Global Fastener News

STAFDA Provides Las Vegas Guide &Tips for Distributors

John Wolz

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association provided a pre-convention guide with 10 tips for distributor attendees at the association’s 30tth annual convention November 13-15, 2006, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The STAFDA convention preview guide also has the convention agenda, including the Tech & Consultants Fair, consultants workshops, four concurrent educational workshops, spouse/companion program, opening party/Brian Setzer Concert; general session with the state of the industry addresses and keynote by Good to Great author Jim Collins and closing party. The guide includes the trade show floor plan and list of exhibitors, show specials, prize drawings and new products.; Las Vegas and Lake Mead tours; and tipping guide.

The guide was mailed to all registered attendees. Web: stafda.org.

The following are excerpts from STAFDA’s tips for distributor attendees:

1. Make a shopping list: Review the list of exhibitors; show specials, prizes and new products. Mark the booths on the exhibit hall floorplan you want to visit.

2. Bring the specifics: “When you’re making your shopping llst, be sure to include the specifications for the products you’ll need in 2007. Don’t depend on your memory &”

3. Divide and conquer: Divvy up the exhibitor list with co-workers.

4. Get the goods: Take home business cards and marketing materials or have exhibitors scan your badge to mail information.

5. Watch your step. With 900 booths and 210,000 sq ft of exhibit space the convention is not the place to breaking in a new pair of shoes.

6. Be sold. “Don’t be too cynical” and listen to what exhibitors offer.

7. Stick to the plan: Stop and look at new products but move on to keep on schedule.

8. Give it a whirl: “Product demonstrations allow for a hands-on approach to shopping.”

9. Take notes: When you leave the booth jot down notes on their materials to remind you back at the office.

10. Organize it: Bring color-coded folders in a briefcase to slip in “follow-up,” “review” and “probably nots” folders instead of dumping everything into one big bag. �2006 FastenerNews.com