Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
CONVENTION, EXHIBITION, AND APPRENTICE COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN THE MILE-HIGH CITY
Mark your calendars and pack your bags for Denver, Colo., from Sept. 18-21! The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is hosting its Annual Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition miles higher than ever before. Join AFSA at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Colorado’s largest combined resort and convention center. Witness the alpine charm of Colorado while attending the largest fire sprinkler exhibit in North America.
Connect and network with key industry players, receive top-tier training, and listen to educational seminars. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn CEUs and CPDs, watch the live apprentice competition, and attend all of the exciting social events that AFSA has planned.
“I’m excited to see everyone this year in Colorado at AFSA43,” states AFSA’s Manager of Meetings & Events Jessica M. Thomason. “We strive to offer the best educational seminars and technical content in the fire sprinkler industry. This year, we are raising the bar over four days with an extensive agenda with more networking events, technical sessions, the annual apprentice competition, and a little adventure mixed in. I hope you join us at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in September—adventure awaits!”
EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
AFSA43 will offer four days of managerial and technical seminars filled with education, training, and networking led by industry experts. Educational seminars will cover multiple tracks across all aspects of the industry. 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 features the finals of AFSA’s 31st National Apprentice Competition (NAC).
Convention highlights include the Opening Party, Exhibition Grand Opening Reception, general session, final night Awards Party, social events, and a chance to relax with friends new and old during the convention networking meals.
This year’s Awards Party will be celebrated at the Gaylord Rockies’ pavilion on the final night of the convention—Saturday, September 21. Guests will enjoy a night of dancing, dining and live entertainment. Come celebrate with AFSA amid the natural beauty of Colorado and find out who will be awarded this year’s NAC champion!
AFSA MEETS DENVER LUXURY
AFSA treats its members with quality benefits and services. As an organization, it ensures members receive the best in their hotel rooms and accommodations. AFSA has secured the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in convenient proximity to the airport. The hotel offers scenic mountain views, five beautiful restaurants, a fitness center, a world-class spa, and the exciting Arapahoe Springs Water Park with indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, waterslides, sunbathing decks, and whirlpools. The pools are also heated and open all year long.
Several exciting new things are being renovated at the Gaylord Rockies. The hotel is launching a unique dining experience, remodeling its Grand Lodge, and building a new event pavilion. The outdoor lawn spaces have also been redesigned, providing a more spacious and elegant location for guests. AFSA will utilize these locations for meetings and events, as most of these will be completed in time for the convention and attendees to enjoy.
The AFSA group rate for the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is $259 per night plus tax for single/double rooms. Guests are welcome to stay at the hotel from Sept. 17 – Sept. 22. Reservations must be made by Thursday, Aug. 21, to secure the convention group rate. After Aug. 21, group room rates are based on availability. Be sure to book your stay with the hotel directly by phone call or the link that will be uploaded to the AFSA convention site to receive the correct group pricing.
AFSA is not represented by travel agencies or housing companies, such as Global Housing, that may try to book your room outside of our room block. Be aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendor. These companies mislead you into thinking they are working on our behalf but are NOT endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA. Book directly with Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center to ensure your reservation is guaranteed.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The mountains are calling, and AFSA is answering with a four-day adventure in Denver. Past convention goers may know the key convention events such as apprentice competition, networking meals, and, of course, AFSA’s infamous parties. To start strong, there will be an opening party upon arrival. There will be three networking breakfasts and lunches and an awards party to conclude the event. Listen in on expert-led seminars for employers and their staff; take advantage of opportunities to earn credits; walk through a packed exhibit hall with companies worldwide, enjoy delicious food and drinks; and experience all the fun in between.
“I look forward to welcoming you all to one of our most beautiful convention sites at the Gaylord Rockies!” comments AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La. “This location has something for everyone in your family and co-workers. Get ready for a packed schedule of events starting on Wednesday with a Leadership Conference, Women in the Industry Cocktail Reception, New Attendee Reception, and culminating with our popular Opening Party. It’ll be a fun kick-off to our Mile High of events!”
This event will put you in the right conversations with the right people. Past convention attendees confirm they receive superior connections and increase business networking. The National Apprentice Competition is a fan favorite for convention guests and an excellent opportunity for the seven national finalists to compete with the best of the best. A complimentary all-expense-paid trip is offered for those participating. Participants also walk away with new tools and cash prizes. If you’re interested in competing or for competition guidelines, visit www.firesprinkler.org/competition/.
BE AN AFSA43 SPONSOR
AFSA expects a big turnout this year for attendance. For all companies looking to put their brand and offered services in front of an industry-targeted crowd, AFSA43 is open for sponsors. AFSA43 sponsors are offered special benefits by levels: Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Booth selection will be based on a point system within each sponsorship level, from Diamond to Silver. Benefits vary throughout each level, and as levels increase, so does the available exposure and visibility 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.
• Diamond sponsors will have added exposure with company branding on the Gaylord Rockies’ giant screen during the entire event.
• Diamond sponsors will have their logo prominently displayed as guests arrive at the Opening Party.
• Diamond sponsors receive a sponsored blog post on SprinklerAge.com with automatic social media postings on AFSA’s pages.
Sponsorships must be entirely paid by April 26 to take full advantage of publicity. More details will be available soon at www.firesprinkler.org/afsa43/.
INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING?
Attendee traffic is going to be huge! This year’s convention schedule will allow all exhibitors plenty of time with attendees to network, showcase, and create relationships. The NAC always reels viewers in, so you’ll want to ensure you’re present at your booth during the competition. There will also be several time-slotted opportunities for guests to peruse the exhibit hall and see all exhibitors. 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. 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 AFSA43. 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. Platinum-level sponsors receive two all-access registrations and four exhibit-hall-only registrations. Gold sponsors receive one all-access registration and two exhibit-hall-only registrations.
Exhibitor and sponsor registration opens on March 18. First come, first served! If you’re ready to start planning and securing the best spots and publicity for your business, contact Thomason at jthomason@firesprinkler.org.
STAY UPDATED
AFSA43 attendees registration opens on May 18, 2024. Bookmark AFSA43’s official website at www.firesprinkler.org/afsa43/ to view more details and register. 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.
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Don’t miss out on the fire sprinkler industry’s best event of the year! AFSA and the Gaylord Rockies Resort are thrilled to see you in the Mile-High City!
