Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
SACRAMENTO VALLEY CHAPTER DRAWS CONTRACTORS AND VENDORS
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosted its 14th Annual Training & Trade Show at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, Calif. The Sac Valley AFSA Trade Show continues to be a premier event for fire protection suppliers and contractors, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees can connect with potential partners while rekindling existing relationships in an atmosphere that rivals national trade shows. This year, the expanded layout hosted a wealth of industry knowledge, bringing together everything a contractor needs under one roof. The event remains the top conference in the area, proving essential for those in the fire protection industry.
The momentum of the trade show continued to build in 2026, with attendance reaching approximately 700 industry professionals. This year’s show expanded to the second floor of The Venue, accommodating a growing exhibitor presence that increased from 52 to 57 exhibitors. The expanded footprint allowed for even greater engagement, broader product exposure, and more opportunities for meaningful interaction across all sectors of the industry.
The trade show once again brought together a diverse and engaged cross-section of the fire sprinkler community. The show floor remained active throughout the evening, with demonstrations, new technologies, and valuable conversations across old and new connections.
Exhibitors consistently highlighted the value of in-person engagement and the strength of the event’s turnout. “We had a great time exhibiting at this year’s SVC AFSA Trade Show. Connecting in person with industry peers is always valuable. We look forward to next year,” shared Ken Wohl of Ember Software. Echoing that sentiment, Adolfo Wurts of Arbiter Fire noted simply, “Another great show from AFSA, definitely worth your time and money.”
For many vendors, the quality of interactions stood out just as much as the quantity. “The 2026 SVC AFSA Trade Show proved worthwhile with good traffic at [our] booth. Attendees included both long-standing contacts and some new ones,” said Will Fassler, Technical Services Representative at Spears® Manufacturing Company. Don Smith of Gallagher added, “Another great show with strong attendance and lots of good conversations. Big thanks to AFSA and the organizers for another well-run event—always a pleasure to be part of it.”
Longtime participants continue to view the show as a cornerstone industry event. “We’ve been attending the SVC AFSA Trade Show since 2019, and each year it continues to be one of the most valuable events for our team,” said Jared Van Gammeren, owner & CEO of Driven Fire Consultants. “We consistently meet new potential clients while also reconnecting with the relationships we’ve built in previous years… It’s become a key part of how we stay engaged and connected within the fire protection community.”
The event’s reputation continues to grow beyond the region. Martin Tomasic, director of sales at Tornatech, described it as “one of the top regional conference events in the United States.” First-time and returning vendors alike praised the overall experience, with Kim Previti of Steven Brown & Associates, Inc. sharing, “The attendance, food, and structure of the event on the whole was top-notch! We look forward to being a vendor at your next event!”
AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, returned to deliver two classes before the trade show, continuing the chapter’s commitment to bringing high-quality education to fire protection professionals throughout the region.
Denhardt’s seminars, “Fire Pumps—The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly” and “Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Pump and Standpipe Systems” had high attendance and drew interest as CAL FIRE-accredited training sessions.
Behind the continued success of the event is the leadership and dedication of Paulene Norwood, Executive Director of the Sacramento Valley AFSA Chapter. Her commitment, along with the support of the chapter and its volunteers, ensures each year builds on the last and continues to exceed expectations.
The Sacramento Valley AFSA Trade Show remains more than just an annual gathering—it is a cornerstone event for the region that highlights the innovation, resilience, and growth of the fire sprinkler industry. As participation continues to increase, so does its impact on fostering relationships, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation of professionals.
The Sacramento Valley Chapter looks forward to welcoming attendees and exhibitors again in 2027. For more information on the trade show or other upcoming events, visit sacvalleyafsa.org or contact Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood directly at paulenesacvalleyafsa@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Morgan Barlow is an AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter board member. She is the HR/benefit coordinator for Marquee Fire Protection in Rocklin, Calif.