It’s Show Time!

Many people ask when budgeting and planning, “Is it worth it?”  Are tradeshows still relevant in this digital age?  Tradeshows are a key event, opportunities to network, assess competition, meet existing and potential suppliers and view the latest market trends.  They offer a great arena to showcase new products, raise brand awareness and create buzz.  It’s unlikely you’ll meet anyone at the show that you wouldn’t meet from the office and you don’t miss work, however you do miss the conversations at the show and they could be the deal maker (or the deal breaker, but let’s not go there)!

Most products can be displayed adequately on-line but being able to test and see the products in person seems to be ideal scenario.

Event organizers have made a focused effort to incorporate social media and it creates buzz before, during and after the show. Ideally social media brings people to our booth and grows our own social media.  This most likely wouldn’t have happened without the trade show and it lets me reach out personally for an email address assuring them I’m not a robot.

EFC recently exhibited at NASCC – Steel Conference in St. Louis.  EFC’s booth highlighted the Sherex Large Rivet Nuts. The Sherex rivet nuts were developed for applications where critical joint performance and high tensile loads are required.  Check them out on our website here, which brings me to another compelling reason to exhibit.  We gained valuable referrals from the numerous people we met.  There is a community and often attendees will network with you even if they have no need for your product/service.

Next up on the show circuit for EFC is Fastener Fair USA in Detroit May 22-23.  We will be giving away a Traxxas Ford Mustang!  Stop by Booth #514 and see the latest innovative fasteners while you register for the car.  We look forward to seeing our customers, friends, and suppliers at the show!

Fastener Tech follows the fair the first week of June at Donald E Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont.  This event is hosted by Fastener Technology International and Midwest Fastener Association.  EFC is a proud sponsor of the event.  It represents another great opportunity for us to meet and share knowledge with customers, colleagues and suppliers.   We won’t have a car to give away, but come see us anyway!