Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Largest Sprinkler Trade Show Offered in D.C. This Fall
Want to view the latest advances in products, technology, and services available to the sprinkler? The best-of-the-best will be showcased in one place this fall—AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition. To be held Oct. 15-18, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, AFSA44 welcomes attendees to the Washington, D.C. area for education, exhibits, and entertainment!
Over 60 technical and managerial seminars will offer 70-plus hours of continuing education. In addition, this year’s exhibit hall is close to selling out, with over 100 companies confirmed. Capping off this capital event are the 32nd National Apprentice Competition (NAC), networking meals, and social events. If you haven’t already registered and booked your trip, what are you waiting for? This fall, D.C. is the place to be!
Engage in the Exhibit Hall
AFSA44 offers a larger exhibit hall showcasing the industry’s best manufacturers and suppliers. Both domestic and international companies will offer the latest technology, products, and services during two exhibit hall sessions: the popular Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Friday, Oct. 17, from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall Saturday, Oct. 18, from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hosted by AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception offers the first look at this year’s exhibits. Eat, drink, and network as you visit with manufacturers and suppliers across the expansive hall.
The next afternoon, the hall will open once again to attendees, with the 32nd National Apprentice Competition simultaneously underway. This year, the sprinkler installation practical test will be centered in the exhibit hall, 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 competition phase.
NETWORK AT AFSA44
AFSA44 offers the perfect setting for networking with time to visit between seminars, during unopposed exhibit hours, around the table at networking meals, and amid social events. The Opening Party will be an evening full of fun 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.
The Gaylord National’s Riverview Ballroom will be the setting for the final night Awards Party. The venue offers stunning views of the Potomac, the Capital Wheel, and across to D.C. During this final evening together, AFSA will celebrate America and the apprentice competition finalists. The highlight of the party will be the announcement of the NAC champion, who will receive bragging rights, tools, a commemorative plaque, and a larger cash prize than ever before—$10,000!
DISCOVER D.C.
D.C. is the place to be this fall, and the Gaylord National and Residence Inn National Harbor are ready to welcome AFSA44 guests. The Potomac area is not only home to the nation’s capital but also to a diverse array of enriching and historical neighborhoods with local monuments, unique attractions, and regional cuisine, including the National Harbor.
As part of your overnight stay at the Gaylord National, hotel guests can ride the National Harbor Circulator bus for free. This bus runs daily and can take visitors to the National Harbor waterfront, offering boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options like the Capital Wheel, where you soar 180 feet above the Potomac River for incomparable views of the harbor and the capital across the river. Bus stops also include the Tanger Outlets and MGM National Harbor, which feature world-family music and comedy performances, luxury table games, and slot machines. Simply present your room key and enjoy the ride.
RESERVE YOUR ROOM
Group rates have been secured for this year’s headquarter hotel, the Gaylord National, and at the Residence Inn National Harbor. The special rates are for stays from Oct. 14-19 at either hotel. AFSA’s group rates are based on availability through Sept. 10 or until rooms are sold out. Book your stay using the link on the AFSA convention website, firesprinkler.org/afsa44, to receive the correct group pricing. Additional hotel options nearby are also listed on the AFSA44 lodging webpage.
REGISTER NOW
AFSA44 registration is now open. The regular registration deadline is Aug. 31. Late registration dates, with higher fees, are Sept. 1-Oct. 10. After Oct. 10, registrations must be made at the AFSA44 registration desk at the onsite rate. Click here for more details and to register online.
AFSA44 Exhibitors (as of press time)
AGF Manufacturing Inc.
American Backflow Products Company
American Fire Sprinkler Association
Ameriflo
Ames, a Watts Brand
Arbiter Inc.
ARGCO
Armstrong Pumps, Inc.
ASC Engineered Solutions
BAVCO
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems
Borusan Pipe
Brecco Distribution Corporation
Brooks Equipment Company, Inc.
BuildingReports
BuildOps
Bull Moose Tube Company
C-Aire Compressors
Century Fire Protection, LLC
CINTAS Fire Protection
CLA-VAL Company
Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc.
Core & Main Fire Protection
Croker Div.Fire-End & Croker Corporation
Diamondback Fire Protection, LLC
Driven Fire Consultants
Duyar
Dyne Fire Protection Labs/NFPA Global Solutions
Eaton
Educational Training Institute
Ember Software
Engineered Corrosion Solutions
Essential
Fayette Pipe Company
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
Fire Museum of Maryland
Fire Tech Productions
Fire University
FireFlex Systems, Inc.
Firetrol, Incc
FORGE Global
Fuego Fire Sprinkler Design, LLC.
General Air Products, Inc.
Guardian Fire Equipment, Inc.
Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
Homes for Our Troops
HRS Systems, Inc.
Hydratec, Inc.
Inspect Point
IPEX USA LLC
Job GmbH
Johnson Controls
Kennedy Valve
Metraflex Company
Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Valve Company, LLC
National Construction Workforce
NFPA
NICET
Noble Company
Nucor Tubular Products
nVent CADDY
Oklahoma State University
PataBid
Patterson Pump Company
Peerless Pump Company
Perimeter Solutions
Permabond Engineering Adhesives
PHD Manufacturing, Inc.
Polymer Molding, Inc.
Potter Electric Signal Company
Potter Roemer
Pumptec
Quaker Houghton
Reed Manufacturing Company
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Ruhrpumpen
Safe Signal
Sammys/ITW Buildex
Senju Fire Protection Corporation
ServiceTrade, Inc
Siteline
South-Tek Systems, LLC
Spears Manufacturing Company
SPP Pumps, Inc.
Talco Fire Systems
Test Gauge, Inc.
Texas Manufacturing Company
The Hose Monster Company
Tornatech International, Inc.
UNITED Fire Systems
University of Maryland
Uptick
Victaulic
Viking Group, Inc.
Wheatland Tube
Wheeler-Rex, Rex International USA, Inc.
Wilkins
Wilson and Cousins
Winsupply