Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA Celebrates Convention Exhibition and Apprentice Competition in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., set the stage for AFSA44, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) annual Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, Oct. 15–18. Drawing over 1,500 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, facility managers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for four days of networking, education, and fun!
“At AFSA44 you could almost feel the magic in the air—the energy, the learning, the people!” comments AFSA44 Convention Chair Jay Strickland, vice president of business development M&A, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. “You could see how much our industry is growing and how committed everyone is to raising the bar. That passion proves we’re not just maintaining standards—we’re scaling up, innovating, and inspiring the next generation to protect what matters most. It’s an exciting time to be part of this industry.”
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in 64 seminars and explore a sold-out exhibit hall featuring 108 exhibitors promoting the latest technology and products in the industry. AFSA also offered AHJs a free morning of seminars and a chance to explore the industry’s largest exhibition.
AFSA IN ACTION IN D.C.
AFSA44 opened on Wednesday, October 15 with a full slate. That morning, AFSA chapter leaders came together for its annual Leadership Conference at convention. One highlight was the presentation of awards to chapters. The Chapter Impact Award, recognizing a chapter that has shown significant growth and improvement over the past year by enhancing member engagement through expanded training programs and meaningful networking opportunities, was presented to the Tennessee Chapter. The Chesapeake Bay Chapter received the Preservation Excellence Award for their efforts to protect the Fire Museum of Maryland. The award honors a chapter that has made outstanding contributions to its community by helping preserve historic landmarks and treasured buildings through the installation of fire sprinkler systems. The Collaboration Excellence Award was presented jointly to the Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia Chapters to recognize their successful teamwork in launching the Southern Sprinkler Summit—a regional training program and tradeshow.
Wednesday afternoon was packed with technical seminars, a new member/new attendee orientation, and Women in the Industry panel. That evening, everyone gathered in the Harbor Social sports bar and garden atrium to enjoy duckpin bowling, darts, bocce, music, and great food and drinks. George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt even made an appearance!
Thursday was a day full of learning and earning education credits in seminars covering technology, standards updates, special occupancies, business management, dry systems, design and project management, and hydraulics. After all that training, a little fun was needed and found with The K Factor podcast hosts! Inspired by the hit YouTube show “Hot Ones,” Eric Andresen, Kevin Hall, Josh McDonald, and Nate Williams took on a gauntlet of increasingly hotter wings while answering a mix of technical fire protection questions and fun, personal ones. The guys definitely took the heat and succeeded in finishing all the wings, while providing laughs and insights.
Friday offered more seminars followed by the general session. AFSA 2023-2025 Chair of the Board Linda Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, La., presented the 2025 Henry S. Parmelee award to Martin Workman, senior vice president of product development for The Viking Corporation Inc., for his dedication to education, training, and development of fire protection standards.
Two additional honors were presented at the event. Mac Beaton, director of career and technical education (CTE) for Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, received the 2025 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award for his outstanding efforts to educate the next generation and raise public awareness about the fire protection industry. Madison Wolf, Victaulic regional sales manager, was named the 2025 Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year for her commitment to empowering the next generation and supporting future professionals.
Attendees heard inspiring speeches from the award recipients and learned that a donation was made on their behalf, in lieu of a convention souvenir, to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. This donation will support both urgent relief and long-term rebuilding efforts after the devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, 2025.
Members also recognized retiring At-Large Director Jack Medovich, P.E., and Region 4 Director Rod DiBona for their years of service to the association. Finally, everyone joined in celebrating the seven finalists competing in the 32nd National Apprentice Competition—complete with confetti canons! After the general session, attendees were invited to the exhibit hall for the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception with a first look at this year’s exhibiting companies along with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
“AFSA44 was truly inspiring! Seeing so many passionate professionals come together reminded me why I love this industry. The energy, the conversations, and the shared commitment to fire safety made this event unforgettable,” comments Biernacki. “Our convention committee and the AFSA staff, did an outstanding job making everything feel seamless.”
On Saturday, seminars were held during the morning hours, and the exhibits opened to great success. Attendees enjoyed learning about new products and services for the fire sprinkler industry and networking with fellow industry professionals. During the afternoon exhibition, the nation’s top seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices installed mini-sprinkler systems before a packed crowd. That evening, at the annual Awards Party, the winners of the 32nd Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC) were announced. Raul Larios, Hiller Companies, Calif., won first place and $10,000; Leona Ball, Piper Fire Protection, Fla., won second place and $7,500; and Christopher Redman, J.G. Tate Fire Protection Systems, Poway, Calif., placed third and won $5,000. Honorable mentions and $2,500 were awarded to Stephen Dolan, Rieve Fire Protection, Conn.; Corbin Rogers, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., S.D.; Kyle Strickland, Marmic Fire & Safety, Ark.; David Walencewicz, Impact Fire Services, Conn. All competition winners received a commemorative award and tools.
“AFSA44 was another fantastic success, with a record turnout at every level of participation,” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo. “I cannot express my gratitude enough to our members, associates, and staff, whose hard work and dedication continue to make AFSA’s annual convention the premier event in our industry. From the volunteers who represent our regional chapters to the speakers who presented, and everything in between, this convention was fun and exciting from start to finish.”
To see photos of this year’s event, visit flickr.com/afsa.
A BIG TEXAS WELCOME!
Grab your cowboy boots and strut on down deep in the heart of Texas next fall for AFSA45, September 27-30, 2026. Stay up-to-date on next year’s event and the 33rd NAC through AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.