The 2023 International Fastener Expo (IFE) concluded its annual event with resounding success at the end of last year, bringing together over 4,300 industry exhibitors and attendees from around the world.
Held from 9th – 11th October at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, USA, the event featured a wide range of activities, including the annual golf tournament, Welcome Reception Party, bustling expo floor, diverse educational sessions and an award ceremony – all designed to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing within the fastener industry.
The 2023 edition of IFE kicked off with an unforgettable golf tournament at the scenic Bali Hai Golf Club. Participants, 145 players across 37 teams, enjoyed a day of friendly competition, networking and views of the Las Vegas Strip. The tournament fostered camaraderie among industry professionals, setting the tone for the productive days to come.
Held on the eve of the expo floor opening, the Welcome Reception at Mandalay Bay’s Daylight Pool brought over 1,000 fastener professionals out for a night of great networking, drinks and dancing. Poolside cabanas housed gatherings of industry associations, as well as Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year inductees.
During the show, the expo floor was a hive of activity, featuring over 100 first time exhibitors and 700 exhibitors in total – showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies, in the fastener industry. Attendees had the opportunity to explore and see first-hand the cutting edge solutions available, engage with suppliers, and discover new market opportunities. The energetic atmosphere reflected the enthusiasm and forward thinking that defines the fastener industry.
One of the standout features of IFE 2023 was its extensive educational programme. The expo hall opened its doors early for a keynote presentation led by Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, that dove into the future of manufacturing, touching on topics like automation and the new workforce. Industry experts also led informative sessions, including a full day training from FTI (Fastener Training Institute) and discussions on a wide array of subject matter, including innovation in fastener technology, industry trends and best practices.
The wide range of educational opportunities ensured that attendees could customise their experience to meet their specific needs and interests. Keeping to tradition, IFE 2023 also featured its Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year award ceremony.
Commenting on the success of the event, Morgan Wilson, show director at IFE, said: “IFE 2023 was one of the largest in the past five years, proving the true testament of face-to-face networking within our fastener community. Our special events left unforgettable memories and our education programs inspired and empowered. The full expo floor was also a marketplace of innovation and opportunity from around the world. Together, we created an impressive experience that set new standards in the industry.”
International Fastener Expo will return to Mandalay Bay on 9th – 11th September 2024.
Becca is the latest member to join our team and is eager to get stuck into the world of fasteners. She brings an enthusiastic and fresh outlook on what we do editorially and will be leading our social media activity – including sourcing material, editing articles and posting online.
Don't have an account? Sign Up
Signing up to Fastener + Fixing Magazine enables you to manage your account details.
