Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA42 Offers 64 Technical and Managerial Seminars
This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) heads to Orlando, Florida to show the Sunshine State North America’s largest fire sprinkler exhibition at AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, to be held September 6-9, 2023. Learn and earn everything you need while taking in the fun Floridian sun! AFSA offers the best education, with industry subject matter experts (SMEs), providing you with CEUs, CPDs, Contact Hours, and Florida-Approved credits with over 81 hours of training across 64 seminars. To make things better, the seven seminar tracks return, making it easy to quickly find what you need, when you need it.
“Join us in Orlando this fall and ignite your passion for the fire sprinkler industry,” comments Marlene Garrett, CMP, AFSA’s vice president of meetings & education services. “Connect with experts, learn from the best, and elevate your company to new heights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to light the spark that will fuel your success.”
Wondering which track is best? Customize your seminar slate by browsing the tracks below. Sample seminars accompany each track description. Don’t feel stationary to one track; mix and match to customize the learning experience desired at convention. This year’s highlights include the ever-popular “Ask the Experts” interactive seminar featuring a Q&A with the best in the fire sprinkler industry. AFSA42 offers the education you want and need to maintain your certifications and licenses.
INSTALL/DESIGN TRACK
The Install/Design track focuses on the design and installation of water-based fire protection systems. Seminar topics include design approaches for high-rise standpipe systems; smart fire pump systems; special sprinklers; updates to various standards including NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems, and NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.
Seminars in this track include “NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2025 Edition” by Kevin Hall, M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE; AFSA. The 2025 edition of NFPA 13 is currently up for revision and this seminar will review the changes that resulted from the first and second draft meetings. This seminar will specifically discuss revisions that were made by the installation and discharge committees of NFPA 13.
INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE (ITM) TRACK
AFSA’s ITM track provides information for water-based inspectors and focuses on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and NFPA 915, Standard for Remote Inspections. It includes a seminar based on the world’s largest ITM database, a seminar on private service mains testing, and more.
One seminar being offered in this track is “NFPA 25: An Interactive Evaluation of I&T Results” by Terry Victor, SET; Johnson Controls Fire Protection. NFPA 25 includes requirements for inspecting and testing systems and components, but many inspectors aren’t sure how to record and report what they’ve observed or tested. In this session, attendees will hear about new examples of inspection and test results and findings and view pictures of systems and components illustrating many of the gray areas of NFPA 25. Attendees will also be able to offer their opinions on the systems/components and share their examples of uncertainty regarding NFPA 25.
“OTHER” TECHNICAL TRACK
This track includes seminars on other technical topics of interest to those in the fire protection industry: fire science and suppression, fire losses and their impact on code, participating in the standards development process, special hazards, fire alarm systems, and proposed standard NFPA 200, Standard for Hanging and Bracing of Fire Suppression Systems.
In this track, join Steven Scandaliato, SGC, LLC, for a seminar on “Special Hazards & Foam: A Pragmatic Approach to NFPA 11.” There are significant issues with using AFFF, including a ban on foams that contain fluorine. As a result, several new products such as fluorine-free foam concentrates and technologies such as self-expanding firefighting foam have entered the market, and with them, new rules, design methods, and system costs. This seminar is based on NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, with emphasis on foam in traditional and special hazards fire protection. Information will be presented on the advantages and disadvantages for each, giving the contractor a clear understanding of what best fits the hazards and project restraints.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRACK
This track is intended for management staff and offers seminars on field supervisory training, adapting to the labor shortage, communication, design management, fostering employee engagement, construction contracts, and more.
“Lessons Learned to Reduce Your Liability Risks” by William Koffel, Koffel Associates, will be offered within this track. Based upon actual legal cases, this presentation will identify ways to minimize the likelihood of being included in a lawsuit. If identified as a defendant, the presentation will identify actions to implement to help defend any claims. Lastly, the seminar will identify mistakes others have made and how it impacted the outcome of the legal proceeding. Participation in the course should help to reduce the likelihood of being named a defendant and limit liability if named as a defendant.
NEXTGEN TRACK
AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative (NextGen) will sponsor several AFSA42 seminars covering topics such as recruiting, maintaining motivation, and developing connections through various forms of social media. NextGen welcomes everyone with an interest in the next generation of fire protection professionals, regardless of age. For more information on AFSA’s NextGen, visit www.firesprinkler.org/nextgen or stop by the AFSA booth at AFSA42 to speak with NextGen members.
This year, NextGen will present “Where is Your Story?” by Lauren Rice, ServiceTrade. Ticktocked, snapped, linked, faced, tubed, and tweeted—there are more ways to tell your story than ever before. Instead of dismissing the idea of sharing the story of your brand through these channels as folly, learn from companies like yours that are using them to attract new employees and prospective customers. Rice will guide a study of what works in social media for the fire protection industry and teach you how to turn your daily work into a content engine to drive positive interaction with the people you most want to engage.
AHJ TRACK
AFSA42 welcomes Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for a full day on September 9. In the morning, seminars are offered on a variety of topics including working with the media, customer communications, and a free plan review. In the afternoon, AHJs are invited to tour the exhibition hall free-of-charge to view the latest products and services for the sprinkler industry and to watch the National Apprentice Competition.
