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The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association is taking a road trip to the Valley of the Sun for its 2025 convention. Phoenix is a destination that is evolving, rising, and creating deeper, richer travel experiences.
The fifth largest city in the U.S., it is home to the largest municipal park in the United States and offers a diverse culinary scene including Sonoran hot dogs, chimichangas, and fry bread, which reflect the city’s Mexican American culture.
Whether distributors, manufacturers, reps, newcomers or well-established leaders, attendees of the 49th annual STAFDA Convention and Trade Show at the Phoenix Convention Center will be able to set their own agenda to meet their individual goals by participating in the various programs being offered November 9-11.
All STAFDA Convention and Trade Show events and activities are included in the registration fee. Badges serve as a ticket to everything. Find more Phoenix Convention and Trade Show details on stafda. org under the Conventions tab (click on Phoenix Details button).
STAFDA has blocks of rooms available at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. STAFDA-specific reservation links can be found in the members-only section of stafda.org.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Four concurrent workshops will kick off the learning experience at STAFDA’s 49th Annual Convention and Trade Show. Breakfast will be served outside the meeting rooms from 8 to 8:30 a.m. The four programs run concurrently from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and then repeat again from 10:30 a.m. to noon, allowing attendees to participate in the two that interest them the most. They are:
- The Self-Empowerment Cycle, Dirk Beveridge
- Value-Added Selling with CoachVAS.ai, Paul Reilly
- How to Be an Influencer in Any Market, Mike Staver
- Finding Your Why: Creating a Compelling Brand Story, Steve Yastrow
The NextGen Luncheon and Panel will be held from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
It is designed for attendees under 35 years old to learn more about current industry changes and the benefits for working in the construction/industrial channel.
Also, Sunday afternoon, this year’s Women in Distribution session will be held at nearby Greenwood Brewing, led by founder and owner Megan Greenwood at the brewery’s outdoor beer garden from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
From 1:30 to 3 p.m., 12-time New York Times bestselling author Don Yaeger will host the Emerging Leaders Forum: The Art of Storytelling.
ROAD TRIP ON ROUTE 66
On Sunday evening, November 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., STAFDA will take things to the open road with the STAFDA Route 66 Opening Party at The Square PHX, which is in walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center and host hotels.
SB Band will play a mix of current and country favorites, along with Southern and classic rock. In addition, a variety of food trucks will be dishing up everything from tacos and quesadillas to BBQ to fry bread and Navajo burritos.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10
On Monday, November 10, the General Session from 9 to 11 a.m. will feature 2025 STAFDA President Dale Hahs II of AIS Industrial & Construction Supply, sharing his company story as well as industry updates and news in his state of the industry address. In addition, Pasquale Scaturro will take attendees on a hair-raising adventure down the Nile River as the General Session keynote speaker.
The Trade Show will be open Monday afternoon from Noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Power Aisle will also be open during show hours on both days.
Attendees will gather again, Monday evening for the STAFDA Reception at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s Phoenix Ballroom, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It serves as a chance to meet up for a quick beverage and appetizers before the manufacturer hospitality events begin.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Before the Trade Show opens at 9 a.m., attendees will want to be available to hear the annual Economic Update by economist Alex Chausovsky of the Bundy Group from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m.
After the Economic Update, the Trade Show will open again from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For spouses, the Spouse/Companion Tours will explore either the rock formations of Sedona, including a visit to the outdoor arts and crafts village Tlaquepaque from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or a tour of Old Town Scottsdale from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
During the Trade Show Tuesday there will be the PHX Favs Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sit with someone you don’t know and expand your personal network.
For more information, please contact Catherine Usher, Member Services Director, at 800-352-2981 or email cusher@stafda.org.
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2025 Direct Business Media
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The August/September 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, Forged in Friendship and Fasteners, Under the leadership of Terry Albrecht, Packer Fastener is built on people, not jut nuts and bolts in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Plan your trip to the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona with our convention planner.
Also in this issue are Industry Updates on Corded Electric Tools; Generators and Power Stations; and Saw Blades and Cutting Tools.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
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