AFSA GOES TO WASHINGTON

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AFSA44 WILL BE AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION IN D.C.

Join the best in the sprinkler industry to celebrate the red, white, and blue—America and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)—in the nation’s capital, Oct. 15-18, 2025, for AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition. Mark your calendars and make plans now—this is one celebration you don’t want to miss!

AFSA’s annual convention continues to exceed expectations year after year. Participate in this year’s event instead of just hearing about all the learning and fun! The nation’s capital is the perfect place to connect and network with industry professionals, receive best-in-class training, earn CEUs and CPDs, watch the live apprentice competition, and enjoy all of the exciting social events.

“Washington D.C. is a place where history is made every day. Where movers and shakers come to get things done! So, come join us at AFSA44 where you will meet and learn from the top industry leaders, manufacturers, and suppliers in the fire protection industry,” states AFSA Region 6 Director and Convention Committee Chair Jay Strickland, vice president of business development at Pye Barker Fire & Safety. “Are you ready to be a mover and shaker? We can’t do it without you!”

BUSY DAYS AND BUSY NIGHTS

AFSA44 will offer four days of managerial and technical seminars filled with education, training, and networking led by industry experts. Educational seminars will cover multiple tracks across all aspects 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 32nd National Apprentice Competition (NAC).

Convention highlights include the Opening Party, Exhibition Grand Opening Reception, general session, final night Awards Party, social events, and a chance to relax with friends, new and old, during the convention networking meals.

Join us for an unforgettable evening full of excitement and entertainment as AFSA takes over Harbor Social Sports Bar and beautiful atrium, located inside the AFSA44 headquarters hotel, the Gaylord National Resort. 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.

AFSA’s NAC is the highlight of AFSA’s convention and is placed in the middle of the exhibit hall so everyone can enjoy the action and cheer on their favorite apprentice! The top seven finalists in the nation will enjoy an expense-paid trip to D.C. to compete for bragging rights, cash prizes, and tools. Interested in competing? For more details, click here.

The 2025 Awards Party will focus on the apprentice competition and honor this year’s participants. This celebration will be hosted in Riverview Ballroom at the Gaylord National with stunning views of the Potomac and the Capital Wheel, and across to D.C. Highlighting our American roots, attendees enjoy the best that our nation’s capital has to offer!

AFSA GATHERS IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Embark on an unparalleled getaway at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., a mere stone’s throw from Washington, D.C. Nestled on the banks of the Potomac River, the Gaylord National invites you to experience a perpetual oasis with a consistent 72-degree climate inside its magnificent 19-story indoor garden atrium. Immerse yourself in opulence with breathtaking spaces, world-class service, and top-tier dining options that cater to every palate. Whether you’re seeking relaxation at the luxurious Relâche Spa, indulging in family-friendly activities within the extraordinary resort, or venturing to explore the wonders of National Harbor, every moment promises adventure and unforgettable memories.

Featuring 350 acres of waterfront resort space, National Harbor features an array of dining and shopping along with scenic waterside trails and tours. Take to the skies and soar over the Potomac River in the famous Capital Wheel to witness a one-of-a-kind sunset.

From the wharf at National Harbor, guests can take a water taxi to The Wharf D.C., a mile-long stretch along the Potomac River with more than 50 restaurants and dozens of shops, as well as easy access to monuments and museums. The water taxi also drops off in old town Alexandria and Georgetown. Additionally, National Harbor offers a shuttle service to locations within a five-mile radius, including the Tanger Outlets and the MGM Casino.

Experience D.C.’s many attractions, including the Smithsonian Institute with its 17 museums, galleries, and a zoo (all free of charge), along with the numerous monuments and memorials that reflect America’s unique history.

ROOM RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN

Following a $64 million total room renovation, guests at the Gaylord National can choose from a variety of spacious rooms and suites. The resort’s new room design includes hues of blue to celebrate its location on the Potomac River and nods to Abraham Lincoln in the copper tones and artwork to salute its proximity to D.C. From wonderous views of the Gaylord National’s 19-story lush garden Atrium to picturesque views of the Potomac River, and cozy rooms and executive suites, the hardest thing about staying at Gaylord National is having to leave!

The AFSA group rate for the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is $269 per night plus tax for single/double rooms. Another hotel option is the Residence Inn National Harbor, which is located across the street from Gaylord National. The rate at the Residence Inn is $249 per night plus tax for a standard room. Guests are welcome to stay at either hotel from Oct. 14-19. Reservations must be made by Thursday, Sept. 10 to secure the convention group rate. After Sept. 10, group room rates are based on availability. Be sure to book your stay with the hotel directly using the link that will be uploaded to the AFSA convention site to receive the correct group pricing.

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 Gaylord National or Residence Inn National Harbor using the links on AFSA’s website to ensure your reservation is guaranteed.

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES AT AFSA44

Join in the excitement of AFSA44! For all companies looking to put their brand and offered services in front of an industry-targeted crowd, AFSA44 is open for sponsors. AFSA44 sponsors are offered special benefits by levels: 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:

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 Gaylord National’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 25, 2025, to take full advantage of publicity. For more inofrmation on sponsorships, contact AFSA’s Meetings and Events Coordinator, Nate Williams, via email at convention@firesprinkler.org or via phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 129.

EXHIBIT SPACE AVAILABLE

The schedule for AFSA44 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 center of 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 exhibits. AFSA invites local sprinkler contractors and exhibitor-invited guests to visit the exhibit hall.

Sponsors also enjoy exhibitor benefits at AFSA44. 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 exhibit-hall-only registrations.

For all the details, download the exhibitor kit here. Booth selection will begin on April 28, 2025. If you’re ready to start planning and securing the best spots and publicity for your business, visit the AFSA44 website or contact Nate Williams.

A CAPITAL-SIZED CELEBRATION

“WOW! I am so excited to host our members at this world-class resort and convention center. The location is only eight minutes from Ronald Reagan National Airport. The Convention Chair Jay Strickland, NextGen Chair Katie Meehan, and I toured the facility in December, and it was one of the most stunning venues I have seen,” comments AFSA Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La. “It will be another sold-out convention, so plan early. I can’t wait to welcome you to our nation’s capital and share all the great programs we at AFSA have been busy working on.”

AFSA44 attendee registration opens on May 25, 2025. Bookmark AFSA44’s official website at firesprinkler.org/afsa44/ to view more details and register. Get 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 #AFSA44.

Don’t miss out on the fire sprinkler industry’s best event of the year. AFSA and the Gaylord National are thrilled to welcome everyone to the nation’s capital!