Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
LEARN MORE AND EARN MORE WITH CEUS, CPDS, AND CONTACT HOURS
This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) annual convention heads to the nation’s capital for expert instruction, entertainment, networking, and North America’s largest fire sprinkler exhibition. Join AFSA in Washington, D.C. for the premier sprinkler industry event—AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held Oct. 15-18, 2025, at the Gaylord National.
Offering over 60 seminars and over 70 hours of education, this year’s seminars provide CEUs, CPDs, and Contact Hours. AFSA44 sessions will include ICC and Florida Contractor CEUs where applicable.
SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS
This year, seminars are organized by specialty, making it easy to customize schedules and maximize learning experiences. Sessions are grouped in areas such as sprinkler technology, standards updates, special occupancies, business management, dry systems, design and project management, and hydraulics.
AFSA’s ITM sessions focus on forward flow testing of backflow preventers, component action (the “other” NFPA 25 tables), field sprinkler system testing statistics and ITM in NFPA 25, and NFPA 25 inspection reports. “Changing How We Classify System Conditions in NFPA 25, 2023 Edition” by Russ Leavitt, SET, The Telgian Corp, examines the changes to Table A.3.3.8 and associated text to assist service providers in providing the best information to the system owner while limiting liability. NFPA 25 intends service providers to use their judgment and knowledge in assigning classifications such as non-critical and critical deficiencies or impairments. It is necessary to understand the intent of the standard as explained in the revised annex material to comply with these expectations.
The seminars on updates are always popular during AFSA’s annual convention, and this year’s line-up will be no different the NFPA 13, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 25, NFPA 200, and NFPA 420 standards covered. One seminar of interest is “Suppression Research From FPRF.” The FPRF (Fire Protection Research Foundation), NFPA’s research affiliate, conducts several suppression-related research programs to answer some of the industry’s most challenging questions. This session will provide an update on the types of Automatic Storage Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and sprinkler protection guidance, address the latest test results for sprinkler protection guidance for electric vehicles, multiple row racks, elevated walkways, parking garages, and car stackers.
In the Sprinkler Technology grouping, seminars include Electrical Requirements for Fire Pumps, Introduction to BIM, The Cut and Dry of Dry Sprinklers, Tech Top Five, and Extended Coverage, Beyond Ordinary. “Interfacing Fire Sprinkler Systems to the Fire Alarm” by Tom Parrish, CFPS, SET, PSP, GROL, with Telgian Corp. will explain the different components of the sprinkler system that need to be monitored by the fire alarm system. This system could be a building fire alarm system or a dedicated function sprinkler monitoring system. The requirements for air supervisory, tamper switch position, flow switches, and even low-temperature sensors will be explained. Determination of what is an alarm, a trouble, or a supervisory will also be covered. This is a good session for all skill levels and provides basic knowledge, a nice review, and even an update on changes that have been made in NFPA 72.
Business management staff will find value in seminars on increasing profits through better design, attracting and retaining the next generation of leaders, bidding projects, historical development of our industry, leveraging your network to boost your business brand, jobsite organization, women in the industry, small business operations, and more. “Need Employees? High School CTE is Your Answer!” by 2025 AFSA Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award Recipient Mac Beaton, director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County, Va. Public Schools, will be offered as part of the Business Management grouping. In this course, attendees will learn how the AFSA Virginia Chapter and Henrico County Public Schools have partnered together to create a tangible pathway for businesses to find their next employee. This partnership has allowed for the creation of the first high school program designed to prepare students to enter the profession with skills and certifications. Discover how AFSA’s Virginia Chapter has gone from a career fair of about 25 students to now over 300 students in attendance. The value of “planting the seed” early will be highlighted along with the return on the investment.
Those attending the Special Occupancies seminars will learn about the evolution of data center fire protection, retrofitting sprinklers for historic properties, fire protection for distilleries, and protection of aircraft hangars. Scott Golly, P.E., with Jensen Hughes will present a deep dive into the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries during his “Fire Protection Challenges for Li-Ion Batteries,” discussing the uses of lithium batteries, including battery energy storage, micromobility, and data centers. Fire protection challenges presented by this battery technology, fire protection strategies, and associated codes available that are trying to address these lithium battery fire protection challenges will also be discussed. Case studies and examples of successful and failed protection strategies will be provided.
