections made. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for making this event one to remember.
“The energy at IFE 2024 was electric,” said Show Director Morgan Wilson. “This year, we saw a remarkable turnout, with thousands of fastener professionals coming together to explore the latest innovations and trends. It was great to see attendees engaged with cutting-edge products and solutions from 550-plus exhibitors. Our educational sessions were well attended. It was clear from the conversations and connections being made that IFE 2024 continues to be the premier event for the industry. We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s show and are already looking forward to raising the bar even higher for next year.”
We are already planning for IFE 2025 and can’t wait to welcome you back next year; please save the date: September 15-17, 2025! Stay tuned for more information on next year’s event and visit www.fastenershows.com to find out how you can get involved.