AFSA45 is a four-day fire sprinkler industry convention and exhibition in San Antonio, Texas, featuring 78 seminar options, 15.5 available CE credits, networking, exhibitors and a seven-apprentice national competition.
Dates
27–30 Sep 2026
City / country
San Antonio, United States
Venue
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Time
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Companies exhibiting at American Fire Sprinkler Association AFSA include Academy Certification Exams (ACE), Accu, AGF Manufacturing, Inc., American AVK Company and American Backflow Products Co.
Event overview
AFSA45 is the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s 2026 annual convention, exhibition and National Apprentice Competition for the fire sprinkler industry.
The four-day event combines educational seminars, networking, social events, an exhibition and an apprentice competition at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa from September 27–30, 2026.
The organiser describes AFSA membership as including fire sprinkler contractors and designers, manufacturers and suppliers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
TL;DR
Visitors can attend educational seminars, earn up to 15.5 CE credits, view fire sprinkler technology, network with contractors and industry professionals, attend social and networking events, and observe the National Apprentice Competition.
AFSA45 positions itself as the largest fire sprinkler event in North America and says exhibitors can reach almost 1,500 decision makers, contractor companies and fire sprinkler professionals. Traffic-building features include unopposed exhibit hours, the annual apprentice competition, a grand-opening reception and free passes for invited guests on the second exhibition day.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
23808 Resort Parkway, 78261 San Antonio, United States
Entrances & gates
Main Entrance
Marriott identifies the main entrance as accessible; no AFSA45-specific hall-access assignment is published.
Parking: The venue lists on-site self-parking at $29 per day and valet parking at $45 per day. Accessible and van-accessible on-site parking are available. The nearest listed EV fast-charging station is at Fisher's Marketplace, 25510 Bulverde Road.
Gate: From downtown or San Antonio International Airport, take Highway 281 North, turn right at TPC Parkway, continue through Bulverde Road into Cibolo Canyons, and turn left on Marriott Parkway.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Member all-access early bird
Before July 7, 2026.
Member all-access regular
July 7–August 21, 2026.
Member all-access late
August 22–September 23, 2026.
Member all-access onsite
After September 23, 2026.
Non-member all-access early bird
Before July 7, 2026.
Non-member all-access regular
July 7–August 21, 2026.
Non-member all-access late
August 22–September 23, 2026.
Non-member all-access onsite
After September 23, 2026.
Member booth personnel early bird
Before July 7, 2026.
Member booth personnel onsite
After September 23, 2026.
Member seminar day pass
One day of seminars; no party events.
Non-member seminar day pass
One day of seminars; no party events.
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Member and non-member passes are offered, including all-access, guest/no-CEU, exhibitor all-access, booth personnel, education-only and seminar day passes.
Build-up & tear-down
What's on
National Apprentice Competition
AFSA45 Awards Party
AFSA's 2026 association honors will be presented during AFSA45. The official event schedule lists the Awards Party for September 30, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Knibbe Ranch.
33rd National Apprentice Competition awards
Seven national finalists will compete at AFSA45 for cash prizes, tools and recognition, with the winners celebrated at the Awards Party.
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2026 · 1,300 visitors · 125 exhibitors
Growth over time
Edition recap
AFSA44 took place October 16–19, 2025, at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. Official exhibitor materials document the exhibit schedule, networking meals, exhibitor appreciation event, grand opening reception, second exhibit day, and apprentice competition viewing. Verified attendance and exhibitor totals were not published in the reviewed official materials.
New this edition
San Antonio resort format
The 2026 convention is hosted at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, with resort amenities including the River Bluffs Water Experience, tennis and pickleball facilities, sports courts, and fitness-center access included with the group room rate.
SourceSold-out exhibition
The official exhibitor page states that booth space is sold out and provides a waitlist contact option.
SourceNext edition outlook
2026-09-27 – 2026-09-30AFSA45 moves to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, for September 27–30, 2026. The published programme promotes 78 seminar options, 15.5 available CE credits and a seven-apprentice national competition, while the exhibition is listed as sold out.
The host destination changes from the Washington, D.C. area to San Antonio, Texas. The venue changes from Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Published seminar options increase from 64 at AFSA44 to 78 at AFSA45. The 2026 programme advertises 15.5 available CE credits and seven apprentices competing during the exhibition.
