Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
World’s Largest Fire Sprinkler Exhibit Returns to Orlando
AFSA42, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, is offering the largest display of fire sprinkler products and services in the world! Visit Orlando and the top fire sprinkler industry manufacturers and suppliers September 6-9 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. This year’s event will feature over 95 companies in 137 booths, 65 technical and managerial seminars offering over 80 training hours, the 30th National Apprentice Competition (NAC), and entertaining social events! AFSA42 is four days with nearly 400-plus decision makers representing approximately 200 contractor companies—a valuable opportunity to grow your business, your contacts, and your knowledge! Mark your calendars—registration opens at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, and 7:30 a.m. each following day.
ENORMOUS EXHIBIT & EXCITING ENGAGEMENTS
Convention means connections. Visit with old friends while also having the opportunity to meet new ones. Engage with domestic and international companies, each exhibiting innovative products and services all under the same roof. Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Friday, September 8, from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall Saturday, September 9, from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
It’s the biggest and the best—the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception is the most anticipated event at AFSA’s convention. AFSA Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E., executive vice president of Summit Companies, Richmond, Virginia, will host the reception and offer the first look at this year’s exhibits. Eat, drink, and be merry as you visit with manufacturers and suppliers across the expansive hall.
The next afternoon, the hall will open once again to attendees, with the 30th National Apprentice Competition simultaneously underway. The sprinkler installation practical test will be centered in the exhibit hall this year, and convention goers can 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.
Join AFSA Saturday night as the apprentice competition champion is crowned. The “Magic and Illusions” themed party will feature strolling magicians, an illusionist, and a contortionist at the Pavilion at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. This spell-binding night includes dinner, drinks, and live entertainment, sure to mystify all attendees. The highlight of the evening will be seeing 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.
NONSTOP NETWORKING
Whether you’re mingling during the evening with a cocktail in hand or you’re just starting the day at breakfast, AFSA’s convention is filled with networking opportunities! Contractors and exhibitors with an “all-access” registration can enjoy three hot breakfasts and three hot lunches. Gather together to share ideas, product information, and more, all while breaking bread together. This meal offer is valid for one breakfast and one lunch per night, reserved at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in the AFSA group block.
AFSA heads to Universal Studios for this year’s Opening Night Party, Wednesday, September 6, from 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™—Hogsmeade™. The evening begins with an exquisite selection of cuisine served by Universal CityWalk™, where flavors from different dishes around the world are offered. After dinner is presented by an award-winning culinary team, guests are free to embark upon an eclectic mix of venues, including Bob Marley— A Tribute to FreedomSM, 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 unrestricted access to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure™. Enjoy scheduled performances by the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally or stop by Ollivanders™ wand shop or the train conductor. Captivate meaningful business connections in Harry Potter’s World—destined to last into our world!
SIGNIA BY HILTON ORLANDO BONNET CREEK
One thing AFSA and Orlando have in common is we both bring the heat! Be sure to book your stay at this year’s convention headquarter hotel—Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. You’ll feel the Floridian sun upon arrival, but as you are ushered into the grand entrance of the hotel, you’ll be invigorated by a fresh, newly renovated lobby. Indulge at 11 onsite gourmet restaurants or slip away for a refreshing cocktail at MYTH Bar. Embrace the tropical climate poolside or on the championship golf course—both are just steps away from your room! AFSA’s group rate for Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is $199 per night plus tax for Run of House. Call (407) 597-3600 to make your reservation or visit www.firesprinkler.org/afsa42. 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. Be sure to ask the booking agent to confirm your reservation includes both the resort fee and complimentary internet.
REGISTER TODAY!
The regular registration deadline is August 4, 2023. Late registration dates, with higher fees, are August 5-September 5, 2023. After September 5, registrations must be made onsite in Orlando, and fees higher than online rates will be incurred. You can read more details and register to attend all convention-related events at www.firesprinkler.org/afsa42.
