Since, 2017, the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) has been welcoming select college and university students to become active participants in its Annual Convention & Trade Show. The students – upperclassmen with industrial distribution, supply chain, or related majors – are involved in the educational programs, a NextGen Panel, and a Speed Interviewing Session. Last year, the STAFDA Supply Chain Competition was introduced to the group as an added creative challenge.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) suggested the student competition in 2022 where the attending universities/colleges form teams to rescue a struggling hypothetical manufacturer from bankruptcy. The students had to put their education to the test by figuring out solutions to save the company in terms of distribution, operations, sales, financial, and other key business areas. The participating students had a great time competing with other teams from across the U.S. and sharing their experience with STAFDA members.

For 2023 – the competition has been kicked up a notch! UN-L has now connected STAFDA to Inchainge, an organization based in the Netherlands that offers this competition globally.

Students attending this year’s San Antonio Convention & Trade Show will focus on a “Working Capital” Management scenario. The top three teams from STAFDA/San Antonio will automatically qualify to participate in the Global Student Challenge!

There will be four rounds for students. The first two rounds will take place via Zoom/Teams meetings in mid-October. The first round will be a practice round where the results won’t count; the second round’s results will count; the third round will be held on Sunday morning, November 5, in San Antonio; and the fourth round will be held later in the afternoon of November 5. The winning teams will be announced at STAFDA’s General Session on Monday, Nov. 6.

The new global competition is expected to bring additional recognition and accolades to the student teams and STAFDA.

For more information or photos, please contact Catherine Usher, member services director, at 262-784-4774 or cusher@stafda.org.