IFE 2024: Highlights and key takeaways

Fastener Expo 2024 has officially come to an end and it was truly an exceptional event! This year’s expo exceeded all expectations and provided invaluable opportunities for fastener professionals, exhibitors, and attendees from all over the world. We were delighted to welcome thousands of attendees from more than 35 countries and showcase more than 600 booths, showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services.

A highlight of IFE 2024 is its extensive educational program. With 9 conference stage presentations, 4 fireside chats, and 2 workshops covering a wide range of topics—including artificial intelligence, work-life balance, technology trends, fastener surface treatments and applications, marketing, and more—attendees had the opportunity to gain insights from top industry experts. The event kicked off with a keynote address from Beau Groover, president of The Effective Syndicate, who opened the event with a fascinating discussion on operational performance, focusing on clarity, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. If you missed any of the sessions or want to relive the highlights, our session recordings are available on IFE Replay.

Networking was a highlight of IFE 2024, providing attendees with plenty of opportunities to network, exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. The Welcome Party on Monday evening was a huge success, providing a relaxed environment for over 900 guests to network, enjoy cigars in the popular cigar rolling hut and sip Brikksen Blend cocktails. New social events such as the Fireside Chat Room brought together peers from the same region and industry, while a variety of happy hours in the exhibition hall booths and lounge areas also added to the social atmosphere.

This year’s event also featured special highlights such as the sold-out annual golf tournament at the Bali Hai Golf Course. Congratulations to the winners of our 2024 golf tournament:

• First place team: Michael Morrissey, Dan Finucan, Chris Berner and Kent Shutey of American Ring
• Second place team: Jack Dobek, Tim Quick, Eric Mason and Dennis Doyle of B&D Cold Headed Products
• Third place team: Ryan Cooper, Todd Baker, Jamie Nelson and Andy Sanderson of B&D Cold Headed Products

Long drive champion:

• male: AJ Gallo from Holo-Krome
• female: Erin Waidelich, FDH

Closest to the Hole: Jack Dobek of B&D Cold Headed Products

The awards ceremony was another highlight, honoring industry leaders and innovators, including new Hall of Fame inductee Carmen Vertullo and Young Fastener Professional of the Year Jake Glaser.

As we close the chapter of IFE 2024, we reflect on a successful event and the valuable connections made. A huge thank you to all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and attendees for contributing to this unforgettable experience.

“The atmosphere at IFE 2024 was electric! This year’s strong performance demonstrates the continued importance of our industry’s top event. Attendees showed great interest in the latest innovations and our educational offerings were very popular. We are very pleased with this year’s success and look forward to building on it next year,” said Morgan Wilson, Show Director.

As we start planning for IFE 2025, we’d love to have you back next year! Remember the dates: September 15th – 17th. Stay tuned for more information about next year’s event and how you can get involved.