Impact
AFSA44 brought more than 1,500 fire sprinkler professionals to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for four days of education, product discovery and networking. Its sold-out exhibition featured 108 exhibitors, while 64 seminars covered technical standards, technology, design, hydraulics, project management and business topics. AFSA described participation as a record turnout at every level.
Audience quality
The official recap identifies more than 1,500 attendees spanning fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, facility managers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction. This mix placed buyers, technical specifiers, regulators and product suppliers in the same event, although the organiser did not publish audited job-level or purchasing-authority distributions.
Exhibitor outcomes
AFSA44 offered exhibitors a sold-out hall with 108 participating companies, unopposed exhibit hours, a grand-opening reception and the apprentice competition positioned within the exhibition. The organiser reported record participation and a packed competition audience, supporting strong traffic potential, but it published no verified lead totals, sales conversions, exhibitor satisfaction score or financial return-on-investment measure.
Intelligence
108
Exhibitors
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Categories
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Countries
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Pavilions
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
AFSA45 is positioned by AFSA as North America's largest fire sprinkler exhibition and brings together contractors, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction. The event is relevant for evaluating fire-protection technology, channel relationships, training, and contractor demand.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Fire sprinkler technology adoption
AFSA states that its annual convention introduces the latest technology in the fire sprinkler industry.
SourceWorkforce development and apprentice training
The event includes a national apprentice competition and education programming, highlighting skilled-labor development as an industry priority.
SourceContractor-focused commercial networking
Official exhibitor materials emphasize decision makers, contractor companies, unopposed exhibit hours, networking meals, and invited-guest passes.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
AFSA45 exhibition booth space listed as sold out
The official exhibitor page says AFSA45 booth space is sold out and invites prospective exhibitors to join a waitlist.
AFSA45 promotes 78 seminar options and 15.5 CE credits
The official event site lists 78 seminar options and 15.5 available CE credits for the September 27–30, 2026 convention.
AFSA45 registration and hotel deadlines published
The official pricing page lists registration windows through September 23, 2026, while the lodging page states that the group hotel rate must be secured by August 21, 2026.
AFSA publishes future convention locations for comparison and forward planning.
Annual AFSA planning window
AFSA convention dates are generally announced by edition; verify each year's registration and exhibitor materials.
Dates and future-city information are from the official AFSA45 website.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
San Antonio International Airport
Primary airport for San Antonio.
Not established from official event materials
to venue
Not established from official event materials
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 259–305.85 / night
JW Marriott official group rate; $305.85 includes resort fee and taxes according to the event lodging page.
Not yet confirmed
Official page lists nearby properties but does not publish current prices.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rental car
Useful for off-site meetings and sightseeing.
Ride-hail or taxi
Confirm current fare before booking.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the U.S. for business or trade shows for $\le$ 90 days. | $21.00 | 24 to 72 hours | |
| B-1 Visitor Visa (Business) | Non-U.S. citizens from non-VWP countries attending conventions, trade shows, business meetings, or exhibiting without U.S. salary. | $185.00 | 2 to 12+ weeks (location dependent) | |
| B-2 Visitor Visa (Tourism) | Non-U.S. citizens from non-VWP countries attending as accompanying guests or extending stay for tourism. | $185.00 | 2 to 12+ weeks (location dependent) |
Nationality-specific eligibility was not established. Travelers should check U.S. Visa Waiver Program and visa requirements through official U.S. government resources.
No event-specific ATA Carnet policy was identified in the reviewed official materials. Confirm with U.S. Customs and the official event freight contractor before shipping temporary exhibition goods.
Official visa pageWeather
September conditions and forecast should be checked close to departure; official event materials do not provide weather data.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The official lodging page states conference-center wireless internet is included at general bandwidth and guest-room wireless supports up to six devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business networking
AFSA45 emphasizes education, networking, social events, networking breakfasts, networking lunches, and an opening party.
Local planning
The event is at a resort in San Antonio's Hill Country; allow additional time for transfers to central San Antonio attractions.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
Book flights to SAT and allow ground-transfer time to the Hill Country resort.
Book flightsVisa requirements depend on nationality and travel purpose. Use the official U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection resources for determination.
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
Processing: Varies by nationality, visa class, and consular workload.
No nationality-specific visa determination was provided.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa · North San Antonio / Stone Oak · TPC Parkway area
Nearby hotel
Not established from official event materials
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi, ride-hail, rental car, or hotel transfer; exact current fares were not established.
Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.
