NETWORKING MEALS
THREE NETWORKING BREAKFASTS
THREE NETWORKING LUNCHES
AFSA conventions always offer outstanding networking opportunities for exhibitors and their customers.
These attractive networking opportunities include three hot breakfasts and three hot lunches at the headquarter hotel.
With an “All-Access” or “Exhibit Hall-Only” registration, you receive access to two networking meals per day. (6 meals)
"Day Passes" and/or "Single-Function" Passes DO NOT Qualify for the meal plan.
Valid only for AFSA networking meals, not at hotel restaurants.
EVENTS
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
This fast-paced, come-and-go event is aimed to acquaint the new AFSA member or new AFSA44 attendee with all things AFSA! Six 'stations' of insight will be available with representatives from AFSA's board of directors, chapter leadership, and staff to help you learn more about any of these six areas: Member Services, Get Involved, Exhibition Hall, Education & Apprentice Competition, Technical Services & Training, and AFSA Leadership. If you're new(ish) to AFSA, bring your questions & business cards, and pick up some swag while making meaningful connections to maximize your AFSA44 experience in Washington, DC!
Opening Party
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Opening Party will be an evening full of fun and entertainment as AFSA takes over the Gaylord National Resort’s Harbor Social Sports Bar and beautiful atrium. 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.
Level Up Your Membership: Engage with Your AFSA Chapter
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Unlock the full value of your AFSA membership by getting actively involved with your local chapter. This session will explore the benefits of chapter engagement, highlight real-life success stories, and provide practical steps to start contributing today. Whether you're a new member or a long-time supporter looking to reconnect, learn how participating locally can elevate your professional growth, expand your network, boost your business brand, and strengthen our industry as a whole.
Upon completion of this seminar, attendees will be able to:
- Identify the key benefits of engaging with their local AFSA chapter.
- Describe various roles and opportunities available within a chapter.
- Develop a personal action plan to get more involved at the chapter level.
- Explain how chapter involvement can enhance career development and industry impact.
The K-Factor Podcast Presents: Hot Takes Under Fire
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Brace yourselves for the SPICIEST 🌶 event of the week!
Inspired by the hit YouTube show Hot Ones, this live forum brings the heat as podcast hosts Josh McDonald, Eric Andresen, Kevin Hall, and Nate Williams take on a gauntlet of increasingly hotter wings while answering a mix of technical fire protection questions and fun, personal ones. Moderated by Victoria Valentine, the event will also feature live questions from the audience, so come ready to put your favorite hosts in the hot seat — literally. To help the audience keep their cool, there will be a cash bar available throughout the event. Grab a drink, enjoy the show, and see who can stand the heat! Don’t miss the laughs, the insights, and the inevitable spicy meltdowns.
🔥 Wings. Fire Protection. Rapid-fire questions. Regret. 🔥
General Session
Friday, October 17, 2025, 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Each year, the General Session brings the AFSA family together to celebrate the best in the industry. AFSA will take this special occasion to recognize inspirational people in the industry by presenting its most prestigious honors to the Henry S. Parmelee Award winner, the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year, and the Young Professional of the Year. AFSA will also introduce the top seven apprentices in the country. Join AFSA showcases the best of the best in the industry. This event is open to all registered attendees.
Exhibitor Appreciation Event (Exhibitors Only)
Friday, October 17, 2025, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
(EXHIBITORS ONLY)
Exhibition & National Apprentice Competition Finals
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
This event showcases the “best of the best” in the industry, beginning with a nationwide exam. The top seven apprentices advance to the national competition. They will cut, thread, and install a miniature wet pipe system complete with sprinklers and a pressure test — all on display to a packed exhibit hall crowd. The winner with the highest combined points on the onsite written test and practical installation will receive top honors and a $10,000 cash award! Come and find out who will be the next national apprentice winner! The competition aims to raise the profile and recognition of skilled fire sprinkler apprentices and highlight how vitally
important the technical craft of installation is to the success of our industry. Established in 1994, the AFSA National Apprentice Competition
promotes the strengthening and growth of skilled apprentices through higher education, advocacy, and industry promotion.
Awards Party
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Gaylord National’s Riverview Ballroom will be the setting for the final night Awards Party. The venue offers stunning views of the Potomac, the Capital Wheel, and across to D.C. During this final evening together, AFSA will celebrate America and the apprentice competition finalists. The highlight of the party will be the announcement of the NAC champion