Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA45 SET TO MAKE A TEXAS-SIZED IMPACT
This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is rounding up the top technical and business management experts in the fire protection industry to present at AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 27-30. This year’s event offers expert-led seminars, valuable networking opportunities, and a dynamic expo hall showcasing the latest innovations in fire and life safety.
More than 80 seminars will provide over 90 hours of education, CEUs, CPDs, and Contact Hours, including ICC hours for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) where applicable.
FEATURED SEMINARS
Seminars are organized by specialty, covering topics such as special occupancy, NFPA standards updates, business management, ITM, design, pumps, alarms, and corrosion. Highlights of several seminar tracks are highlighted below.
AFSA’s ITM sessions focus on limiting liability; sprinkler testing, obstruction investigations; and NFPA 25. “NFPA 25 Reports: Questions to Include & Ones to Avoid” will describe both the questions a contractor should include in their reports, as well as questions that should be avoided, and the reasons why. NFPA 25 requires many inspection and testing activities that building owners often hire sprinkler contractors to perform. The inspection reports that contractors use range from homegrown versions in Excel spreadsheets to off-the-shelf, prepopulated programs. There is little consistency between the various reports being used, except almost all of them include questions that can expose the contractor to unnecessary liability when something goes wrong. Many of the reports also omit needed details to make sure the inspector is looking for the details that NFPA 25 requires.
Business management seminar topics will include apprenticeship registration, tax and legal strategies, contracts, operations, labor relations, expansion, artificial intelligence (AI), workforce development, and conflict management. One seminar will be “Build a Company That Thrives in Any Market”—Most construction companies are stuck fighting the hottest fire of the moment rather than planning ahead and ensuring their long-term success. Without a plan, company performance is highly volatile, making profitability uncertain, and leaving their business value up to chance. But there is good news: contractors can overcome these challenges by deliberately enacting a strategic planning process. This seminar helps companies establish strategic clarity, leadership alignment, and operational discipline—the foundation of lasting success.
Those attending the Special Occupancies seminars will learn about cold storage, data centers, and parking structures. One seminar, “Supporting Fire Alarm Testing as a Sprinkler Technician,” will bridge the gap between fire alarm technicians and sprinkler contractors by providing sprinkler fitters with a deeper understanding of fire alarm testing requirements. Often, fire alarm technicians rely on the assistance of sprinkler contractors to effectively perform certain tests, such as system actuation, valve supervision, water flow alarms, fire pump supervision, and water level monitoring. The session will outline the specific instances where sprinkler contractors play a role, providing insight into the fire alarm technician’s perspective and what they’re looking for during the testing process. By the end of this presentation, sprinkler contractors will be equipped with the knowledge to effectively collaborate with fire alarm technicians, ensuring seamless testing and maintenance of these integrated fire protection systems.
Attendees of Design and Project Management seminars will learn about modernizing fire sprinkler design with Revit, navigating ESS sprinkler design, working with independent designers, seismic protection, flow control, hazards class, and building information modeling (BIM).
A common question today is whether artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to perform the tasks that are part of an industry professional’s job description. What is AI, and what role might it play with respect to designing and reviewing sprinkler systems? How close are we to being able to design or review sprinkler systems using AI? What are the ethical considerations in using AI to replace trained technicians and engineers? What will be the role of design technicians and engineers in the future? In “Will I be Replaced by AI?,” participants will learn answers to these questions and more.
The best technical minds in the industry will be tested as AFSA once again presents “Ask the Experts” panel discussion. It can be challenging to keep up to date with dozens of applicable standards on a constant three-year update cycle. This panel of experts wrote the books and will be on hand to discuss all of your burning technical questions. They can help with questions ranging from understanding actual updates to decoding intent and the historical framework of the standards. This interactive seminar will help you find answers to questions that are otherwise hard to find. Submit your questions in advance via the QR code below or bring them to the seminar to try and stump our experts!
SAN ANTONIO SPLENDOR
Amid spring-fed rivers and rolling hills, San Antonio’s rich culture flourishes with a repertoire of artists, historic legacies and culinary delights that will tempt travelers of all tastes. From the River Walk to Hill Country vineyards and golf resorts, San Antonio embodies the charm of an authentic American city.
AFSA45 attendees will relish their stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, site of this year’s convention. Guests can relax in upscale hotel accommodations with expansive floor plans, lavish furnishings, top-tier amenities, and awe-inspiring views of Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 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. Guests can also immerse themselves in renowned attractions nearby, including wineries, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
The AFSA group rate for the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is $259 per night plus tax and a daily resort fee. Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at firesprinkler.org/book. Group rates are available for stays from September 27-30, 2026. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, attendees must book directly with the hotel by phone or use the link found on AFSA’s convention website, firesprinkler.org/AFSA45.
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 the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa using the links on AFSA’s website to ensure your reservation is guaranteed.
LAST CHANCE TO EXHIBIT
At press time, a few booth spots remain available for the AFSA45 exhibit hall. The convention’s schedule is specifically designed to maximize 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 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 several bars.
- Free passes are available on the second day of exhibits, as AFSA invites local sprinkler contractors and exhibitor-invited guests to visit the hall.
For all the details, download the exhibitor kit at firesprinkler.org/AFSA45 or contact AFSA’s convention team via email at convention@firesprinkler.org or phone: (214) 349-5965.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Stay informed, stay connected, and stay ahead by attending AFSA45! Connect with the people and products driving the fire protection industry forward. Registration is now open at firesprinkler.org/AFSA45. Great people, valuable insights, and a little Texas hospitality—it’s all waiting for you at AFSA45!