AFSA42 OFFERS CEUS AND CONNECTIONS IN ORLANDO

When many think of Orlando, Disney World and Universal Studios usually come to mind. While memories of Mickey Mouse or heart-racing roller coasters might be floating around in your mind, we hope to rewrite that top-of-mind recall this year at AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, September 6-9, 2023, at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek! The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) annual convention returns to Orlando, and excitingly enough, it’s also the 30th anniversary of the National Apprentice Competition (NAC). AFSA42 encourages newcomers while invigorating growth and prosperity for members with expert education, top training, and numerous networking opportunities.

“AFSA42 is going to be a magical experience. Prepare yourself to experience cutting-edge technology, first-class training, and unforgettable evening events,” comments AFSA Vice President of Meeting & Education Services Marlene Garrett, CMP. “Experience the magic. We can’t wait to see you in Orlando!”

PERFECTLY PACKED SCHEDULE

AFSA42 will offer four days of managerial and technical seminars filled with education, training, and networking led by industry experts. Educational seminars over seven tracks cover all aspects of the industry: Install/Design, ITM, Other Technical, Fitter, NextGen, AHJ, and Business Management—hours of CEUs, CPDs, and Florida-Approved credits. AFSA’s exhibition provides an opportunity to meet with leading manufacturers and suppliers of the latest products and services offered in the fire sprinkler industry. The unopposed exhibit hours allow attendees and exhibitors to visit without interruption, and the second day of exhibits also features the finals of AFSA’s 30th National Apprentice Competition (NAC). For apprentices interested in competing, see page 31 of this issue or visit www.firesprinkler.org/afsa-national-apprentice-competition/.

Convention spotlights include the Exhibition Grand Opening reception, general session, two evening parties, and social events, as well as a chance to relax with friends new and old during the networking meals hosted for attendees who are fully registered in AFSA’s room block at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. This year’s convention will kick off with an opening party on Wednesday, September 6, at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™– Hogsmeade™ at Universal Studios. Guests will begin the evening with an exclusive dinner at Universal CityWalk™, where guests enjoy a variety of themes and cuisines. After dinner is presented by an award-winning culinary team, guests are free to explore an eclectic mix of venues, including Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom SM, Pat O’ Brien’s® Orlando, and CityWalk’s Rising Star™. The streets will stay alive with music from a DJ and stilt walkers. Then, guests will be escorted to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™– Hogsmeade™ where they will experience a one-of-a-kind event filled with magic and excitement. A delectable dessert selection and bountiful beverage service will be offered, followed by free reign to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure™, and Flight of Hippogriff™. If that’s not enough, guests will also be entertained with scheduled performances by the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally, and can visit Ollivanders™ wand shop, and the train conductor.

Convention comes to a bittersweet end with the crowd-pleasing Awards Party to be held on the final night of the convention—Saturday, September 9. This year, our Awards Party has the exciting theme of “Magic and Illusions”! Guests will enjoy a night of dancing and dining amid strolling magicians, an illusionist, and a contortionist at the Pavilion at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Come celebrate with AFSA and find out who will win the apprentice competition!

PLAY WHILE YOU STAY

The hotel rooms and suites at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offer a sophisticated elegance creating a relaxing ambiance for AFSA42 attendees to unwind and recharge. From the luscious, green Florida views to the various amusement parks at your feet, stays are anything but ordinary. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek 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! Did we mention the complimentary transportation to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Disney Springs®?

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 into thinking 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. 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. Please note attendee lists are distributed onsite complimentary. AFSA does not use outside services to sell attendee lists.

SPONSORSHIP 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. From the Diamond to the Bronze level package, 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. Some of these benefits include:

• Priority booth selection for sponsors at the Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels (AFSA members only). Booth selection will be based on the current point system within each sponsorship level, from Diamond to Silver.

• Room-access key cards. Diamond sponsors will have their logo featured on hotel room key cards.

• Recognition at Awards Party. Diamond sponsors will receive special recognition during the final-night Awards Party, where AFSA crowns its newest National Apprentice Competition champion!

New benefits are available for Diamond sponsors for 2023! Diamond sponsors will have added exposure with:

• Company branding at the Awards Party,

• Company branding on highly visible wall wraps at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and

• Company branding at the Universal Studios CityWalk Opening Party.

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. These sponsorships range in cost from $250 to $2,500. More details can be found online at www.firesprinkler.org/become-a-sponsor/.

EXHIBIT AT AFSA42

The schedule for AFSA42 is specially designed to create multiple opportunities for attendees to visit the exhibit hall and network. This gives exhibitors ample time and as much personal interaction with customers as possible. AFSA ensures traffic in the hall through:
• Unopposed exhibit hours. AFSA carefully schedules each day of the convention to avoid seminars and social events conflicting with exhibit hall hours.
• National Apprentice Competition (NAC). AFSA’s NAC is held each year in the exhibit hall. This popular event draws convention attendees to view the installation portion of the competition and puts them within your reach.
• Exhibition Grand Opening Reception. AFSA’s Chair of the Board of Directors hosts this popular evening event, allowing convention attendees to tour the exhibit hall and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
• Free passes for the second day of exhibits. AFSA invites local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and exhibitor-invited guests to visit the exhibit hall.

Sponsors also enjoy exhibitor benefits at AFSA42. Diamond and Platinum sponsorship levels include one 10-ft x 20-ft booth, and Gold sponsorship level includes one 10-ft x 10-ft booth. Additional booths are available for purchase to expand the size.

Diamond sponsors receive three all-access registrations and six exhibit-hall-only registrations (a $8,260 value). Platinum-level sponsors receive two all-access registrations and four exhibit-hall-only registrations (a $6,000 value). Gold sponsors receive one all-access registration and two exhibit-hall-only registrations (a $3,000 value).

It’s never too early to start planning your marketing strategy. AFSA42 is at the pinnacle of reaching your customers! To take full advantage of all the publicity available to sponsors, sign up by April 15, 2023. For more details, visit www.firesprinkler.org/become-a-sponsor/. or contact Marlene Garrett via email at mgarrett@firesprinkler.org or phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 118 to discuss how your company can make the most significant impact.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AT CONVENTION

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 use our official hashtag #AFSA42.
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@firesprinkler.org
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/american-fire-sprinkler-association-afsa-/mycompany/
• Facebook: facebook.com/firesprinkler.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/firesprinklerorg
• Twitter: twitter.com/AFSA
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/AmerFireSprinkAssn

Plan your Orlando getaway with AFSA today! Bookmark AFSA’s convention website at www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA42 and check back frequently as online registration opens soon.