Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA36 Features Top Manufacturers, Suppliers in the Fire Sprinkler Industry
The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 36th Annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition (AFSA36) is offering this year’s largest display of fire sprinkler products and services in the country! Visit Las Vegas and the top fire sprinkler industry manufacturers and suppliers September 24-27 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. This year’s event will feature 114 companies in 144 booths, 45 technical and managerial seminars, the National Apprentice Competition, fun-filled optional tours, and entertaining social events! This is three days with 600-plus decision makers, representing 200-plus contractor companies – a valuable opportunity to grow your business, your contacts and your knowledge!
Exhibits and Engagements Meet new faces and reconnect with friends as you visit companies from around the globe, each exhibiting innovative products and services in the industry. Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Chairman’s Reception on Tuesday, September 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall afternoon Wednesday, September 27 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 Mike Meehan, VSC Fire & Security, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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.
Then join AFSA Wednesday night as the Apprentice Competition champion is crowned during a party for the ages. Our “Rat Pack” theme will feature music by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn Monroe. The era of their greatest tabloid fame coincided with the “Mad Men” ‘50s into the ‘60s when, in retrospect, things seemed simpler and a particular kind of jet-set culture was captured in their antics. A night of fun that includes dinner, drinks and live entertainment will cap off the convention. Be there to see to whose name is added to the AFSA Apprentice “Hall of Fame” plaque and takes home the top prize – the title of the nation’s top fire sprinkler apprentice and $5,000 cash.
Networking Night and Day In addition to the evening events where you will mingle and visit with industry peers, the days of AFSA’s convention are filled with opportunities as well! For contractors and exhibitors with an “all access” registration, 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 Bellagio Las Vegas in the AFSA group block.
AFSA’s NextGen Initiative also offers opportunities to interact with professionals 40 and under. A full day of networking will be offered September 25 with a “Leading Across the Generations” workshop offering CEU and CPD credits, a reserved seating luncheon with NextGen members, and an evening reception with AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year and other emerging young professional leaders. The reception is a great opportunity to share your insights and chat with AFSA Board of Directors while building your network with the AFSA NextGen Initiative. The relationships you make here could last a business lifetime! For more information and to join the NextGen, visit firesprinkler.org/NextGen.
Optional tours are another way to connect and have fun with fellow industry members. Try out clay target shooting in the rolling desert terrain; float 12 miles of the Colorado River through Black Canyon and see Hoover Dam, one of the seven man-made wonders of the world; operate huge Caterpillar bulldozers and excavators in a giant construction playground; or zip line through the desert landscape down a series of four different cables at over 50 mph. If you prefer to flex your culinary skills, then check out the Tuscany Kitchen Cooking Competitions. Participate in one or all three days of team challenges, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and compete to win a Bellagio gift certificate!
It’s the Bellagio, Baby! Convention attendees be sure and book your stay at this year’s convention headquarter hotel – Bellagio Las Vegas – and be transported to an elegant European resort. Take one step onto the fountain- fronted property and you will instantly find yourself amid lavish rooms, award-winning restaurants, and a luxurious spa, all the while surrounded by works from the world’s most renowned artists. From the natural light bathing the lobby through glass ceilings to the fresh flowers and trees of the Bellagio Conservatory and Gardens, everything about Bellagio tells you that you’re not in Las Vegas anymore!
Guests will enjoy first-rate dining options, exclusive shopping at Via Bellagio, and exciting nightlife at The
Bank and Hyde Bellagio. In addition to the free breakfast and lunch offer for “all access” convention registrants, the entire AFSA room block is located just steps away from all meeting spaces. AFSA’s group rate for Bellagio Las Vegas is $249 per night plus tax for a deluxe city view and $279 per night plus tax for a deluxe fountain view (limited availability). Call (888) 987-6667 to make your reservations.
Group rates are available September 21-30, 2017, but reservations must be made by August 25, 2017, to ensure AFSA convention rates. After August 25, 2017, room rates are based on availability. Be sure to ask booking agent to confirm your reservation includes both the resort fee and complimentary Internet.
Register Now to Save! For those attending the full convention, the regular registration deadline is August 11, 2017. Register by that date to save the most! Late registration dates, with higher fees, are August 12-31, 2017. After September 1, registrations must be made onsite at the convention registration desk in Las Vegas, but fees higher than online rates will be incurred. You can read details about and register to attend all convention-related events online at firesprinkler.org/convention.
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 con- tact AFSA’s Vice President of Meetings & Operations 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 our housing vendor. 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 and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations and 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 at firesprinkler.org/convention.
