AHJ
DAY
USE PROMO CODE: AHJDAY
- Select Wednesday Day Pass from the Choose Your Pass Menu
- Enter the Discount Code AHJ DAY for the FREE AHJ Day.
AHJ Day includes:
- Earn 3.0 ICC-accredited hours at two AHJ-relevant seminars.
- Experience emerging fire sprinkler technology in the exhibit hall
- Watch the National Apprentice Competition inside the Exhibit Hall
- breakfast and lunch included
- Free parking for 1st 30 AHJs to arrive. Valet: $45 daily / Self-park $29 daily
AFSA will host the largest fire sprinkler exhibition in North America, AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, from September 27 - 30 in San Antonio, TX. You're invited to a day of education, technology, networking, and fun. This annual event is attended by fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers & AHJs from around the globe.
Date
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 30
Cost
FREE
CEUs
ICC Approved
(3) Hours
Location
JW MARRIOTT HILL COUNTRY RESORT & SPA
Agenda
Grab n' Go Breakfast
Wed, Sept. 30, 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
An AHJ Guide for Inspection and Testing of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Wed, Sept. 30, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Cibolo 3-4
ICC #52822
Description:
The rough-in inspection is arguably the most important milestone of a project that includes a fire sprinkler system. Rarely are systems inspected and tested by the same personnel who perform the shop drawing design and plan review, which means that the inspector and fitter are our last chance to get it right. The successful installation of a fire sprinkler system is directly influenced by the synergy between the inspector and contractor, regardless of design intent and plan review accuracy. This presentation will include a detailed discussion considering the requirements for these inspections and the role of the inspector performing them. Several useful tools will be included to guide stakeholders in conducting an inspection that they can be confident in.
Learning Objectives:
• Quickly identify construction types by definitions for each compartment and validate the approved shop drawings.
• Recognize and apply the proper obstruction types and associated rules based on the construction definitions.
• Compare those critical portions of the actual installation with the approved shop drawings.
• Describe the tests to be conducted and their significance to system performance.
Speaker:
Steven Scandaliato, Principal SDG, LLC
Steven Scandaliato is Principal and Managing Director at SDG, LLC. He has over 40 years of experience in fire protection engineering, contracting, design, and project management covering all types of fire protection and life safety systems. He serves on several NFPA committees, including 11, 13, 16, and 101. He also serves on several technical committees, including the Technical Advisory Committee for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. He has published in several periodicals and is a contributing author to the text published by NFPA/SFPE titled “A Designer's Guide to Automatic Sprinkler Systems”. He has presented seminars and online classes to thousands of attendees at contracting and professional associations. He is a member of NFPA, SFPE, and AFSA.
Installation Practices – Enforcement vs. Application
Wed, Sept. 30, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cibolo 3-4
ICC #52823
Description:
The water-based installation standards NFPA 13, NFPA 14, and NFPA 20 include requirements for installing devices and equipment. In many cases, those standards do not include specific requirements for the placement of devices and equipment, which often raises concerns about pedestrian safety, water damage, and aesthetics. This presentation will examine these concerns from the installing contractor’s and AHJ’s perspectives, with consideration of the end user's need for a safe, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain some of the installation practices of water-based fire protection systems that could be better than just providing the bare minimum.
• Identify devices that can be installed in different ways and arrangements to be more user-friendly.
• Describe the difference between just complying with the installation standards and providing a more agreeable system for the end user, while recognizing limitations of an AHJ in making recommendations for better installation practices.
Speakers:
Keith Heckler, Fire Protection Engineer
Keith is a retired Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Keith holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland and a professional engineering license.
Terry Victor, Risk Suppression Partners, LLC
Terry has over 50 years of technical experience in the fire sprinkler industry. He is NICET certified Level IV in Water-Based Systems Layout and Special Hazards Systems Layout. He has served on various industry boards and committees, including the NFSA Board of Directors, the CFSI National Advisory Committee, and the NFFF Advisory Committee to the Board. He currently serves on the AFSA ITM and Convention Committees. He is an active speaker at various fire protection industry conferences and seminars, including those for the AFAA, AFSA, ASCET, FFLA, NFPA, and NFSA. He is a current member of the NFPA technical committees for NFPA 13, 14, 20, 25, and 915 and is a past member of the technical committees for NFPA 3, 4, 11, 13D, 13R, 15, 16, 72, 101, 214, 303, and 5000. He received the NFPA Committee Service Award in 2015 and the NFPA Life Member status in 2024.
Networking Lunch
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Exhibit & Apprentice Competition Finals
Wed, Sept. 30, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Nelson-Wolff Exhibit Hall
Experience Innovation and Excellence at AFSA45
As an Authority Having Jurisdiction, you'll find more than products on the AFSA45 exhibit floor—you'll experience the latest innovations in fire sprinkler technology while seeing firsthand the craftsmanship and technical skills required to install these life-saving systems.
AFSA45 features the largest fire sprinkler exhibition in North America, bringing together nearly 1,500 fire sprinkler professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractor decision-makers to showcase the newest products, technologies, and solutions shaping the industry. The exhibit hall is designed with dedicated, unopposed exhibit hours, giving attendees ample opportunity to explore exhibits, ask technical questions, and network with industry experts. See a booth map and list of exhibitors here.
While you're in the exhibit hall, don't miss one of AFSA's signature events—the National Apprentice Competition (Phase II). Seven of the nation's top sprinkler fitting apprentices will compete in a live skills competition, demonstrating their abilities by cutting, threading, and installing steel and CPVC piping systems with sprinkler heads before performing a pressure test. Competitors are evaluated on accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety, providing a unique opportunity to observe the knowledge, precision, and professionalism required to succeed in the fire sprinkler trade.
Whether you're evaluating emerging technologies, connecting with manufacturers, or watching tomorrow's industry leaders compete, the AFSA45 exhibit hall offers valuable insights into the products, people, and workmanship that support reliable fire sprinkler systems. It's an experience that complements the educational sessions and provides AHJs with practical insight into today's fire sprinkler industry.
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