Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA38 Features Products and Services From Around the Globe
The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 38th Annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition (AFSA38) is pleased to offer the largest display of fire sprinkler products and services in the country! Come to the California coast and visit with the top fire sprinkler industry manufacturers and suppliers October 1-4 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. This year’s event will feature a packed exhibit hall and 39 technical and managerial seminars, the 26th Annual National Apprentice Competition, fun-filled optional tours, and entertaining social gatherings.
Exhibit Hall Excitement Visit with companies worldwide as AFSA38’s exhibition showcases innovative products and services for the fire sprinkler industry. Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Thursday, October 3 from 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall afternoon Friday, October 4 from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Exhibition Grand Opening Reception is the most anticipated event at AFSA’s annual convention. AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, California, 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 live competition to the end and decide for yourself who you think the judges will deem most successful.
Then join AFSA Friday night as we crown the apprentice competition champion with an exclusive party at SeaWorld San Diego—a night of fun that includes dinner, drinks, music, and rides! Jump in a jet-helicopter flight simulator over the breathtaking, perilous, icy landscapes of the Arctic Circle en route to Base Station Wild Arctic where you will meet penguins, walruses, and beluga whales. Jump on the tallest and fastest roller coaster in SeaWorld San Diego’s history, the Electric Eel, dropping from heights of 150 feet while getting boosted 60 mph forwards and backward through looping twists and an inverted heartline roll. This is one celebration you don’t want to miss!
Tour Time Adding to the excitement of AFSA38 are several optional tours. Something is offered for everyone: foodies, nature enthusiasts, beer aficionados, and sightseers will all enjoy the beauty of San Diego and the amazing things the city has to offer.
Brew It and They Will Come Offered October 1, this tour takes you to the cutting edge of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer culture. Personally guided by a well-known San Diego-based craft beer author, you will visit two award-winning breweries for a close-up look at the actual beer process. This walking excursion in downtown San Diego stops at Stone on Kettner, San Diego’s largest and most influential craft brewery, twice voted “The Best Brewery of All Time.” Guests will enjoy tasting flights of four beers from an ever-changing list of core beers, rare offerings, and special releases. Also on the tour will be Karl Strauss, San Diego County’s original microbrewery, producing classic styles based on the traditions of its first brewmaster, Karl Strauss from Munich. Enjoy a flight of four World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival award-winning beers. Along the way, you’ll see first hand why San Diego has become the craft beer capital of America.
La Jolla Via Electric Bike If you are looking for something fresh and exciting, then this electric bike tour on October 2 will be a fun experience riding through the La Jolla Beach scene. This tour is for those that are seeking a chilled-out ride showcasing coastal La Jolla and Pacific Beach at its best. You will begin with an orientation in the park, and when everyone is comfortable, you’ll head through the Birdrock neighborhoods of La Jolla. The La Jolla Bike Path will take you north, with gorgeous views of the ocean. As you head to the coast, you will make a stop to check out playful sea lions, dramatic sea caves, harbor seals, and tide pools. Along the way, your guide provides the inside scoop on La Jolla’s exclusive and luxurious neighborhoods. Then you’ll follow the coast down to WindanSea Beach, famous from early Beach Boys videos, where San Diego’s most elite surfers come to play.
Elegance Under Sail With 34 miles of scenic waterfront, catamaran sailing in San Diego has so much to offer with the rugged cliffs of Pt. Loma and its historic lighthouses, the beautiful skyline of downtown and charming Seaport Village, the Maritime Museum with one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, and the elegant Coronado Bridge. Enjoy peaceful time on the water and relax onboard the Adventuress, a gorgeous 60-ft sailing catamaran.
Cruising around the San Diego harbor, you will see sea lions, exotic birds, and a variety of marine life. Catamarans are extremely stable with dual hulls, offering speed, comfort, and fun—you won’t even know you’re on the water! On October 4, consider leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to explore a beautiful and dramatic stretch of California coastline.
Coronado Island Take a leisurely, guided stroll through this playground of presidents and princes on October 3. Beginning at one of the most stately mansions, you will see the home of John D. Spreckels, a wealthy man who founded a transportation and real estate empire in San Diego; the cottage of the Duchess of Windsor; the home where the Wizard of Oz was inspired; and the magnificent Hotel del Coronado. A living legend for 131 years, The “Del” celebrates its rich heritage as the proud host to iconic celebrities, royalty, and beach-loving families through timeless experiences that resonate with modern-day guests. You will pass the site of old Tent City and the castles and cottages that line one of the nation’s most beautiful beaches. Guests will experience a Hotel Del guided tour, bringing life to the resort’s rich heritage, local legends, and most notorious phantom Kate Morgan. The in-depth, docent-led walking tour includes the Victorian building and gardens and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. Following the tour guests will have some free time to enjoy Coronado at their leisure.
Headquarter Hotel AFSA38 will be headquartered at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego near downtown. A room block has also been reserved at the Embassy Suites downtown. Both hotels offer added benefits for convention attendees reserving within the AFSA room block including free networking meals and internet. The cut-off date for room reservations at both hotels is August 30, 2019. After this cut-off date, AFSA attendees are not guaranteed the discounted group rate.
Discover the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Southern California when you stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This convenient hotel near downtown San Diego offers a spectacular waterfront resort-like setting, complete with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Relax and soak up the sun at one of two rooftop pools. Maintain fitness routines with Hyatt’s complimentary fitness center. Choose from eight onsite dining options. The AFSA group rate for the Manchester Grand Hyatt is $255 per night plus tax for a standard single/double room and $290 per night plus tax for a premium bay-view single/double room.
In addition to the Manchester Grand Hyatt, AFSA has secured a room block at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay. Located across from AFSA38 headquarters at Seaport Village, this all-suite hotel is just blocks from the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Make yourself at home in one of the spacious two-room suites. Stay productive at the business center, work out in the fitness center, and relax in the heated indoor pool. The AFSA group rate for this hotel for a standard single/double room is $239 per night plus tax.
Join Us in San Diego! Mark your calendars and be sure to register before the regular registration deadline of August 30, 2019. After that date, registration prices will increase. Visit https://www. firesprinkler.org/AFSA38 now for all convention details, to register, and to reserve your hotel. We can’t wait to see you there!
EDITOR’S NOTE: For companies who would like to get in on the excitement, there may still be exhibit space available. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact AFSA’s Vice President of Program Operations & Education Services Marlene Garrett as soon as possible via phone (214) 349-5965 ext. 118 or email mgarrett@firesprinkler.org to discuss availability.
HOTEL RESERVATION ALERT! AFSA has been made aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as the official AFSA housing vendor. These companies mislead attendees to think they are working on AFSA’s 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 and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations, no free networking meals, nor complimentary internet access. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by phone or using the link found on AFSA’s convention website.
