Fastener Fair Plays Solid Home Game Fastener Fair returned home for its 12th UK edition on 11 and 12 June. Over 140 exhibitors occupied more space than ever before. They welcomed just over 1,000 visitors, 75% with purchasing responsibility for their companies, for the two day event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. “Almost exactly the same number of visitors came as two years ago,” says organiser Jerry Ramsdale. “In fact, there were slightly more, which is a remarkable achievement for a mature event that’s been running since 1995. It shows that Fastener Fair Coventry is the UK and Irish industry’s key exhibition, and that with the help of our exhibitors we’ve managed to keep things fresh, lively and compelling for visitors.” Of course, Fastener Fair UK is more than just a show. In the following pages we have included many of the new products and innovations that were featured at Coventry, together with a glimpse of the fun at the Fastener Fair Gala Dinner and an update on the rather more sobering situation on raw material costs. “Fastener Fair is very much at the heart of the industry,” says Jerry Ramsdale. “As it prepares for less settled times, Coventry provided new opportunities for a profitable future as well as the chance for suppliers and customers to spend important time together comparing notes and exploring strategies.” “We are always very cautious about running seminars or meetings during show opening hours, in case they do detract from contact time between sellers and buyers. This year, though, we felt that understanding the raw material situation was so crucial, throughout the supply chain and, particularly onto end-users, that it was appropriate to ask Phil Matten to hold an open forum each afternoon. I am pleased to say both sessions were fully attended and led to a lot of more detailed discussions with Phil after each presentation.” Another feature of Fastener Fair Coventry was the very high proportion of visitors that registered online in advance and received their ticket by post. “We had much higher pre-registrations than ever before, and very few that did pre-register failed to turn up to the show. Everyone is far more web aware these days and our advance ticket system ensures no queuing at the door.” Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, which hosted the Fastener Fair for the second time, also got plenty of vocal support. “Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors was that the venue, its facilities and location were all ideal for the show,” he says. “As organisers we were certainly very pleased, and while no show is without the occasional hiccup, the build-up to this one was certainly one of the most straightforward the Fastener Fair team has ever experienced. No doubt that was thanks to the quality of the venue and, in no small part, to the solid working relationship we have with our standbuilders, Stanco.” As a result the decision has been made that the next UK Fastener Fair will again be staged at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Dates are to be confirmed but are likely to be in June 2010.