Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
You’ve registered for an annual convention; now what? Whether this is your first convention or your tenth, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. Which education sessions should you attend? Will you know anyone there? How to be efficient with your time? With so many options and opportunities, it’s easy to feel like your head is spinning. Don’t worry! A little planning goes a long way. Below are a few tips to help you maximize your convention experience, whether you’re attending AFSA45 or any other industry event.
Let’s start by determining why you’re attending. Most attendees come for one (or more) of these reasons:
• To earn continuing education credits (CEUs) or fulfill professional licensing requirements.
• To expand their professional network and connect with peers and industry leaders.
• To learn from subject matter experts (SMEs) and stay current on industry trends.
• To present as a speaker, facilitator, exhibitor, or industry expert.
Knowing your primary objective serves as your roadmap and helps you make intentional decisions throughout the event. Convention schedules often include dozens of educational sessions, making it difficult to decide which ones to attend. Rather than trying to fit everything into your schedule, focus on selecting sessions that answer these questions, and you’ll create a balanced educational experience that provides immediate value:
• What knowledge will help me succeed in my current role? Choose courses that directly relate to your day-to-day responsibilities.
• What skills will help me grow professionally? Select sessions that prepare you for the next stage of your career or expand your leadership capabilities.
• What trends, changes, or emerging challenges should I understand? Stay informed about industry developments that could impact your organization or profession.
If building your professional network is one of your goals, don’t leave it to chance. Review the convention schedule in advance and identify networking receptions, social gatherings, committee meetings, or special-interest events that align with your interests. These settings often provide the best opportunities to build meaningful relationships. Come prepared with a few conversation starters or thoughtful questions. A little preparation can make introductions much easier and help conversations flow naturally.
If you have the opportunity to meet a respected industry leader or SME, make the most of your time together. Ask meaningful questions, exchange contact information, and follow up after the convention. Lasting professional relationships are often built through simple, intentional follow-up.
Once you’ve registered, take a few minutes to organize your schedule before you arrive. Having a personal itinerary allows you to spend less time figuring out where to go and more time enjoying the experience. Whether you’re attending an AFSA convention or another industry event, preparation is the key to having a great experience. Consider creating a quick reference cheat sheet that includes:
• The education sessions you plan to attend, including times, locations, and room numbers.
• Networking receptions, chapter meetings, parties, and other special events.
• Transportation details, including pickup times and locations for off-site events.
• Easy access to the convention mobile app or a printed program for quick reference throughout the event.
If you’re planning to attend AFSA45, we hope you’ll stop by the AFSA booth (#507) to introduce yourself. If this is your first AFSA convention, I invite you to join us for the First-Time Attendee Reception the afternoon of September 27. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meda Merritt, CAE, is vice president of membership and chapter development for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). In this role, she manages the overall membership recruitment and retention efforts, supports the development and growth of AFSA’s chapters and affiliated state associations, and works to increase the association’s visibility within the industry and to related industries. Merritt obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tulsa. She is a member of ASAE and DFWAE, where she serves as chair of the IDEA Committee and as a member of the Membership Committee. Merritt earned ASAE’s CAE certification in 2024 and was awarded DFWAE’s Wayne James Award for recruitment.