The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association “is taking every precaution known to man,” from forehead thermometers to STAFDA-logoed face masks for its 44th annual convention, CEO Georgia Foley said.

STAFDA is slated for November 8-10, 2020, in Anaheim, CA.

“All of the manufacturers and distributors I’ve spoken with are burnt out on Zoom meetings and want to see people again in the flesh – albeit with a mask,” Foley told GlobalFastenerNews.com.  One manufacturer who has been “cooped up at home for three months” and “nearly screamed at me with delight that we’re moving forward with our show.”

“I’ve been told both the National Safety Council show this fall and World of Concrete aren’t offering exhibitors or attendees any kind of safety precautions,” Foley said.  “Shame on them!”

Trade shows which attract large international contingents have been “greatly impacted,” Foley observed.

“I’m not immune to what could happen down the road, but our convention / trade show has always been about the members, but even more so this year,” Foley said.

“Experts say COVID-19 will be with us the next 12-18 months so people might as well settle into the ‘new’ normal and get used to wearing a mask in public,” Foley suggested.  

A total of 4,912 participants were registered for the 2019 STAFDA convention in Nashville.  There were 10 island exhibitors and 690 inline booths.

This year STAFDA will be separating exhibiting companies with a 10×10 space.

“With all the countless shows and buying groups canceling, many people are hanging their hat on STAFDA to happen,” Foley declared.  The Anaheim Convention Center is preparing to reopen with GBAC accreditation.

“Unless Anaheim, California, or the U.S. government cancels us, we’ll continue to push on.” 

The STAFDA registration information states members will receive 100% refund if the convention is cancelled by a government lockdown.  Web: STAFDA.org