Optimas Heads to IFE 2026 as Lead Tech Sponsor of the Inaugural IFAS

Optimas Solutions is heading to Phoenix for the 2026 International Fastener Expo (IFE), on October 7–9 at the Phoenix Convention Center.  

As the exclusive Lead Tech Sponsor of the inaugural International Fastener & Assembly Summit (IFAS), the show’s thought leadership conference, Optimas will help advance important conversations about the future of fasteners, manufacturing and supply chain performance. 

IFE attendees can also meet the Optimas team at Booth 2249 to explore how an integrated approach to fastener development, acquisition and management can help reduce risk and improve operational performance. 

Thought Leadership  

Throughout the IFE, Optimas leaders will share practical perspectives on building resilient supply chains, strengthening production ecosystems and making more informed fastener acquisition decisions.  

1) Global Supply Chain Resilience: Building the Next-Generation Production Ecosystem 
Wednesday, October 7
9:30–10:15 a.m.
Room 101 A
IFAS Track 1: Strategic Program 

Global manufacturing and assembly operations continue to navigate geopolitical volatility, changing trade policies, regionalization and capacity constraints. These challenges are prompting OEMs and suppliers to reconsider traditional supply chain models and create production ecosystems that better balance cost, risk, speed and reliability. 

Mark Korba, Chief Operating Officer at Optimas Solutions, will moderate a panel featuring leaders from market intelligence, industry, and consulting: 

• Luke Gilliland, Senior Manager, Business Development, DACIS/InfoBase Publishers Inc. 

• Danielle Riggs, Vice President, Compliance and Logistics, Würth Industry USA 

• Amish Thakker, Partner and Managing Director, AlixPartners 

The discussion will examine how organizations are responding to supply chain fragility through stronger visibility, regional sourcing strategies, network redesign and operational transformation. 

Panelists will bring complementary perspectives to the conversation. Luke Gilliland will discuss how geopolitical risks and defense supply chain priorities are influencing sourcing decisions. Amish Thakker will provide insights into network redesign and operational transformation, while Danielle Riggs will offer expertise in global trade, logistics and compliance. 

Guided by Mark Korba’s experience supporting manufacturing and supply chain organizations, the session will give attendees actionable considerations for managing risk, increasing flexibility and creating future-ready production ecosystems. 

2) Fasteners in Focus: Decisions That Shape Risk, Cost and Performance 

Lunch and Executive Roundtable Discussion
Wednesday, October 7
12:45–1:45 p.m.
Room 106 

Fasteners represent a small portion of a finished product’s overall cost. However, acquisition decisions can have a significant effect on production continuity, quality and operational performance. 

Paul Przyby, Senior Vice President of Sales at Optimas Solutions, will lead the executive roundtable: Fasteners in Focus: Decisions That Shape Acquisition Risk, Cost and Performance 

The discussion will focus on the decisions manufacturers make when evaluating their fastener supply strategies and supplier relationships. Participants will consider how sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, engineering, quality and inventory management work together to affect parts availability, total cost of ownership and product performance. 

 The Optimas team will be available to discuss how combining manufacturing and distribution with engineering, quality and technology-enabled inventory management can help industrial producers: 

• Minimize supply chain risk 

• Improve material availability 

• Optimize inventory 

• Enhance part quality and performance 

• Support production continuity 

• Create greater visibility across the fastener supply chain 

Optimas integrates fastener manufacturing and distribution to provide greater inventory certainty, consistent quality and a lower total cost of ownership. 

Whether the priority is reducing sourcing complexity, improving component performance or strengthening supply chain resilience, attendees can connect with Optimas experts to discuss a fastener strategy aligned with their operational requirements. 

Follow Optimas on LinkedIn for event updates, insights and highlights from Phoenix.