Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
The Largest Annual Fire Sprinkler Exhibition in North America Travels to California
Come to the golden state and join us for the largest event of its kind in the fire sprinkler industry as the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosts AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition October 1-4, 2019. Network with peers in the industry at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego and attend technical and managerial seminars that offer CEU/CPD credits, social events including networking meals and an awards party at SeaWorld San Diego, and an exciting live apprentice competition on the floor of our bustling exhibition hall! With something for everyone, AFSA38 is sure to be the can’t miss event of 2019!
“We are excited to launch AFSA38,” says Marlene Garrett, CMP, AFSA COO, Meetings and Events.”This event includes 70-plus hours of seminar credits over four days. The seminar sessions include topics for everyone within your company that will help them be successful and ultimately help grow the business. Our speakers are the most knowledgeable and dynamic presenters in the industry. Make plans to see us in San Diego!”
Gathering in the Golden State Continuing the tradition of providing top-notch educational and networking opportunities for attendees, AFSA38 will once again offer four days of seminars that are guaranteed to be packed with education, training, and networking for all. AFSA will offer over 70 seminar hours led by industry experts, and the AFSA exhibition is a proven opportunity for people to connect with new prospects as well as grow and cultivate existing networks. 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 26th National Apprentice Competition. Additionally, AFSA38 will again feature the popular “Train the Trainer” workshop on Tuesday, October 1. Send your trainers to this half-day program for an in-depth session on how to train for the biggest impact and how to cultivate a successful learning experience at your company!
Other convention highlights include evening parties and social events, as well as a chance to relax with friends new and old during the networking meals hosted for attendees who are fully registered in AFSA’s room blocks at either the Manchester Grand Hyatt or the Embassy Suites.
The final night, Friday, October 4, join AFSA as we crown the newest National Apprentice Competition (NAC) champion with an exclusive party at SeaWorld San Diego. It’s a night of fun that includes dinner, drinks, music, and rides! A jet-helicopter flight simulator sends you over the breathtaking, perilous, icy landscapes of the Arctic Circle en route to Base Station Wild Arctic where you will meet penguins, walruses, and beluga whales. And the fun doesn’t stop there because the tallest and fastest roller coaster in SeaWorld San Diego’s history is here! Riders of Electric Eel will drop from heights of 150 feet while getting boosted 60 mph forwards and backward through looping twists and an inverted heartline roll. You won’t want to miss this evening of fun and networking to celebrate the newest NAC champion and more!
NextGen Day Are you looking to join or involve your under-40 employees in the industry’s most forward-looking young professionals’ group? AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative (NGI) will host a “NextGen Day” Wednesday, October 2 during the convention. This year AFSA is proud to offer a full day of seminars tailored to fit the needs of the NGI audience including seminars on strategies for career success, finding your “why” in the industry, and more. In the afternoon, AFSA NextGen will present a leadership forum “Solving the Skilled Labor Problem” moderated by Chair Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, and featuring panelists Michael Meehan, VSC Fire & Security, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Scott Pugsley, professor and industry coordinator, Seneca College School of Fire Protection, Ontario, Canada; and Christina Catron, NCCER, Alachua, Florida. To become involved in NGI and participate in the related events at convention, visit AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org/NextGen.
Convention Quarters Enjoy a premier stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel where the AFSA room block is located just steps away from the AFSA38 meeting spaces. Located in downtown San Diego, the hotel boasts a beautiful waterfront stay for the whole family. Hotel guestrooms and suites offer modern touches that highlight the natural beauty of San Diego and feature floor-to-ceiling windows unveiling panoramic Pacific Ocean and cityscape views. With a resort-like setting, and conveniently located dining, entertainment, and shopping options, the Manchester Grand Hyatt is sure to be a memorable stay.
Additionally, new this year, a secondary AFSA room block is available in the nearby Embassy Suites, offering comfort and convenience for everyone. Enjoy the extra luxury and space of a suite, free breakfast, and allow yourself to feel pampered by all the amenities at this premier location.
The AFSA group rate for the Manchester Grand Hyatt is $255 per night plus tax for a run-of-the-house room (limited availability) and the rate for the Embassy Suites is $239 per night plus tax for a run-of-the-house room (limited availability). Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at firesprinkler.org/convention.
Hotel Reservation Alert! AFSA has been made aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendor. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHR), Global Housing, and National Travel Associates. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations and no free networking meals nor complimentary internet access. 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/convention).
Stay in the Loop! Hear the latest from AFSA and AFSA38, including news, deals, discounts, and offerings. 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 #AFSA38!
• Twitter: twitter.com/AFSA
• Facebook: facebook.com/firesprinkler.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/firesprinklerorg
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/AmerFireSprinkAssn
Bookmark AFSA’s convention website at firesprinkler.org/convention and check back frequently as online registration will open soon. Mark your calendars now to meet us in San Diego for a guaranteed return on your investment with AFSA38!
