Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA39 Gears Up for Orlando, Florida This Fall
The Sunshine State and the Theme Park Capital of the World® are calling all members of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) to attend AFSA39: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, September 13-16, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. Featuring the largest event of its kind in the fire sprinkler industry, AFSA39 promises expert education, top-notch training, and numerous networking opportunities in a family-friendly setting surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Learn and earn CEU/CPD credits during the day and play by night! Social events include networking meals, an awards party at The Edison, and an exciting live apprentice competition on the floor of our packed exhibition hall. AFSA39 truly offers something for everyone so don’t miss this year’s event!
“I am very excited to serve as co-chair of AFSA’s Convention Committee this year,” comments AFSA At-Large Director Chris Johnson, Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, Florida. “As the former chair of AFSA’s Florida Chapter, I think we have put together a fantastic program to educate contractors in technical, business, and leadership skills. Whether you are a company owner, a designer, a project manager, or a field supervisor, there is plenty to learn in what I would say is one of our most diverse list of classes offered at a fire sprinkler convention anywhere.”
Seminars and Socials
AFSA39 will offer four days of managerial and technical seminars that are filled with education, training, and networking led by industry experts. 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 27th National Apprentice Competition (NAC). For apprentices who are interested in competing, visit www.firesprinkler.org/competition.
Convention highlights include the Exhibition Grand Opening reception, general session, golf tournament, 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 blocks at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
The final night Awards Party on Wednesday, September 16, will not disappoint as AFSA members experience a clever tribute to an era fueled by invention and imagination. The Edison at Disney Springs is a lavish “Industrial Gothic” themed entertainment venue. Designed to look like a 1920s electric company, the Edison exudes an air of romance and Old World sophistication. A steady lineup of unique acts and a live band are sure to keep you entertained and on your toes. And don’t forget the highlight of the evening—the crowning of the newest NAC champion!
NextGen Day
AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative (NextGen), the industry’s most forward-looking young professionals’ group, will host a “NextGen Day” on Monday, September 14 during AFSA39. This full day is open to all members of the industry and will feature seminars, a leadership forum, and evening mixer. For more information on AFSA’s NextGen, visit www.firesprinkler.org/NextGen.
Hilton to Host AFSA39
AFSA39 guests will be immersed in adventure at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the headquarter resort for this year’s convention. Offering a magical and memorable experience, the resort features elegant and family-friendly guest rooms with world-class amenities, including a three-acre lazy river and pool, poolside cabanas, championship golf course, luxurious spa, fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining and lounge options.
Surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando offer the best of both worlds. The resort is situated on a 482-acre nature preserve and features amenities such as Disney Extra Magic Hours, continuous complimentary transportation to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Disney Springs, and exceptional viewing of Disney fireworks every evening from the comfort of the resort.
If you’d rather be on the golf course than in the theme parks, the resort offers one of Orlando’s premier golfing experiences—the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Rees Jones. Or maybe you’d rather treat yourself to a relaxing massage or pedicure at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. You deserve it!
The AFSA group rate for the Hilton Bonnet Creek is $189 per night plus tax for run of the house. The AFSA group rate for the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is $219 per night plus tax for run of the house. Both rates include resort fees and 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 9-20, 2020, but reservations must be made by August 12, 2020, to secure AFSA convention group rates. After August 12, room rates are based on availability.
“The Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort is central to all the best Orlando has to offer,” notes Johnson. “It is conveniently located right on Disney property and just a short ride to Universal and International Drive. As a father of six, I am excited that this event will be very family-friendly to our contractors and industry partners throughout the country. AFSA39 is going to be a fantastic time for you and your family!”
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, 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, www.firesprinkler.org/ AFSA39.
AFSA all-Access
Stay up to date with the latest from AFSA and AFSA39, 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 #AFSA39.
• Twitter: twitter.com/AFSA
• Facebook: facebook.com/firesprinkler.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/firesprinkler.org
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/AmerFireSprinkAssn
Bookmark AFSA’s convention website at www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA39 and check back frequently as online registration will open soon. September 13-16, 2020, are the dates and Florida is the place to invest in your business and your family with AFSA39!
