This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was thrilled to welcome attendees to AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 27-30. Nearly 1,600 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, facility managers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry professionals came together at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa to attend seminars, walk the sold-out exhibit hall, and cheer on their favorite apprentice in the 33rd Annual National Apprentice Competition.

“Our annual convention truly has a family-reunion kind of feel, which is fun to be part of. The technical sessions were all well attended, and the expo hall was packed to the gills. As always, the National Apprentice Competition took center stage, and congratulations to all seven finalists and the members who support them,” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo. “Thank you to all who attended, and to the sponsors who support this event.”

In addition to choosing from 83 technical and managerial seminars, attendees explored AFSA’s sold-out exhibit hall, featuring booths from 104 exhibiting companies showcasing their products and services. AFSA also offered local AHJs a free morning of ICC-approved seminars and a chance to explore the industry's largest exhibition.

The convention began on Sunday, Sept. 27, with the Chapter Leadership Conference, orientation for new AFSA members and first-time convention attendees, and technical and managerial seminars, including a “Women in the Industry” panel and networking mixer. The day wrapped up with a Welcome Party held in the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort’s Riverbend Pavilion, featuring a DJ, delicious Tex-Mex dinner, cornhole, and Highland cows!

Monday was a day full of learning and earning education credits with seminars and the general session. AFSA Chair of the Board Paul DeLorie, Hampshire Fire Protection Co, Londonderry, N.H., led the general session and presented the 2026 Henry S. Parmelee Award to Jack Medovich, P.E., who has dedicated his 40-year career to protecting lives, advancing the sprinkler industry, and serving the people within it.

In addition, the 2026 Fire Sprinkler Advocates of the Year, the Diaz family, were honored for their tireless efforts to strengthen residential fire safety following the death of their daughter, Melanie, in a high-rise apartment fire. Mindy Buckley, CFO for Allsouth Sprinkler in Lilburn, Ga., received AFSA’s 2026 Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year award for her leadership within the fire sprinkler industry, her commitment to mentorship, and her dedicated service to local, state, and national organizations. To round out the afternoon, Keynote Speaker Jason Schechertle inspired the crowd with his incredible story of survival and perspective on life, rebirth, and transformation.

“I am grateful we all came together at AFSA45,” states AFSA Chair of the Board Paul DeLorie, senior vice president, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., LLC, Londonderry, N.H. “Our industry celebration was an amazing event filled with learning, recognition of leaders, determined apprentices, connectivity, and a willingness to join the band that serves something larger than ourselves.”

Tuesday morning featured more seminars, and two new feedback forums created space for member discussion on the future of sprinkler-fitting apprenticeship and fire alarm training. That afternoon, the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception was held, offering a first look at this year’s exhibiting companies and featuring hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Seminars concluded Wednesday morning, and exhibits opened in the afternoon to great success. Exhibitors took over the hall and foyer, where attendees learned about new products and services for the fire sprinkler industry and networked with fellow industry professionals. During the afternoon exhibition, the nation’s top seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices, from over 130 apprentices who entered this year’s contest, installed mini-sprinkler systems before a packed crowd. That evening, the annual Awards Party took place at Knibbe Ranch. Guests enjoyed a steak dinner, cigars, armadillo races, a roping cowboy, a live band, dancing, and the crowning of AFSA’s newest apprentice champion!

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the apprentice competition winners: Skylar Gregor of The Hiller Companies, LLC, Los Angeles, Calif., won first place at this year’s Competition, including a $10,000 cash prize and a custom silver belt buckle. Jimmy Griggs, Brendle Sprinkler Co., Montgomery, Ala., won second place and a $7,500 cash prize. Mason Castle, Castle Sprinkler & Alarm, Inc., College Park, Md., took home third place along with a cash prize of $5,000. Honorable mentions and $2,500 cash prizes were awarded to: Robert Barry, Impact Fire Services, LLC, Southborough, Mass.; Anthony Castillo, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Pleasanton, Calif.; Evan Larson, Total Fire Protection, Inc., Brandon, S.D.; and Trevor Sweet, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Denver, Colo. Milwaukee Tools donated a Packout System to the top three winners, and all competition winners also received a commemorative award and tools.

“From the opening party and top-rated seminars to an incredible guest speaker, the Diaz family’s heart-wrenching story, an impressive trade show, and an amazing apprentice competition, AFSA45 delivered from start to finish,” says Convention Co-Chair Jay Strickland, vice president of business development, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Forestville, Md. I don’t know how you can top it, but I sure am looking forward to AFSA46 in San Diego!”

Plans for next year are already underway to gather in San Diego for AFSA46: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition. To be held Sept. 8-11 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, this is the event of the year for the fire sprinkler industry! Details about next year’s convention will be posted on firesprinkler.org in Spring 2027.