The Frame Building Expo took place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee, from January 18-20. Although before the show opened the pandemic had many questions hanging in the air, more than 120 exhibitors greeted attendees over the course of the three-day event. Exhibitors offered everything from cupolas to FootingPad foundation plates, metalworking equipment to fasteners. Whatever component or detail builders were on the hunt for, there’s a good chance they found it in Nashville.
It was a pleasure seeing familiar faces of representatives from suppliers and manufacturers you’ve come to know and trust: DripStop, MWI Components, Plyco Corp., Direct Metals and so many more.
There were new companies, too. We met up with the founders of Wildcat, LLC, a new fastener company. Co-founder Lane Morrison said they hand-assembled 500 (really cool) sample boxes to prepare for the show. It was worth it; the new entrepreneurs came away with a lot of new business connections and a lot of ideas.
Metal Wholesale LLC is another new company that exhibited at the Expo. The company supplies lumberyards throughout the Midwest with fasteners, accessories, sealants, ridge vents, pipe flashings, trims and panels.
In speaking with exhibitors, many had the same concerns about the upcoming year in the construction industry: supply chain issues, labor shortages, and rising costs — all of which push the importance of providing outstanding customer service to an even higher level.
At the end of the show it was obvious exhibitors were ready to pack it in. Though exhausted, they appeared pleased and satisfied that showing up and taking the gamble paid off.
The next Frame Building Expo is scheduled for February 22-24, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. (See more Exhibitors’ Pics from the FBE BELOW.) GSCB