The International Fastener Expo (IFE) concluded its first year in Phoenix with 1,500 attendees and 515 exhibiting companies representing 25 countries. 

The program featured 20 educational sessions and three networking events.

IFE 2026 recognized individuals making a meaningful impact on the fastener industry. Tim Roberto Jr. of Star Stainless Screw Company was inducted into the Fastener Hall of Fame, while Taryn Goodman of Industrial Rivet & Fastener Company was named Young Fastener Professional of the Year. Audrey Williams of Martin Supply received the Edith Cameron Scholarship, and Lindsay Hanson of Brighton-Best International became the first recipient of the YFP Scholarship Tradeshow Award.

“IFE’s first year in Phoenix brought new opportunities to connect the fastener industry with a broader manufacturing market,” stated show director Anya Falcone. “Forty percent of this year’s attendees were new to IFE, and attendance from Arizona increased 231% year over year.” 

“As we look to 2027, our focus is on building both sides of the marketplace: attracting more qualified buyers while strengthening the exhibitor base and the connections that make IFE valuable to the industry.”

IFE will return to the Phoenix Convention Center on September 29 – October 1, 2027.

In June, IFE owner Emerald Holdings sold its trade shows to private equity firm Apollo Funds. Emerald acquired IFE in 2015 from founders James Bannister and Mike McGuire.

The fastener trade show was started in 1981 as the National Industrial Fastener Show (NIFS) in Columbus, OH. A second show was introduced in 1997 in Las Vegas. The last Columbus show was held in 2011.