Celebrate 50 Years of STAFDA
Plan now to join the party! The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) will be celebrating its 50th Annual Convention & Trade Show, November 15-17, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
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Since its creation by 18 independent distributors in 1976, STAFDA has become the association for small to mid-size distributors, world-class manufacturers, and independent rep agents to build their businesses, strengthen relationships, and, of course, demo the latest in professional building equipment, tools, and hardware.
As it gears up to strengthen its membership for the next 50 years, STAFDA is reimagining its convention format to build exhibitor participation, extend customizable educational opportunities, and satisfy the needs of time-crunched attendees – all while maintaining STAFDA’s tradition of outstanding events!
Put on your platform shoes, bust out the Aqua Net, and get ready to hit the dance floor for STAFDA’s Retro Disco Opening Party on Sunday, November 15. Whether your jam is the Bee Gees’ “You Should be Dancing,” “Play that Funky Music” by Wild Cherry, or if you want a little “Silly Love Song” by Wings, STAFDA’s going to be spinning all the hits of the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and spanning all five decades. Contests for best disco threads, biggest hair, and other far out categories will get attendees into the groove.
A new wave of updates to the agenda are in the mix. Rather than the traditional late June registration opening, exhibitors can expect to select their own booth spaces at registration beginning in April. (Distributors and reps will be able to register later in spring.) Host hotels will also be opening their attendee reservations links then as well.
Additional highlights include: a streamlined General Session; 30-minute educational workshops held concurrently on the Trade Show floor; complimentary food available throughout exhibition hours in the hall; new badge-inclusive exhibitor packages; expanded sponsorship selections; and a Tuesday afternoon Closing Session & Economic Update with Alex Chausovsky followed by a cocktail reception.
Visit www.stafda.org for frequent updates, a complete agenda, and registration details.
STAFDA Attends World of Concrete 2026
Matt Kitchens, STAFDA president, and Erika Scherman, STAFDA vice president, walked the recent World of Concrete 2026 show in Las Vegas, January 21-24.
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| Among the innovations seen by STAFDA leadership at World of Concrete 2026 was the world's first downward drilling, fleet-capable robot designed by DEWALT and August Robotics. |
About 200 manufacturer members were among the exhibitors at the show. The two members of STAFDA’s leadership board attempted to visit as many as possible.
One of the first stops was the Diablo booth where CEO Russell Kohl had one of his team members demo the latest blade technology.
The duo also visited Martinez Tools, part of Hultafors North America, where Chris Simones discussed the company’s striking and hand tool line.
Outside of new tools, one of the boldest innovations unveiled at the DEWALT booth was its collaboration with August Robotics with the introduction of the world’s first downward drilling, fleet-capable robot. Designed to drill holes during data center construction. Paul Brenneman explained the robot’s capabilities and benefits to the visiting STAFDA team.
Though the robots will be leased to contractors via August Robotics, distributors will find benefit in the consumables associated with the use of the new units. Vacuum bags, drill bits and anchors will be on high demand from contractors using the devices.
Scherman took Georgia Foley, interim STAFDA CEO and executive director of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association to visit the Bosch Power Tools booth. Over two dozen new products were introduced by Bosch. Scherman and Foley were able to meet with two of the company’s new leadership duo, Blair Haskins and John Paul Marcantonio.
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| STAFDA leaders visited the Bosch Power Tools booth to examine the latest innovations being offered by the company. |
As in the past, STAFDA held a reception at the Hard Rock Café on the Strip for members, boards members and the new management team from Frontline to engage.
For more information on these programs and STAFDA membership, please contact Catherine Usher, member services director, at (800) 352-2981 or email cusher@stafda.org.
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2026 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2026 Direct Business Media.
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