Members of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) registered for the 41st Annual Convention & Trade Show at a record pace making the Austin program one of the most memorable to date. Nearly 4,500 attendees gathered for the November 12-14 event, which included a 650+ booth Trade Show that also introduced 50’ x 50’ island booths. Several other new exciting programs were added to the lineup as well.
Sunday means education! Workshops included topics such as Why Customers Leave and How to Win them Back, Reviving Work Ethic, Feedback with Impact, Creating Successful Teams, and the Evolving World of Sales. A new Young Professionals Luncheon gave those members under 35 a chance to network with peers and enjoy a program on The New Diversity. That afternoon, another new initiative, Speed Interviewing, provided students majoring in industrial distribution, supply chain, or construction management the opportunity to meet with members seeking to hire new employees or interns.
Spouses and companions hand-crafted guitars for Pick with Austin, a non-profit organization who donates the instruments to teens battling depression, are in juvenile detention centers, or identified as “at risk.”
The Opening Party inside and around Austin City Limits (ACL) welcomed members to the “Live Music Capital of the World” in a big way! The boisterous Minor Mishap Marching Band kicked things off with a raucous round of fan favorites. Attendees could then head to a variety of food trucks for tasty dinner options or go inside for more choices. Two hot Austin performers, the Bob Schneider Band and Tameca Jones entertained audiences inside ACL’s impressive Moody Theater and 3Ten studio.
Monday morning’s General Session unveiled “STAFDA Pride” an uplifting new song representing the Association’s members and their dedication to the industry. Industry speeches from STAFDA President, Tom Leahy, Border Construction Specialties, Phoenix, Ariz., and Associate speaker, Joe Smith, Metabo Power Tools North America, West Chester, Pa., emphasized Raising Leadership and the impact members have on the world economy.
The familiar voice of Pixar characters Hamm the Piggybank and Mack the Truck, John Ratzenberger (also beloved as Cheers’ Cliff Clavin) took the podium to promote careers in the skilled trades, learning to craft things with your own hands, and appreciating quality manufacturing – with humorous anecdotes sprinkled throughout.
Ratzenberger then helped open the Trade Show where distributor members could meet with exhibitors and reps to examine new products and show specials from a variety of product categories. Due to record demand, two exhibit halls were available this year. The Tech & Consultants Areas provided business-improvement opportunities for those looking for advice, services, software, and more.
Tuesday began with Alan Beaulieu’s annual Economic Update. His ability to bring his in-depth and well-researched information to members and provide understandable insights into what the U.S. and Canadian economies can expect has made this a can’t miss program. Two day tours – a shopping jaunt to South Congress Street or to Fredericksburg – gave attendees’ spouses and companions unique views of Texas. The Trade Show floor opened again for five and a half hours before a buffet dinner at the Closing Party gave members one more taste of down-home hospitality.
Please mark your calendars now for STAFDA’s 42nd Annual Convention & Trade Show, October 28-30, in Phoenix. You must be a member to attend.
For more information contact Catherine Usher, STAFDA Member Services Director, at (262) 784-4774 or [email protected].
