Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Numerous Opportunities to Get Involved in Phoenix
One of the major draws to the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) annual convention is education: this year over 55 hours of technical and managerial training are offered. Woven around the seminars, exhibition and National Apprentice Competition are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonders of Phoenix and its surrounding desert. Several exciting tours, a golf tournament at an award-winning golf club, and a side-by-side residential sprinkler burn demonstration are sure to excite all your senses! And to help plan your experience, AFSA has developed a mobile app that will guide you. So what are you waiting for? This is your last chance to register online for the 34th Annual Convention & Exhibition, AFSA in Phoenix: Rising to Excellence, to be held October 10-13!
AFSA Goes Mobile!
AFSA’s conven- tion has gone mobile using Guidebook. We strongly encourage you to download the mobile guide to enhance your experience at this year’s convention. You’ll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, maps and general show info. The app is compatible with iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches and Android devices. Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry users can access the same information via our mobile site at m.guideboook.com. To get the guide, download “Guidebook” from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace and create a user profile. From the Guidebook application, tap “Download Guides” then “Redeem Code.” Enter the code AFSA2015 and the guide will download to your device!
Live Burn Demonstration!
Just added, a side-by-side burn demonstration will be featured during AFSA’s convention on Tuesday, October 13 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This live demonstration will show the vast difference between fires in two identically equipped rooms: one with automatic sprinklers and one without sprinklers.
Take Time for Tours
AFSA has lined up three tours for your enjoyment: raft through the Rio Verde and Salt Rivers, tour the desert landscape via Jeep and cowboy guide, or sharpen your culinary skills. Each adventure is an experience you won’t soon forget!
River Float Tour
Raft through the desert! The Rio Verde and Salt River are very important sources of water to the valley and animal community in this area. Guests may see wild horses, bald eagles, a variety of fish, and river otters, surrounded by mountain peaks and giant cacti. A little paddling is required, but a guide will steer the boat and provide a fascinating lesson on Sonoran Desert geology, hydrology, flora, fauna, and human history. This tour will be held 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10.
Desert Jeep Tour
Experience the awesome beauty of the pristine Sonoran Desert with your cowboy guide. Guides will assist guests in exploring the canyons and ridges as they four-wheel the rugged trails through a forest of cactus and critters. Learn some of the secrets of the desert’s inhabitants, as guides demonstrate how the cavalry and the Native Americans used the abundant desert plants to survive. Don’t forget your camera; guests will witness some of the best panoramic views that Arizona has to offer during the nature hike. This tour will be held 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12.
Pasta Excellence Cooking Demonstration & Competition
Participants will whet their appetites with a carefully planned menu accompanied by a demonstration of the gourmet process. The chef begins with a culinary presentation on how to make authentic old-world pastas using traditional methods. Then participants get the chance to show off their skills in a team competition. This event includes lunch. This tour will take place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13.
Fairways and Putting Greens
If a tee time is more your style, AFSA offers up its popular golf tournament. To be held the afternoon of Saturday, October 10 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa’s Wildfire Golf Club. The club features two picturesque 18-hole courses designed by two of golf ’s greatest legends, Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo. The Palmer Signature offers scenic and expansive fairways allowing the ball to remain in play even on an errant shot. Surrounding this course are the majestic McDowell Mountains and century-old saguaro cacti. This tournament will be a four-person team scramble and will include longest drive and closest to the pin contests for both men and women.
NextGen Unite!
There are two opportunities for AFSA’s Next Generation members and those interested in joining the group to network at convention. (This group is for industry members 40 and under.)
Real Talk: Navigating the Generation Gap
Join panelists Rod DiBona, Randy Lane, Meaghen Moyer, Randy Stutzman,and Jennifer Wilkerson in this panel discussion on Sunday, October 11 at 8:00 a.m. To compete with aerospace, health care, and manufacturing for the same recruits, the construction industry must look internally to structure itself as an appealing sector interested in recruiting and developing the Next Generation of craft professionals. Millennials are looking for defined career paths and companies that provide a team atmosphere with mentors and coaches. Discussion will also include how to effectively engage and communicate with one another in the work place. (This seminar offers 0.2 CEUs.)
Isle of Capri Reception
Anyone 40 and under who is interested in being a member of the Next Generation group is welcome to attend the Next Generation reception at the Isle of Capri area at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on Sunday, October 11 at 5:30 p.m. This reception follows a very successful gathering in Orlando that kicked off the inception of the Next Generation group. Come out and meet your peers that are the future leaders of AFSA and of our industry!
Last Chance to Pre-Register
Online registration is open until October 2 for this year’s convention at firesprinkler.org/convention. After that date you must register onsite at higher rates. You can read details about and register to attend all convention-related events online.