AFSA42 Exhibitors
AGF Manufacturing, Inc., Malvern, PA
ARGCO, Carlsbad, CA
ASC Engineered Solutions, Portsmouth, NH
Academy Certification Exams (ACE), Mount Dora, FL
American Backflow Products Co., Tallahassee, FL
American Fire Sprinkler Association, Dallas, TX
Ameriflo, Rossville, TN
Ames-A Watts Brand Company, North Andover, MA
Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA), Columbus, OH
Armstrong Pumps, Inc., Toronto, ON
BAVCO, Long Beach, CA
BlazeMaster® Fire Sprinkler Systems Cleveland, OH
Brecco Distribution Corporation, Pheonix, AZ
Brooks Equipment Company Inc., Charlotte, NC
Build Ops, Santa Monica, CA
BuildingReports, Suwanee, GA
Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, MO
busybusy Mobile Time Tracking, St. George, UT
C-Aire Compressors, Inc., Dresser, WI
Century Fire Protection, LLC, Duluth, GA
Cintas Corporation, Mason, OH
Cla-Val Company, Costa Mesa, CA
Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc., Cincinnati, OH
Common Voices, Pleasant View, TN
Consolidated Fire Protection, Irvine, CA
Core & Main Fire Protection, St. Louis, MO
Croker Division: Fire-End & Croker Corp., Elmsford, NY
DUYAR, Istanbul, Turkey
Decoshield Systems, Inc., Boynton Beach, FL
Driven Fire Consultants, Sioux Falls, SD
Easyflex, Inc., Garden Grove, CA
Eaton TOLCO, Highland, IL
Engineered Corrosion Solutions, St. Louis, MO
Fayette Pipe Company, Lemont Furnace, PA
Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, Newport News, VA
Fire Tech Productions, Centerville, OH
Fire University, Penns Grove, NJ
FireDos US, Inc., Houston, TX
FireFlex Systems, Inc., Boisbrand, QC
Firetrol, Apex, NC
Gast Manufacturing, Inc., Benton, MI
General Air Products Inc., Exton, PA
Guardian Fire Equipment, Inc., Miami, FL
HRS Systems, Inc., Petersburg, TN
Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Frankfort, IL
Hydratec, Inc., Windham, NH
ITW Buildex, Itasca, IL
Inspect Point, Troy, NY
JG Innovations, Inc., Janesville, WI
JOB GmbH, Ahrensburg, Germany
Johnson Controls, Cranston, RI
Kennedy Valve, Elmira, NY
M.E.P. Cad, Henderson, NV
MicroBIM Fire, Jacksonville, FL
Milwaukee Valve Co., Inc., New Berlin, WI
NFPA, Quincy, MA
NICET, Alexandria, VA
National Construction Workforce, Indianapolis, IN
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Upperco, MD
Noble Company, Spring Lake, MI
Nucor Tubular Products, Trinity, AL
Nuvo Solutions, Clayton, NC
nVent CADDY, Solon, OH
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
PHD Manufacturing, Inc., Columbiana, OH
Pace Machinery Group, Inc., Wasco, IL
Paragon Industries, Inc., Sapulpa, OK
Patterson Pump Company, Toccoa, GA
Peerless Pump Company, Indianapolis, IN
Perimeter Solutions, Clayton, MO
Permabond Engineering Adhesives, Somerset, NJ
Potter Electric Signal Company, Maryland Heights, MO
Potter Roemer, City of Industry, CA
RIDGID, Elyria, OH
Reed Manufacturing Company, Erie, PA
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Liberty, SC
Safe Signal, St. Louis, MO
Senju Fire Protection, Corp., Irvine, CA
ServiceTrade, Inc., Durham, NC
Sigma Piping Products, Sugar Land, TX
Snap Drill AS, Sandnes, Norway
South-Tek Systems, Wilmington, NC
Spears Manufacturing Co., Sylmar, CA
Talco Industries, Portland, OR
Texas Manufacturing Company, Whitesboro, TX
The Hose Monster Company, Lake Zurich, IL
The Metraflex Company, Chicago, IL
The Viking Corporation, Caledonia, MI
Top Quote, LLC, Murrells Inlet, SC
Tornatech International Inc., Laval, Quebec, Canada
United Fire Systems, Kenilworth, NJ
Victaulic, Easton, PA
Wheatland Tube Company, Wheatland, PA
Winsupply, Inc., Lithonia, GA
Wohler USA, Middleton, MA
Xylem – AC Fire, Morton Grove, IL
Zurn Industries, LLC, Milwaukee, WI
