Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Boots, Business, and Breakthroughs!
Get out your Western wear and join the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) for connections, collaboration, and a little Texas flair at AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition. The best in the sprinkler industry will convene in the Lone Star State September 27-30, 2026, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa for education, training, exhibits, networking, and fun!
“AFSA45 will be an ideal platform to provide value and fun for our membership,” says AFSA Chair of the Board Paul DeLorie, senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., Inc., in Londonderry, N.H. “There will be a wide range of educational seminars that will support continuing education for contractors, designers, and inspectors. AFSA’s technical services group will lead the charge with many code and product experts. Attendees can check out the latest technology and innovations in the fire sprinkler industry.”
NEW SCHEDULE
From BBQ to breakout sessions, AFSA45 offers the best training, a packed exhibit hall, and connections that will last a lifetime. This year’s event features a new format—beginning on a Sunday and ending mid-week. In addition, the General Session will be held on the second day of this year’s event at 3:30 p.m., allowing a full evening for networking opportunities. The Exhibit Hall Grand Opening will move to the afternoon of Day 3.
BUSY DAYS AND NIGHTS
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and so is this year’s convention! AFSA45 runs across four days. Technical and business management seminars will cover multiple tracks and all facets 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 33rd National Apprentice Competition (NAC).
AFSA45 highlights include the Opening Party, where the NAC finalists and their companies will be introduced; the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception, offering the first glance at the latest products and services in the industry; and the Awards Party, celebrating the winners of this year’s NAC.
Knibbe Ranch will host AFSA for the final night party, site of the AFSA40 Awards Party. That is a celebration talked about to this day, and one you don’t want to miss! Help make the second visit to Knibbe Ranch the new talk of the industry.
AFSA’s NAC is one of the most popular events during AFSA’s convention. The top seven finalists in the nation will enjoy an expense-paid trip to San
Antonio to compete for bragging rights, cash prizes, and tools. Interested in competing? For more details, visit firesprinkler.org/competition. Many thanks to Core & Main for serving as the event’s organizing sponsor!
LONE STAR STATE
Come experience a big Texas welcome and join AFSA in San Antonio, aka The Alamo City, in recognition of the historic 1836 battle site and symbol of Texas independence. There, convention attendees will experience the oak-covered hills nearby at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.
Guests can immerse themselves in renowned attractions nearby, including wineries, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Retreat to the River Bluff Water Experience, a nine-acre water park with a 1,100-ft lazy river. Indulge in delectable cuisine at six exceptional resort restaurants or rejuvenate with a body treatment or massage at the luxurious spa. Relax in upscale hotel accommodations with expansive floor plans, lavish furnishings, top-tier amenities, and awe-inspiring views of Texas Hill Country. Find solace in this country retreat, where tranquility and sophistication meet amidst the natural beauty of San Antonio.
The AFSA group rate for the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is $259 per night plus tax, which includes a $20 daily resort fee. Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at firesprinkler.org/book. Group rates are available for stays from September 27-30, 2026. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, attendees must book directly with the hotel by phone or use the link found on AFSA’s convention website, firesprinkler.org/AFSA45.
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 the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa using the links on AFSA’s website to ensure your reservation is guaranteed.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AFSA45 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. Some of these benefits include the following:
- 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 JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa’s 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 platforms.
Sponsorships must be entirely paid by April 26, 2026, to take full advantage of publicity. For more information on sponsorships, contact AFSA’s convention team via email at convention@firesprinkler.org or phone: (214) 349-5965 ext. 116.
EXHIBIT SPACE AVAILABLE
Reservations for exhibit hall booths are now being accepted. The schedule for AFSA45 is specifically designed to create multiple opportunities for attendees to visit the exhibit hall and network. This gives exhibitors ample time and as much face-to-face interaction with customers as possible. How does AFSA ensure traffic through the exhibit hall?
- 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 will be held 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 hosts this popular evening event, allowing convention attendees to tour the exhibit hall, which features hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
- Free passes are available on the second day of the exhibits. AFSA invites local sprinkler contractors and exhibitor-invited guests to visit the exhibit hall. Sponsors also enjoy exhibitor benefits at AFSA45. Diamond and Platinum sponsorship levels include one 10-ft x 20-ft booth, and the 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 exhibitor-hall-only registrations.
For all the details, download the exhibitor kit at firesprinkler.org/AFSA45 or contact AFSA’s convention team via email at convention@firesprinkler.org or phone: (214) 349-5965 ext. 116.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION OPENS SOON
Ever heard the phrase “Don’t Mess With Texas”? This year, don’t mess with success and plan to attend AFSA45. Attendee registration opens on May 15, 2026. Bookmark AFSA45’s official website at firesprinkler.org/AFSA45 and dust off those cowboy hats and boots. AFSA is ready to host industry professionals in its home state of Texas!
Get real-time updates on AFSA’s official happenings sent to your desktop or wireless device by subscribing to or following AFSA social media (see QR code below), and use our official hashtag #AFSA45.
As big and bold as Texas itself, AFSA’s annual convention is more than just sessions and speakers—it’s an experience! From inspiring ideas and powerful connections to a little Lone Star hospitality, attendees will leave informed, energized, and ready to make an even greater impact on the industry. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something truly unforgettable—attend AFSA45 where innovation meets Texas-sized opportunity!