STAFDA's San Antonio Success
STAFDA members joined together in the heart of Texas – San Antonio – for the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association's 35th Annual Convention & Trade Show, Nov. 13-15. With a 796-booth Trade Show and final attendance at 4,240, the STAFDA meeting offered numerous networking, business and educational opportunities.
Sunday, November 13
Sunday had an extended educational focus with two additional workshops added to the morning. Alan Beaulieu provided his annual Economic Forecast, giving members a look at the current state of the economy in the U.S. and Canada, key financial indicators, and the construction/industrial markets. STAFDA Consultants, Dr. Bart Basi and Jeff Gusdorf, provided updates of their own. Basi took a look at Strategic Planning and what's new in succession planning, taxes, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Gusdorf's Technology Tips studied what's current and what's coming in the world of social media, tablets, e-mail, and singled out what's just hype.
Afternoon classes included Barry Brandman, Guide to Business Security; a rap session type program with Michael Marks on the Best (and Worst) of Distribution; the Future of Green with John Wagner; and Dr. Mike Workman with Branch & Operations Management.
Even 175 years later, people still remember the Alamo. Spouses and companions were able to hear more about the historic siege, the people who lived in the small compound, and about ongoing restoration from Sherri Driskill, the Alamo's Education Director. They were also able to paint and take home replicas of newly discovered friezes. The Little Bit of Texas/Little Bit of Mexico Opening Party that evening was a whole lot of fun as members were able to kick back and relax as they ambled through historic La Villita. The party offered a wide range of food (Texas BBQ, hand-made corn tortillas, and more), beverages (margaritas and drinks in ice mugs), and exciting activities (armadillo races, bull riding and card sharks). It was also the perfect venue to mix with fellow members and make plans for the Trade Show to come.
Monday, November 14
The General Session opened with a festive Mariachi welcome before the "Year-in-
Review" A/V presentation. STAFDA 2011 president Mike Kangas, Alaska Industrial Hardware, Anchorage, provided the "State-of-the-Industry" address followed by Terry Taylor, CEO, Wright Tool, Barberton, Ohio, with the Associate State-of-the-Industry.
After a dramatic simulation of the successful landing of his US Airways flight on the
Hudson River, Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger kept the audience riveted as he
discussed the "Miracle on the Hudson," leadership and preparedness.
Following the General Session, STAFDA's Trade Show opened for six hours worth of
new products, show specials and contacts with decision makers from distributors,
manufacturers and rep agent member companies. The Tech & Consultants' Fair also
provided an opportunity for members to focus on their businesses as they discussed
the newest software, hardware and e-business applications as well as meeting with
STAFDA-endorsed consultants and service providers.
Tuesday, November 15
Two day-tour options greeted spouses and companions on Tuesday morning. They
could either tour historic San Antonio or head out into the Texas Hill (and wine) Country. Attendees had six additional hours to conduct business on the Trade Show floor. That evening, the Closing Party gave attendees a hint of next year's sun and sand with a Florida-themed beach bash.
STAFDA's 36th Annual Convention & Trade Show will be Nov. 4-6, 2012, at
Orlando's Orange County Convention Center. Members will be mailed registration
packets on June 29 with online registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. (Central) on July 2.
You must be a STAFDA member to attend.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The September/October issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Kurz Industrial Solutions. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and Mike Hockett, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
