WINTER 2021

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THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
FASTENER NEWS DESK 2020 BEST BOOTH DIGITAL AWARDS FROM IFE MATCH & MEET from page 153
Best Digital Networker:
George Schrull – Buckeye Fasteners
Best Networker goes to George Schrull of
Buckeye Fasteners. George sent out more networking
communications than 50% of all attendees together. If it’s
all about relationships this guy knows how.
Way to go George!
Q & A with George Schrull of Buckeye Fasteners
What was your experience like at the Match
and Meet? It was busy and productive. I was able to
fill my calendar with quality appointments on both days.
The platform made it simple to communicate our offerings
with potential customers even when we couldn’t get an
appointment during the show.
I think we are all eager to get back to normal and
do in person shows again, but I would recommend this
format to any company looking to make new contacts and
show their products in a safe and productive way.
Can you give any tips to anyone attending a
virtual event? What preparation is necessary?
Content, content, content. The format of the show is
similar to Facebook in regard to having your own “page”
where you can upload the content. We were able to load
our content (videos, resource guides, quality info, etc.)
into the system with no issues or glitches.
It only took a couple days to make our profiles,
add our content, and train other users who worked the
show with us. My tip for doing a digital show or any type
of online marketing would be to focus on value-added
content above all else. You have to ask yourself, “Is this
content relevant to our target audience”?
“Value-added content is any unique, original, or exclusive
content or information that your audience cannot get
anywhere else. Examples of this added value content include
video content, case studies, research studies, white papers,
promotional offers, tutorials, and blog posts.” ~ Casey Cline
Can you describe your one-on-one interactions
when using the platform? The platform includes an
option to set up a virtual meeting where you can meet
with attendee’s face to face. The process was simple,
and the communications worked properly. Once on a call,
it was similar to the one-on-one moments you are able to
have in person at the EXPO. You get to know potentially
new clients and you get to catch up with other industry
professionals and share news and maybe a couple
rumors too.:) I would categorize the video calling option as
essential. A close second to the in-person event.
Would consider this a successful event? Yes,
very. We gained more new contacts at the virtual event
than we did at last years in person show. We were able to
provide new quotes and orders to all of our cold-forming
factories and distribution centers.
Have you revisited the platform since the event
to take advantage of the educational programs? I
have revisited the platform but I haven’t signed up for any
programs. I must have missed that, I’ll definitely check it
out now.
About International Fastener Expo
The International Fastener Expo (IFE) is the largest
and most diverse gathering of fastener and industrial
professionals in North America. Founded in 1981 it
serves all reaches of the supply chain, from manufacture
r to distributor to OEMs, and features nearly 70 product
categories. With over 650 vendors and more than 5,000
attendees from 30+ nations, the International Fastener
Expo delivers industry-leading content and facilitates vital
industry connections at their annual three-day show in Las
Vegas, Nevada, the entertainment and trade show capital
of North America. International Fastener Expo is owned
and produced by Emerald. For more information on IFE,
visit www.fastenershows.com.
FASTENER NEWS DESK