Zirkle: IFE 2007 Is a Fastener Manufacturing Trade Show

John Wolz

Exhibitors for fastener manufacturing trade shows are being confused by two different events in 2007, Ray Zirkle of the International Fastener Machinery & Suppliers Association said. The manufacturing-oriented International Fastener & Precision Formed Parts Manufacturing Exposition & Conference will be held May 7-10, 2007, in Cleveland, in conjunction with the Wire Association International’s Interwire.

Several fastener associations and Fastener Technology International recently unveiled Fastener Tech 07 as an industry-wide gathering, including a trade show marketed to distributors, end users and manufacturers. Fastener Tech 07 is scheduled June 26-27, 2007, in Chicago.

“There appears to be some confusion about IFE 2007″ and Fastener Tech 07,” Zirkle wrote to exhibitors. “These are two very different shows.”
“IFE is a manufacturing show featuring machinery, materials, components, tooling, accessories, supplies and services for manufacturing fasteners and cold formed parts,” Zirkle explained. Fastener Tech 07 is marketing to three industry segments.

“Exhibiting at IFE 2007 assures you that every attendee at the show is actively involved with manufacturing and is seeking solutions from suppliers like your company,” Zirkle wrote. “IFE is not a show for end users. End users are primarily the customers of your customers. End users are not buyers of fastener making machinery, materials, tooling and related components, supplies and services.”

Fastener Tech 07 grew out of the 2005 Fastener Week, which featured side-by-side distribution and manufacturing trade shows. The Industrial Fasteners Institute and the IFMSA sponsored the 2005 manufacturing-oriented Industrial Fastener & Forming International as part of Fastener Week. For 2007 the IFMSA negotiated with the IFI to have a show with Interwire.

The IFI, which represents fastener manufacturers and their suppliers, has “endorsed and supported” IFE 2007, Zirkle noted. However, the IFI will not be directly involved in an organizing role with either Fastener Tech or IFE in 2007.

In addition the IFE and Fastener Tech, the National Industrial Fastener Shows are seeking to expand its distribution-oriented events into manufacturing.
For IFE information contact Zirkle. Tel: 203 794-0444 Fax 203 743-4810 E-mail: rzirkle@bzsales.com Web: ifetradeshow.com �2006 FastenerNews.com