Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition Draws Record Attendance in Denver
This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was thrilled to welcome attendees to AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in Denver, Colo., September 18-21. Nearly 1,500 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, facility managers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry professionals met at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center to attend seminars, view the sold-out exhibit hall, and cheer on their favorite apprentice in the 31st Annual National Apprentice Competition.
“AFSA43 exceeded all of our expectations,” comments AFSA Region 3 Director and Convention Committee Chair Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, N.M. “I want to thank the committee, Board, staff, and volunteers for organizing an amazing event. To have incredible seminars, a busy exhibit hall, and an exciting apprentice competition with the Rockies as a backdrop was fantastic!”
In addition to choosing from 54 technical and managerial seminars, attendees explored AFSA’s sold-out exhibit hall with booths featuring the products and services of 109 exhibiting companies. AFSA also offered local AHJs a morning of free seminars, lunch, and a chance to explore the industry’s largest exhibition.
“AFSA43 was an amazing success and exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance as well as the number of visitors to the exhibits, technical sessions, and two great parties. Our registered attendees broke previous records, and the hotel and the weather were great all around!” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo. “Thank you to all who attended, along with our incredible AFSA staff, the Gaylord Rockies staff, and especially Tara Wilson and Kristin Webster of Advensia Group for their work in making this event such a great success.”
Denver details
The convention began on Wednesday, September 18, with afternoon seminars, including a “Women in the Industry” panel and networking mixer, featuring several women thriving in the fire sprinkler industry speaking about their distinctive journeys in a male-dominated industry. That evening, a mixer was also held for new AFSA members and first-time convention attendees. The day wrapped up with an outdoor Opening Party held on the Gaylord Rockies’ lawn, featuring a live band, local delicacies, and outdoor activities like cornhole, axe throwing, and a rock wall to climb.
Thursday was a day full of learning and earning education credits at AFSA43 seminars, and an open night for contractors and manufacturers/suppliers to network and enjoy the resort and nightlife of Denver.
Friday offered more seminars followed by the general session, led by AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., presented the 2024 Henry S. Parmelee Award posthumously to Joe Heinrich, past president of Bamford Fire Sprinkler, who was dedicated to the fire protection industry for over 50 years and created AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative (NGI). Heinrich’s son, Brett, accepted the award on behalf of Joe, Joe’s widow Kathy, and the entire Heinrich family. In addition, 2024 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year David Lowrey, division chief/fire marshal for Boulder, Colo. Fire-Rescue, was honored for his commitment to residential sprinklers and the fire sprinkler industry. Finally, Holly Gray-Salmon, vice president of finance for Foothill Fire Protection, Inc., Loomis, Calif., received AFSA’s 2024 Young Professional of the Year award for her service to the next generation of industry leaders on local and national levels.
In addition, AFSA presented a $5,000 donation to the Colorado Risk Reduction Network on behalf of convention registrants, in lieu of a convention souvenir. The Colorado Risk Reduction Network works to improve public education efforts in injury and fire prevention in Colorado. Accepting the donation was Kristen Hayes, president of the organization.
After the general session, attendees were invited to the exhibit hall for the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception with a first look at this year’s exhibiting companies along with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
On Saturday, the seminars concluded that morning, and exhibits opened in the afternoon to great success. Exhibitors from 109 exhibiting companies took over the hall, and attendees enjoyed learning about new products and services for the fire sprinkler industry and networking with fellow industry professionals. During the afternoon exhibition, the nation’s top seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices, from over 250 apprentices who entered this year’s contest, installed mini-sprinkler systems before a packed crowd. That evening, the annual Awards Party took place at the Gaylord Rockies’ brand-new Mountain View Pavilion. Guests enjoyed dinner and whiskey tastings, music, dancing, cigars, and the crowning of AFSA’s newest apprentice champion!
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of apprentice competition winners. Dylan Whitaker, Summit Fire & Security, Sanford, Fla., won first place at this year’s Competition as well as a cash prize of $5,000. Daniel Kohler, Western Fire Protection, Poway, Calif., won second place and a $3,000 cash prize. Aron Cook, Coastal Fire Protection Co., Chesapeake, Va., took home third place along with a cash prize of $2,000. Honorable mentions and $1,000 cash prizes were awarded to: Kacey Clark, Titan Fire Protection, Vista, Calif.; James Doss, Allied Fire Protection, LP, Pearland, Texas; Samuel Ohyama, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Timothy Shinn, Aqueduct Fire Protection Systems, Williamstown, N.J. All competition winners also received a commemorative award and tools.
“The Gaylord Rockies in the Mile-High City did not disappoint, with record attendance and incredible seminars it was electrified full of positive energy and excitement for our industry’s future,” states AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. in Shreveport, La. “I felt like I was at a big family reunion!”
To see more photos of this year’s event, visit AFSA’s Flickr page, flickr.com/afsa/ and AFSA’s social media channels— Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
afsa goes to washington
Don’t miss out on the All-American celebration at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held October 14-19, 2025, at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. Mark your calendars now! Stay up-to-date on next year’s event and the 32nd National Apprentice Competition through AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org/. We hope to see you there!
