Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA44 Offers Fire Service Education, Networking, and Lunch!
AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held October 15-18, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C., will feature a fully packed day of education, technology, and networking designed specifically for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and it’s free to attend! This annual event is attended by fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, designers, and fire officials from around the globe. Join AFSA on Friday, October 17, for informative seminars, a networking lunch, an informative and entertaining General Session, and a packed exhibit hall!
Seminars tailored to suit the AHJ will be offered on Friday morning and include the following:
- Is It Engineering or System Layout?: With the increasing complexity of the protection criteria needed for the evolving types of buildings and contents, contractors frequently encounter instances where the prescriptive solutions found in NFPA 13 are not sufficient. This seminar discusses the ongoing debate regarding the need for designs to be “sealed” by a professional engineer. Additionally, with the complexity of hazards and buildings, the question of liability for design decisions comes into question when systems do not perform adequately. Finally, the need for performance-based design is increasing. Therefore, the question for contractors is, “How do I decide when an engineer is needed?”
- Fire Service Demand Tariff: Why are those who install fire sprinklers financially penalized by water utilities through “stand-by” fees, when such systems save the water utility money? The fact of the matter is the current system is patently unfair to building owners who have invested installed fire sprinklers, whether voluntarily or by code requirements. Fixed protection generally beats fire department response. Standby fees are based on the size of the meter: the larger the meter, the greater the property owner pays. This program proposes an alternative by suggesting a new system, providing for the equitable distribution of cost in accordance with demand.
After a full morning of education, enjoy a complimentary networking lunch. Then, AHJs are invited to attend the General Session, which features AFSA’s leadership, National Apprentice Competition finalists, and award presentations.
End the day with entry into AFSA44’s Grand Opening Exhibition. Hosted by AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, president, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., this event offers the first chance for attendees to tour the exhibit hall and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
AHJs are also invited to attend a second day at AFSA44 with the popular “Ask the Experts” panel discussion and an additional pass to the exhibit hall on Saturday, Oct. 18, which will also feature the 32nd Annual National Apprentice Competition in action. Come cheer on the best fitters in the nation and bring your staff and colleagues—entry into the second day of exhibits are free for qualified personnel.
All of these events are free for AHJs in uniform! (Travel and parking costs to attend are not included.) CLICK HERE to learn more and register and use promo code AHJ DAY.
AHJ Days at AFSA44
Friday, 10/17
7:00 am – 8:30 am Grab-and-Go Breakfast
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration
8:00 am – 11:30 am Seminars: “Is It Engineering or System Layout?” and “Fire Service Demand Tariff”
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Networking Lunch
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm General Session
3:30 pm – 7:00 pm Exhibit Grand Opening Reception
Saturday, 10/18
7:00 am – 8:30 am Grab-and-Go Breakfast
7:30 am – 3:30 pm Registration
8:00 am – 11:30 am Seminar: Ask the Experts Panel
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Networking Lunch
12:30 pm – 3:30 pm Exhibits Open & Apprentice Competition Finals