Toolfest Celebrates 17 Years as Ottawa’s Biggest and Best Tool Show
On August 24 and 25, 2011, Preston Hardware celebrated the 17th Anniversary of
Toolfest: Ottawa’s biggest and best tool show. To commemorate this considerable
achievement, this article looks at how Toolfest has evolved over the years.
When Toolfest began in 1994, it started as an idea, a way to do something different and keep a stride in front of the competitors. As a hardware store, Preston has always wanted to be unique and known as a trendsetter.
For co-owner and President, Mario Giannetti, it was about more than a spectacular event and showcasing tools – it was a way to tap into the growing industrial market. “We wanted to commence our program for industrial sales. Toolfest showed that we could cater to the industrial client,” says Giannetti. “We wanted to launch ourselves past the perception of being a ‘mom and pop’ and be the destination store for industrial clients.”
Toolfest has grown significantly over the years but many of the traditions from Toolfest ’94 remain the same. There has always been an element of food at Toolfest, including the
delicious lunch and vendor dinner. On each day of Toolfest there is a delicious spread so
that buyers can come in on their lunch break, have a bite to eat, shop, and then go back
to work. On the first evening after Toolfest begins, Preston holds a special dinner to
acknowledge their vendor partners. “I was in their shoes as a salesperson. It’s important
to give them credit – to say a special thank you for giving us their time,” says Giannetti.
In 1994, there were approximately fifteen vendors in the back of the warehouse under a large 50’ X 100’ party tent at 248 Preston Street. In the early days, Toolfest was a oneday event. As the years went on and Toolfest became more and more popular, it became
increasingly difficult to have a large event on the premises at 248 Preston Street. The
management team, under the three co-owners’ leadership, made the decision to move
the event to Sala San Marco across the street from Preston Hardware. This move allowed
for the necessary expansion but still kept the intimate concept that Toolfest originally
embodied.
This year marked the biggest Toolfest to date with 38 vendors and more special events, including two special invite-only VIP breakfasts. There was also a North Safety fall prevention seminar which was put on free for participants. This year’s Toolfest featured many new faces, a seamless execution, and very ecstatic vendors. As the dust settles from Toolfest 2011 and we get ready to celebrate it’s 18th year, there is excitement in the air. With the growing popularity of this Ottawa event, there is speculation that the event may move to a larger venue. Giannetti is welcome to growth but says, “We like the way it feels now, it’s intimate and amicable. Buyers and vendors can speak. I like the closeness.”
While the finite details remain to be planned for 2012, one thing is for sure: Toolfest will continue to grow as a can’t miss event that is rich with tradition and open to the public as Ottawa’s biggest and best tool show.