Ride-hail: Use a current ride-hail app for airport and hotel transfers; pricing varies.
Public transit: Public-transit suitability to the Hill Country resort was not established from official event materials.
Parking: Venue parking terms and current daily rates were not established from official event materials.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: September
Temperature: Not established from official event materials.
Seasonality: Check a current San Antonio forecast before travel.
Packing: Business-casual clothing, comfortable shoes, and weather-flexible layers are advisable.
Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.
Add side trips
Default day plan
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Tuesday includes the exhibitor appreciation event and the 2:00-5:30 PM grand opening reception, creating a concentrated opportunity for exhibition networking. The official page identifies these as September 29 activities.
Confirm travel documents and registration — Check passport, visa or ESTA status, confirmation numbers, and emergency contacts.
Finalize meetings and seminar priorities — Block time around exhibit hours and networking events.
Reconfirm hotel and airport transfer — Book directly through official or hotel channels.
Shortlist target exhibitors and sessions
Prepare meeting requests and follow-up template
Seminars and education
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & SpaNetworking lunch
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & SpaExhibitor appreciation event
AFSA45 exhibit hallGrand opening reception and exhibition
AFSA45 exhibit hallOpening party
River View Pavilion & LawnSan Antonio River Walk
Cultural and Dining Attraction
Central San Antonio sightseeing and dining.
Not established from official event materials
The Alamo
Historic Attraction
Major historic site in San Antonio.
Not established from official event materials
AFSA45 exhibit hall
Exhibition
Includes grand opening reception and apprentice competition.
Networking breakfasts
Official Event Meal
Three continental breakfasts are listed in the exhibitor materials.
Networking lunches
Official Event Meal
Three hot lunches are listed in the exhibitor materials.
River View Pavilion & Lawn
Opening Party
Official opening party location on September 27, 2026.
Budget
Published booth pricing is for booth space only and a standard 10 x 10 booth. Early member price is $3,985; late member price is $4,515; early non-member price is $11,955; late non-member price is $13,514. Each published package includes one all-access badge and two booth-personnel badges.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth_space
exhibitor · member_early
USD 3985 / 10 ft x 10 ft booth
booth_space
exhibitor · member_late
USD 4515 / 10 ft x 10 ft booth
hotel
both · headquarter
USD 259–305.85 / room-night
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_space | exhibitor | member_early | USD 3985 / 10 ft x 10 ft booth | official | 2026-08-05 |
| booth_space | exhibitor | member_late | USD 4515 / 10 ft x 10 ft booth | official | 2026-08-05 |
| hotel | both | headquarter | USD 259–305.85 / room-night | official | 2026-08-05 |
Decision
Answer the questions to determine whether AFSA45 is best approached as a visitor, exhibitor, or both.
QUESTION 1 OF 3
What is your main objective?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
Attend as visitor
You need industry education or meetings but do not yet require a staffed exhibition presence.
Best for
Education, networking, product discovery, and customer or supplier meetings
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
Register and reserve lodging as early as possible; the official group-rate lodging deadline is August 21, 2026.
Risks
Registration pricing was not captured in the reviewed official pages.
International travel, visa, and flight costs vary by origin.
Exhibit
You have a defined target-account list and can activate around the September 29-30 exhibit hours.
Best for
Manufacturers, suppliers, software providers, service firms, and other vendors targeting fire sprinkler professionals
Min. budget
$3,985.00
Timeline
Booth selection began May 4, 2026; official page currently states booth sales are sold out and offers a waitlist.
Risks
Booth inventory is sold out according to the official exhibitor page.
Furniture, labor, material handling, shipping, and cleaning are optional or separately ordered.
Late member booth price is $4,515; late non-member price is $13,514.
skip
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Not yet confirmed
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
No major risks listed.
Book with
Official AFSA45 lodging
Headquarter hotel booking and official lodging information.
AFSA official lodging page.
VIPER Tradeshow Services
Furnishings, installation and dismantle labor, material handling, shipping, and booth cleaning.
AFSA official exhibitor page.
San Antonio International Airport
Primary airport information for San Antonio travel planning.
Airport official website.
U.S. Department of State visas
Official U.S. visa information and application guidance.
U.S. government official website.
Recommended providers
Official visa information.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Official lodging reservation link.
Official exhibition service contractor.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
16
References
5
Publishers
0
Date checked
Sprinkler Age, American Fire Sprinkler Association
Marriott International
U.S. Department of State
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
