May 22 & 23, 2024
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | Cleveland, OH

FASTENER FAIR CONFERENCE

Presented by the Fastener Training Institute

May 21 & 22, 2024

Introducing the new Fastener Fair Conference
presented by FTI

Join us on May 21 & 22 for the most riveting fastener education program of the year, created by the Fastener Training Institute exclusively for Fastener Fair USA attendees. Don’t miss out on content and insights you won’t find anywhere else.

When:
May 21, 2024 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Day before Show opens) 
May 22, 2024 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Exhibit Hall open until 5:00 pm)

Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

Price: $600 for Conference All-Access badge (includes ticket to Opening Night Networking Party)

Register: Register to attend the Fastener Fair Conference by purchasing an Attendee All-Access badge here. If you already purchased your badge and would like to upgrade to the All-Access badge, please fill out this form or contact customer service directly. 

All-Access Badge includes:

  • Full access to Fastener Fair Conference presented by Fastener Training Institute (FTI) on May 21 and 22
  • Lunch provided on May 21 and 22
  • Two (2) Day Exhibit Hall Access on May 22 and 23
  • Access to Learning Theater Show Floor stage content including FTI Ask the Experts Panel on May 22
  • Ticket to Opening Night Networking Party on May 22 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Includes open bar, appetizers, live music, and access to museum exhibits)
  • Access to the Brighton-Best International Tour and Seminar on May 23 from 11am-4pm (Shuttle transportation included)

About the Classes

Session 1: The Making of Fasteners & the Cost Drivers Behind this Engineering Marvel

May 21 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Explore why these sometimes-under-appreciated components are complex engineering marvels. Students will gain a basic understanding of fastener production methods and learn how each process, as well as raw material and customer expectations, drive what may appear to be a routine run-of-the-mill fastener into a value-added powerhouse of a component.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Fastener production methods: cold heading, hot heading, and screw machining

• Advantages and disadvantages of each manufacturing method

• Thread rolling, grinding, machining, heat treatment and plating

Session 2: Lightweight Fastening Trends & Designs for Future Platforms

May 22 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Discover lightweight fastening trends, including how to best use technology to obtain leaner designs. Students will learn about new developments in automotive body design and specifically how emerging fastener technology is enabling the use of high and ultra-high-strength steels and carbon fiber.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• How to directly lightweight fasteners

• Using technology to obtain leaner designs

• Using Zinc-Nickel as a cadmium replacement

• How EVs and by-wire technologies are going to change automotive fasteners




Support from Star Stainless, FTI’s 2024 Trade Show Sponsor, and Würth Industry North America, FTI’s 2024 Sustaining Sponsor, help provide this quality fastener education opportunity.


About the Speaker

Laurence Claus

Director of Education and Training, Industrial Fasteners Institute

Laurence has over 25 years of experience in the fastener industry. Most of those years he worked with a leading automotive fastener manufacturer, holding roles of Application Engineer, Director of Engineering and Quality, Director of New Business Development, General Manager, and Vice President of Technology and Engineering. He is a degreed Mechanical Engineer with a broad knowledge of fasteners and special experience in materials, thread forming screws, and automated assembly of small parts. He has participated for many years in technical standards activity with the IFI, SAE, ISO, ASME, ASTM, and NASC. He is knowledgeable in the manufacture and use or automotive, industrial, and aerospace fasteners. Laurence is a certified Six Sigma Black belt. Most recently he formed NNi Training and Consulting, Inc., a consultancy company serving fastener manufacturers, distributors, and automotive suppliers.


  About the Fastener Training Institute (FTI)

The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) provides fastener product and technical training, with the goal of enhancing fastener use, reliability and safety. The organization’s objective is to elevate the level of technical understanding and the expertise of individuals in the fastener industry, worldwide. For the latest information on FTI’s live training courses, digital training opportunities, online webinars and exclusive deals, sign up for their mailing list here and follow FTI on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

History: FTI started in the early 1970s as part of Los Angeles Fastener Association (LAFA). The founding organizers realized that individually, no one had the capacity to train new employees but collectively, they could offer solid education. So began the first basic industry training classes. In 2014, FTI became a standalone, registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit – and transitioned from a regional association to a national and international training platform.

You can purchase a Conference ticket by registering for an Attendee All-Access badge. Click here to register.

Yes, as long as there are seats available, you can upgrade your badge to include the Conference by filling out this form or by contacting customer service.

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free: 877-271-6789 | Local: 203-840-5652

Your All-Access badge includes:

  • Access to both Conference classes on May 21 and May 22

  • Complimentary lunch on May 21 and May 22

  • Access to the Fastener Fair USA Exhibit Hall on May 22 and May 23

  • Ticket to the Opening Night Networking Party at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on May 22 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. 

  • Access to Learning Theater sessions on the Show Floor stage

Your ticket to the Opening Night Networking Party includes:

  • Complimentary food & beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) plus live music!

  • Private touring opportunity to explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibits (open from 6:00pm – 9:00pm)

  • 10% off the Museum Gift Shop (open from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

The All-Access badge is $600 per attendee and provides the best overall value and experience.

The first class begins at 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 21 – the day before the Fastener Fair USA Exhibit Hall opens

The second class begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, May 22 – the first day of the Show. The class will end by 11:00 am, allowing you to have ample time to explore the Show Floor until the Exhibit Hall closes at 5:00 pm.

The Fastener Fair Conference will be held at the Huntington Convention Center, where the Fastener Fair USA tradeshow takes place. 

Stay tuned for official classroom locations.

Anyone interested in learning more about fasteners will find value in attending the Fastener Fair Conference! The classes are curated to provide insights for a variety of professionals including…

  • Sales

  • Engineering

  • Quality Assurance

  • Sourcing & Quoting

  • Purchasing

  • Marketing

  • Management