come grand ole time

Come Have a Grand Ole Time!

Celebrate AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition

It’s a big anniversary for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA): the 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition! To be held in Nashville, Tennessee,  “A Grand Ole Opportunity: AFSA in Nashville,” will be housed in the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center September 14-17. This year’s event promises a record-breaking 66.5 hours of technical and managerial seminars offering CEU/CPD credits, entertaining social events, an exciting apprentice competition, and a fascinating exhibit hall!

Bigger and Better

Due to an increase in attendance over the years at the AFSA Annual Convention, there is a need to increase the group room block at the 2016 headquarter hotel. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, will remain the official AFSA headquarter hotel for the 2016 Convention but was unable to provide more rooms during the original dates that were booked years ago. Therefore, we are moving the dates up slightly to accommodate the increase in AFSA convention attendance. Note that this year’s convention dates have changed to September 14-17 to accommodate the increased room block AFSA needed to guarantee due to overwhelming interest in this year’s event.

This year’s convention offers three days packed with seminars, exhibits, social events, and networking. As host to the industry’s largest and most comprehensive exposition featuring companies from across the globe, the AFSA exhibition is a proven opportunity for people to connect with great prospects as well as grow and cultivate their existing networks. The unopposed exhibit hours allow attendees and exhibitors to visit without interruption, and the second day of exhibits also features the finals of AFSA’s 23rd National Apprentice Competition. Other highlights include the evening parties and social events, as well as a chance to relax with friends during the networking meals – three breakfasts and three lunches – hosted for attendees who are fully registered in AFSA’s room block at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Gold and platinum records decorate the Country Music Hall of Fame, the setting for AFSA’s Awards Night Party. Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.
Gold and platinum records decorate the Country Music Hall of Fame, the setting for AFSA’s Awards Night Party. Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.

The final night Awards Party will be at the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville, complete with a Johnny Cash impersonator. The museum, called the “Smithsonian of Country Music” because of its unrivaled collection, recently unveiled a $100 million expansion, doubling its size to 350,000 ft2 of dynamic state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, education classrooms, retail stores, and special event space boasting stunning downtown views.

Tours include the Belle Meade Plantation, a beautiful Greek-Revival mansion commissioned by John Harding in 1845; an “Iron Chef”-style Cooking Competition and tasting; a Clay Shooting Competition; and Wine & Whiskey Distillery Tour.

Convention Headquarter Hotel

Experience the finest in Southern hospitality at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This premier Opryland hotel offers guests an unforgettable getaway with all the excitement and energy of Music City under one spectacular roof. Located only 10 minutes from the airport and featuring an extraordinary selection of dining, shopping, recreational activities and entertainment, there’s never a shortage of things to do at this resort. After unwinding at Relâche Spa & Salon, make a splash at the indoor or outdoor pool, hit the gym at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or explore nine acres of lush, indoor gardens and cascading waterfalls. Following a day of Nashville fun, return to deluxe accommodations with modern amenities including complimentary in-room Internet.

AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a “grand ole opportunity” for education, training and fun!
AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a “grand ole opportunity” for education, training and fun!

This premier resort also impresses with its Gaylord Springs Golf Links, home to the AFSA Convention Golf Tournament.  Gaylord Springs Golf Links has consistently been recognized among GolfWeek’s best courses to play in Tennessee. Carved from the banks of the meandering Cumberland River, the Scottish links-style, par-72 layout offers 18 holes bordered by limestone bluffs and wetlands. With challenges around every fairway bend, Gaylord Springs forces players to think and react, creating a satisfying finish every time a flag is pulled from the cup.

To be sure you get the benefits of booking in the official AFSA room block, be sure to book directly through AFSA’s convention webpage (firesprinkler.org/convention) or through the helpful and friendly booking agents at 615-889-1000. Be sure to let the booking agent know you want the AFSA Group Rate of $210 (outside view) or $235 (atrium view) plus tax inclusive of resort fee. In addition, request a room closest to the convention center when making your reservation!

AFSA encourages convention attendees to sign up for a Marriott Elite Rewards account if they do not already have one. The advantage to being a Marriott Elite Rewards member at the Gaylord Opryland is that members are eligible to check-in at the Magnolia Desk which is the most convenient location if requesting a room near the convention center. The hotel reservation deadline is Friday, August 12, 2016. After this date, AFSA attendees will not be guaranteed the group rate.

For more information on AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Nashville, visit firesprinkler.org/convention.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t let your reservations be hijacked! In the past, several AFSA members have received calls from hotel reservation companies claiming to be representing AFSA and its convention. AFSA does not have any housing companies associated with its 2016 Convention & Exhibition. Reservations made at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center through a reservation company, such as Global Housing or Exhibitor Services, do not qualify for AFSA networking meals. While hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

EDITOR’S NOTE: More details on AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition will be forthcoming at firesprinkler.org/convention and brochures will be arriving soon in your mailbox!


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