Keith Heckler with the National Fire Academy will present “Plan Review”— a seminar for AHJs taught by an AHJ at AFSA42. It will cover the necessary information for an NFPA 13 sprinkler shop drawing submittal so a formal review can be commenced. Expect to learn why the plan information is more than data presented on a design and installation document. Each subject line will be discussed in order to explain the rationale for the requirement and its long-term benefit to the building owner, sprinkler contractor, community, ITM service providers, future fire inspectors of the building, and fire investigators.
SIGNIA BY HILTON ORLANDO BONNET CREEK HOSTS AFSA
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a newly renovated resort offering an elevated experience for AFSA42 attendees. From a brand new lobby to elevated guest rooms, signature dining and innovative meetings, guests can enjoy memorable family and business experiences and best-in-class travel in iconic Orlando.
The resort offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, Waldorf Astoria Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the top-rated Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, FunZone arcade, and a lagoon-style pool complete with private cabanas and a waterslide!
AFSA42 guests should ensure they are fully registered in AFSA’s room block at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek—this grants access to the ever-popular networking meals. Enjoy breakfast and lunch with fellow industry professionals during each full day of the convention—make new connections and revive old ones while you enjoy a delicious meal!
The AFSA group rate for Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is $199 per night plus tax and includes complimentary internet in guest rooms. Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at www.firesprinkler.org/book. Group rates are available for stays from September 2-12, 2023, but reservations must be made by Friday, August 4, 2023, to secure AFSA convention group rates. After August 4, room rates are based on availability.
HOTEL RESERVATION & ATTENDEE LIST ALERT
AFSA is made aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendor or attendee list distributor. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHR), Global Housing, and National Travel Associates. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show. Entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations, no free networking meals, no complimentary internet access, or a mailing list. Please note attendee lists are distributed onsite. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, book directly with the hotel by phone or using the link found on AFSA’s convention website, www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA42.
MAGIC AND ILLUSIONS
AFSA42 attendees should prepare to be dazzled with this year’s theme of “Magic and Illusions”! As if being at the steps of theme parks, nationally recognized attractions, and water parks isn’t magical enough, AFSA will cast a spell on attendees with an enchanting schedule.
Convention gears up with an opening party on Wednesday, September 6, to be held at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™—Hogsmeade™. Enjoy an exclusive dinner held at Universal CityWalk™, explore Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom, Pat O’ Brien’s® Orlando, and CityWalk’s Rising Star™, then head to Hogsmeade Village for exclusive AFSA-only access to attractions!
Several other social events are planned between seminars and exhibition hall hours, including the Exhibition Grand Opening featuring delicious appetizers and cocktails on Friday, September 8, and a thrilling “Magic and Illusions” Awards Party on Saturday, September 9. Held at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, guests will enjoy dinner, drinks, illusions, magic tricks, and the crowning of the 30th Annual National Apprentice Competition’s top apprentice.
AFSA42 SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES
AFSA42 is expected to attract over 600 decision-makers from all corners of the country, many of whom are looking for innovative products and services to help make their companies more competitive. AFSA has sponsorships to fit every budget. AFSA42 sponsors enjoy visibility, recognition, and access to convention attendees. Benefits are provided throughout the convention with online exposure, increased visibility, and face-to-face opportunities. AFSA offers several “a-la-carte” options for companies, including pre-event email press releases, pre-event sponsored blog posts, convention app rotating banner ads, and networking meal tables.
There is still time to secure a booth in the exhibition hall! Benefits abound for exhibitors, including unopposed exhibit hours, the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception, and free passes for the second day of exhibits. For more details on sponsoring or exhibiting, visit www.firesprinkler.org/sponsorship or contact Marlene Garrett via email at mgarrett@firesprinkler.org or phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 118.
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS
If you aren’t currently an AFSA member, there isn’t a better time to join than now. With two new categories added to AFSA membership, A&E Design Firms and Facility Managers, there’s a seat for everyone at the table. Membership provides a range of benefits and services to support you, your employees, your business, and the industry. Further, membership provides the opportunity to learn about AFSA and its multitude of benefits. One of those benefits is the ability to register for AFSA42 at membership price levels! For more information on AFSA membership, visit www.firesprinkler.org/join-afsa.
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
AFSA42 brochures will be mailed soon, and a copy will also be available for download at www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA42. Early-bird registration opens June 1, 2023, offering the most discounts on registration prices. The regular registration period is June 24-August 4, and late registration will be held August 5-September 5. After that date, all registrations must be done onsite. Stay up to date with the latest from AFSA and AFSA42, including news, deals, discounts, and offerings. Get real-time updates on the association’s official happenings sent to your desktop or wireless device by subscribing to or “following” AFSA social media, and using our official hashtag #AFSA42.
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• YouTube: youtube.com/user/AmerFireSprinkAssn
Bring your sunglasses because the future is bright with AFSA in Orlando this year! We’re bringing the magic with North America’s largest fire sprinkler exhibition, the National Apprentice Competition (NAC)’s 30th anniversary, and unmatched educational and networking opportunities. AFSA42 will assuredly be spellbinding!