In the Design & Project Management sessions, topics include field labor management and estimating and bidding best practices by AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. In addition, “Good Listing Processes and Jobsite Organization” by Sam Harbert, Driven Fire Consultants, will discuss how keeping listing in mind during the design phase can directly influence the organization of a jobsite. Breaking up listing areas, among other considerations, can minimize mobilization times for your field staff and get the project started on a timely and positive note. The session aims to prompt added discussion within companies, suppliers, and fabricators to look at how mobilization and jobsite organization isn’t just a field issue, but a team issue.
Always a popular educational and entertaining discussion, the “Ask the Experts” panel discussion will be held in two parts on the final day of the convention, Saturday, Oct. 18. This panel will feature representatives from industry-leading organizations and aims to encompass varying perspectives, such as research and development, enforcement, manufacture and supply, codes and standards, and design and install applications. Got a hot topic to discuss? Submit your questions in advance or bring them to the seminar to have them answered once and for all!
A DAY DESIGNED FOR THE AHJ
AFSA44 has designed a full day of education and exhibits for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). On Friday, Oct. 17, the day begins with seminars “Fire Service Demand Tariff,” “An AHJ Guide for Inspection and Testing Sprinkler Systems, and “Is It Engineering or System Layout?” Afterwards, a free lunch is provided to AHJs in attendance, and they are invited to attend AFSA44’s General Session. This is followed by the Exhibit Grand Opening Reception to view the latest products and services for the sprinkler industry.
AHJs are also welcome to attend the “Ask the Experts” panel discussion on Saturday, Oct. 18, and tour the exhibition for a second day. An added bonus on Saturday is the opportunity to observe the top seven fire sprinkler apprentices in the nation vie for first place at AFSA’s 32nd National Apprentice Competition (NAC), which will be held in the middle of the exhibit hall.
MORE ROOMS FOR AFSA44
Due to increased attendance at AFSA’s annual convention, a block of rooms at the Residence Inn National Harbor has been secured in addition to the AFSA44 headquarters hotel, the Gaylord National. Group rates are available at both hotels.
The Gaylord National offers an extraordinary blend of sophistication and warmth on the enchanting Potomac River. Immerse yourself in the 19-story lush garden atrium, indulge at the Relâche Spa, and relax in cozy rooms and executive suites. World-class service and top-tier dining options cater to every palate! The AFSA group rate for the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is $269 per night plus tax for single/double rooms.
Relish the comfort and style of the Residence Inn National Harbor, located across the street from Gaylord National. Enjoy picturesque views of the Potomac River and rest well in contemporary hotel suites. The rate at the Residence Inn is $249 per night plus tax for a standard room.
Guests are welcome to stay at either hotel from Oct. 14-19. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, Sept. 10, to secure the convention group rate. After Sept. 10 or until rooms are sold out, group room rates are based on availability. Be sure to book your stay with the hotel directly using the link on the AFSA convention website, firesprinkler.org/afsa44, 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 National or Residence Inn National Harbor using the links on AFSA’s website to ensure your reservation is guaranteed.
A CAPITAL CELEBRATION!
The grand celebration of the fire sprinkler industry and AFSA begins on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with an unforgettable evening full of excitement and entertainment as AFSA takes over the Gaylord National Resort’s Harbor Social Sports Bar and beautiful atrium. Guests will experience a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and unique activities. Try your hand at darts, bocce, and duck pin bowling, all while networking with fellow attendees from across the country.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, AFSA’s 32nd National Apprentice Competition will take place, celebrating the top sprinkler fitting apprentices in the nation! These finalists earned an expense-paid trip to D.C. and the opportunity to showcase their skills to the industry. All finalists win a cash prize and tools, and this year’s first-place winner will receive $10,000 cash! The first-place apprentice’s name is also engraved on the Robert L. McCullough Training for Excellence Award. This award honors past AFSA Chair of the Board and Apprenticeship & Education Chair McCullough for his dedication to the competition and training. The award, which features the winning apprentice from each NAC, is displayed each year at the competition and is housed at AFSA’s national office in Richardson, Texas.
