Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Packed Exhibition Complements Seminars, Social Events
The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 2015 convention, AFSA in Phoenix: Rising to Excellence, provides numerous ways to grow your business: 55 hours of educational seminars, many networking opportunities, and a sold-out exhibit hall. Offering the latest products and services available to the fire sprinkler industry, the 2015 exhibition features 109 companies in 142 booths! Be sure to join us October 10-13 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa to expand your knowledge, your contacts and your business!
AFSA has the largest fire sprinkler exhibition in the United States and continues to grow. Companies from all around the country and beyond will exhibit innovative products and services in the industry. These exhibiting companies are those you have known and many more companies new to the industry.
Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Chairman’s Reception on Monday, October 12 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall afternoon Tuesday, October 13 from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
The Chairman’s Reception is the most anticipated event at AFSA’s annual convention. AFSA Chairman of the Board Joe Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, Kansas, will host the reception and will offer the first look at this year’s exhibits. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served as you visit with manufacturers and suppliers.
The next afternoon, the hall will open once again to attendees. The National Apprentice Competition sprinkler installation practical test will take place in the hall during this time and convention goers will be able to watch as the top seven apprentices cut, thread and install a steel and plastic pipe system with sprinklers. Judges will perform a pressure test on each system and calculate points earned in this phase of the competition. You will have the opportunity to watch this competition to the end and decide for yourself who you think the judges will deem most successful.
The apprentice competition winner will be announced that night at the Desert Cookout Adventure & Awards Party in the Sonoran Desert. We will circle the wagons and light our campfires smack dab in the middle of the desert, only a short trail blaze from the comfort of the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Red lanterns will illuminate this desert camp, where waiters, gussied up in western attire, will prepare delicious smoked barbecue. Afterward, there will be dancing to a live band, a quick draw stand-off, steer roping, bull riding and lots of other Western fun!
More Networking
AFSA conventions always offer outstanding networking opportunities – the exhibit hall, social events and the golf tournament are all options. In addition, for contractors and exhibitors staying at the convention headquarter hotel three hot breakfasts and three hot lunches are provided. Contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers can gather together to share ideas and share information on products while enjoying a great meal together. This meal offer is valid for one breakfast and one lunch per night reserved at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in the AFSA group block.
Another way to stay in touch with suppliers is the convention exhibitor showcase, featured in the convention issue of Sprinkler Age. In addition to its regular mail out, this issue is handed out as a bonus distribution at convention and offers a hard-copy resource to the 2015 exhibitors. And, live now on AFSA’s convention webpage firesprinkler.org/convention, is the online exhibitor showcase for pre- and post-convention viewing. Expanding your business with these products and services is easier than ever with all that AFSA has to offer!
Don’t Delay; Book Your Stay!
Be sure to book your room now to get AFSA’s special room rate of $234 per night plus tax. Guests are encouraged to make reservations early to get their preferred room type. The registration cut-off date for guaranteed rooms at the AFSA rate at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is September 4, 2015. Group rates are available from October 7-16, 2015. For room reservations, visit firesprinkler.org/convention/travel or call 480-293-5000 and ask for the AFSA group rate.
All of this year’s seminars, exhibits, networking meals, the opening general session, golf tournament, and transportation to off-site tours and parties will be held within the resort’s conference complex, just steps away from AFSA’s official room block. Guest rooms feature private balconies or patios with dramatic desert vistas, mountain views, and tech-friendly amenities. Enjoy high-speed Internet, refrigerator, cordless phone and coffee maker in your room and complimentary daily use of the resort’s fitness center. This hotel has a smoke-free policy, although smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas. AFSA has a great show planned for Phoenix so don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business! To register or plan your hotel and travel arrangements, visit firesprinkler.org/convention.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For companies who would like to get in on the excitement, there is limited exhibit space in the pre-function area of the hall. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact AFSA’s Director of Education & Meetings Marlene Garrett as soon as possible via phone (214) 349-5965 ext. 118 or email mgarrett@firesprinkler.org to discuss availability.
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 2015 Convention & Exhibition. Reservations made at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa 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.
