Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Join Industry Professionals in the Lone Star State
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is excited to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026, and we are inviting everyone to the party! Join AFSA as we return to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, at AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, September 27-30, 2026, in the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio, for a Texas-sized celebration. Featuring the largest event of its kind in the fire sprinkler industry, AFSA45 offers four days of seminars, exhibits, and many networking opportunities.
“I am honored to serve as this year’s Convention Committee Chair and very excited to welcome everyone to San Antonio for AFSA45,” comments AFSA Region 1 Director and Convention Chair Brooks Bayne, AFP Systems, Tualatin, Ore. “This is going to be a celebration to remember as AFSA celebrates 45 years of training and education for the fire sprinkler industry. With over 60 seminars and a packed exhibit hall, AFSA45 is an excellent opportunity to learn and network with fellow industry professionals. You won’t want to miss this year’s event!”
EDUCATION, NETWORKING, AND FUN!
AFSA45 offers four days of managerial and technical seminars filled with education, training, and networking led by fire protection industry experts. AFSA’s two-day exhibition provides an opportunity to meet with leading manufacturers and suppliers of the fire sprinkler industry’s latest products and services. The unopposed exhibit hours allow attendees and exhibitors to visit without interruption, and the second day of exhibits also features the finals of AFSA’s 33rd Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC). For apprentices who are interested in competing, see page 60 of this issue or visit firesprinkler.org/competition.
Convention highlights include an opening party, Exhibition Grand Opening reception, general session, social events, and a chance to meet and reconnect with friends during the networking meals hosted for attendees who are fully registered in AFSA’s room blocks at the office headquarters hotel, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.
HILL COUNTRY SPLENDOR
Discover JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, nestled amid 600 acres of oak-covered hills in Texas Hill Country near downtown San Antonio, Texas. Resort 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 $239 per night plus tax. A daily $20 resort fee includes complimentary internet in guest rooms. Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at firesprinkler.org/book. Group rates are available for stays from September 26-30, 2026. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by phone or using the link found on AFSA’s convention website, firesprinkler.org/AFSA45.
CALLING ALL SPONSORS
For all companies looking to put their brand and offered services in front of an industry-targeted crowd, AFSA45 is open for sponsorships. 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. For more information on sponsorships, contact AFSA’s convention team via email at convention@firesprinkler.org or phone: (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 AFSA45 at a discounted price. For more information on AFSA membership, visit firesprinkler.org/join-afsa.
TEXAS-SIZED CELEBRATION
Registration will open in May for AFSA45. Receive real-time updates on the association’s official happenings sent to your desktop or wireless device by subscribing to or following AFSA social media, and use our official hashtag #AFSA45.
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@firesprinkler.org
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/american-fire-sprinkler-association-afsa-/mycompany
- Facebook: facebook.com/firesprinkler.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/firesprinklerorg
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and AFSA45 will be the biggest and best event of them all. Y’all come on down September 27-30 and be a part of the celebration!