AFSA will wrap up its 2025 convention with an All-American Awards Party, to be held in the Riverview Ballroom at the Gaylord National with stunning views of the Potomac and the Capital Wheel, and across to D.C. Celebrating America and the apprentice competition finalists, attendees enjoy the best that our nation’s capital has to offer!
CALLING ALL SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
For all companies looking to put their brand and offered services in front of an industry-targeted crowd, AFSA44 is open for sponsorships. AFSA44 sponsors are offered exclusive benefits based on their level: 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.
Over 90 companies have already secured 132 booths for this year’s exhibition. AFSA44’s exhibit hall features the best products and services for the fire protection industry, is larger than in previous years, and will draw in contractors with unopposed exhibit hours and the ever-popular apprentice competition in the middle of the hall, For more information on sponsorships or booth spaces, email convention@firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965 ext. 116.
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS
If you aren’t currently an AFSA member, there isn’t a better time to join than now. Membership provides a range of benefits and services to support you, your employees, your business, and the industry. One of the top benefits of AFSA membership is the ability to register for AFSA44 at a discounted price. For more information on AFSA membership, visit firesprinkler.org/join-afsa.
NETWORK IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
AFSA44 attendee registration is now open! Visit AFSA44’s official website at firesprinkler.org/afsa44 to view more details and register for both the convention and hotel. Early bird registration, offering the best prices on AFSA44 registration, ends July 7. Don’t miss out on the fire sprinkler industry’s best event of the year. AFSA is thrilled to welcome everyone to the nation’s capital!
AFSA44 Schedule-At-A-Glance
Wednesday, 10/15
10:00 am – 8:00 pm Registration
10:00 am – 12:30 pm Leadership Conference (Invitation Only)
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Seminars
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm New Attendee Orientation
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm AFSA Design Training Project Info Session
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Women in the Industry Panel Discussion
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Opening Party
Thursday, 10/16
7:00 am – 8:30 am Grab-and-Go Breakfast
7:30 am – 5:00 pm Registration
8:00 am – 11:30 am Seminars
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Networking Lunch
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Seminars
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm Exhibitor Move in
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Hot Ones Challenge/The K Factor Podcast
Friday,V10/17
7:00 am – 8:30 am Grab-and-Go Breakfast
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration
8:00 am – 2:00 pm Exhibitor Move In
8:00 am – 11:30 am Seminars
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Networking Lunch
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm General Session
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Exhibitor Appreciation (Exhibitors Only)
3:30 pm – 7:00 pm Exhibit Grand Opening
Saturday, 10/18
7:00 am – 8:30 am Grab-and-Go Breakfast
7:30 am – 3:30 pm Registration
8:00 am – 9:30 am M/S Council Meeting
8:00 am – 11:30 am Seminars
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Networking Lunch
12:30 pm – 3:30 pm Exhibit & Apprentice Competition Finals
3:30 pm – 9:30 pm Exhibitor Move out
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Awards Rehearsal
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Awards Party
Sunday, 10/19
7:30 am – 10:00 am Exhibitor Move Out
Wings. Fire Protection. Rapid-Fire Questions. Regret.
Brace yourselves for the spiciest session of the week—”The K-Factor Podcast Presents: Hot Takes Under Fire!” on Thursday evening, Oct. 16. Inspired by the hit YouTube show “Hot Ones,” this live forum brings the heat as podcast hosts Josh McDonald, Eric Andresen, Kevin Hall, and Nate Williams take on a gauntlet of increasingly hotter wings while answering a mix of technical fire protection questions and fun, personal ones.
Moderated by AFSA’s Director of Program Development & Special Programs Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., FSFPE, the session will also feature live questions from the audience, so come ready to put your favorite hosts in the hot seat—literally!
And to help the audience keep their cool, there will be a cash bar available throughout the event. Grab a drink, enjoy the show, and see who can stand the heat! Don’t miss the laughs, the insights, and the inevitable spicy meltdowns!