The International Fastener Expo will remain September 28-30, 2020, the sponsors announced.

Host hotel and convention center Mandalay Bay is slated to reopen July 1.

“We continue to monitor the situation and will aim to bring you the latest, most relevant updates,” show owner Emerald Expositions announced.

IFE management had surveyed show participants about postponing to a mid-November date.

“In these trying times, a sense of community is essential,” Emerald Expositions announced.  “We recognize our role in bringing together the fastener and industrial products community each year since 1981.  Our team is working to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.”

Show management also developed a safety plan.

Early bird attendee registration is $50 open until June 30.  Registration is $75 through September 27.  Onsite registration is $85.  Web: FastenerShows.com

MGM Hotels posted a seven-point safety plan that includes screening, temperature checks and employee training; physical distancing; hand washing and enhanced sanitation; HVAC air quality controls; incident response protocols; digital innovations.  

The city of Las Vegas began a staggered reopening June 4.  Changes at Las Vegas hotels will include:

  • Mask requirements;
  • Hotels will have “contactless check-in” to avoid the guest registration lines.  Parking may be free, but there will be no valet parking;
  • Many restaurants are reopening, but not the self-service buffets Vegas is known for.  There will be digital menus sent to phones.  There have been flight discounts, fewer seats in shows, sanitation stations, and social distancing at traditionally crowded pools;
  • More social distancing in the casinos.  For example, blackjack tables will be limited to three players.  There may be plexiglass shields, plastic curtains, tents and screens throughout casinos. 
  • Standalone hand washing stations have been added.

 

Exhibitors, Attendees Participating?
Though show management announced it will still hold the International Fastener Expo September 28-30, 2020, a variety of fastener people who routinely participate in trade shows are questioning going this year – or even that in the end the trade show will actually be held.

“I do not expect to attend the show if it occurs this year,” said one distributor who normally attends several shows and tabletops annually.  “I can’t imagine the virus thing will be behind us adequately for me to be comfortable sending our crew.”  He rates trade shows “very valuable not just for sourcing, knowledge, recurrent training, etc., but also finding new connections and reaffirming old ones.”  He usually takes a few employees as “a perk,” but won’t this year.

The distributor said he wishes it could be different.  “These times show us how we can lose our livelihood, our health and even our life–lose everything or anything so quickly,” he reflected on the pandemic.

Another distributor who booked flights far in advance discovered she could use her tickets until 2022.  “With all the pandemic stuff, who wants to travel anywhere?”

One supplier to the industry noted show management had polled them on holding to the original September dates, moving it to mid-November or canceling it for 2020.  “We replied “cancel” this year, and further told them we would not attend.  I know of two major suppliers that have also backed out of the show and that many will follow.”

The traditional exhibitor predicted “the worst ever attendance” and that “regardless of whether we lose our booth money paid in advance – we won’t force our people to attend a social event when we should be social distancing for everyone’s good.”

One past exhibitor acknowledged enjoying gambling in Las Vegas, “but certainly not with our lives.”

An association leader said the board is questioning any level of participation in 2020.

“Not this year,” another association leader answered.  “Just erase 2020 from the calendar.”

International travel rules could change by September, but it could be people from multiple countries won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. to exhibit.  

One exhibitor who has paid the first half of the booth fee, but is withholding the second half in anticipation of the show being cancelled. 

“I told my management team if we lose the booth / show payments this year it will be a pandemic cost.”