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Interested in membership with us? We are offering all new contractors and supplier/manufacturers 50% off their first year’s membership dues up until FENCETECH 2022! The growth with AFA is limitless! If you need assistance in joining on our website or have any questions at all, we are always just a phone call or email away!
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MEET THIS YEAR'S KEYNOTE SPEAKER
 Ross Bernstein is the best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein is an award-winning peak performance business speaker who’s keynoted conferences on ALL SEVEN continents for audiences as small as 10 and as large as 10,000. To see Ross, be sure to register for the full package or the education & exhibits only package.
Wed, Feb. 16th from 11:00-12:00 PM at the New Orleans Convention Center.
Register Now!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Gain a professional edge by enrolling in an AFA school to improve your skills, advance your career, and gain recognition for your commitment to professional growth.
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Gate Automation Designer School (GADS)
Due to the complexity of gate automation systems, this school focuses on the importance of the design and layout of a project. The course outlines the UL and ASTM Standards that our industry is required to adhere to and this course has been designed for sales staff, operations and project managers, and anyone dedicated to the design and configuration of an automated gate system.
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Sales Trainng School (STS)
This program builds on the fundamentals of the buying and selling process. Salespeople will learn how to identify sales opportunities, develop effective listening and communication skills, and how to close sales by using product features and benefits. STS is ideal for individuals in sales positions or individuals that would like to gain a better understanding of the sales process. STS helps to determine, meet, and exceed customers’ needs. deal for owners, upper-level management, and next-generation owners of fence contracting businesses to prove their mastery of best business practices, inspire customer confidence, and take their companies to the highest level of success.
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Certified Fence Contractor (CFC)
Ideal for owners, upper-level management, and next-generation owners of fence contracting businesses to prove their mastery of best business practices, inspire customer confidence, and take their companies to the highest level of success.
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NEW! Certified Operations Manager (COM)
Recognizes individuals with an exceptional level of expertise in managing all facets of fence contracting company operations, including team management, sales, project management, and installation.
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Certified Gate Automation Technician (CGAT)
This credential is for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional levels of experience, knowledge, safety awareness, professionalism and skills in the installation and servicing of automated gate systems.
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Certified Gate Automation Designer (CGAD)
This certification recognizes those in the industry who have an exceptional level of expertise in designing and layout of automated gate systems
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SPECIAL EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS
Kickoff Party
Mardi Gras World
Wed, Feb 16, 2022 // 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Grab a drink, put on your dancing shoes, and join your friends from both AFA and NOMMA as we kick off the opening of another great tradeshow. There will be live music, food, and a chance for you to mingle and meet some new faces and great familiar ones. Register for the Full Package at registration or purchase individual tickets.
Young Fence Professionals Happy Hour
Beach on Bourbon
Wed, Feb 16, 2022 // 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Clink glasses and get to know other passionate young fence professionals at our annual YFP Happy Hour on Bourbon Street. This is a free event!
Sponsored by D&D Technologies and Homeland Vinyl
Leadership Breakfast
New Orleans Convention Center
Thurs, Feb 17, 2022 // 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
New this year, the Appreciation Dinner for our volunteers and Chapter Breakfast for our Chapter volunteers has been combined, so we can collectively salute and acknowledge leaders throughout the American Fence Association.
Awards Dinner
New Orleans Convention Center
Thurs, Feb 17, 2022 // 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Celebrate your accomplishments and toast with your fellow members as we honor the recipients of AFA's Distinguished Service Award, Ambassador Award, Hall of Fame Award, Fence Contractor of the Year Award, Manufacturer of the Year Award, and our newest Outstanding Service Award. We will also unveil the winners of our annual PRO Awards for the industry's best projects in 16 categories and the AFA Education Foundation scholarship recipients. Register for the Full Package at registration or purchase individual tickets.
Health and Safety
AFA is excited to welcome attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and sponsors to FENCETECH 2022. We are committed to protecting your health and safety by creating an event experience where everyone can safely and effectively learn, conduct business, and network—through these health and safety measures. AFA abides by the guidelines and safety protocols put forth by state and local agencies. For local guidelines, read more on the New Orleans Covid Safety website.
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The AFA office will be closed December 23 and 24 for Christmas, and January 3 for New Years.
We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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AFA's chapters provide a wide range of educational opportunities, networking events, mission project work, professional development, and industry knowledge for professionals in the fence industry
Are you missing out?
Find out which chapter is home to you by visiting www.americanfenceassociation.com/membership/chapters. Here, you'll find information on chapter regions, presidents, and locations. Contact member services with any questions at memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.
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Scholarships are offered annually and awarded at FENCETECH each spring. (5) $5,000 scholarships will be awarded. Submit your application here: Education Foundation Scholarship Application
Criteria:
- Either be employed in the fence industry or be an immediate family member (i.e. wife/husband, child) of a current industry employee.
- Achieved a “B” grade point average or higher in the previous three years of schooling (transcripts required).
- Performed a minimum of 40 hours of community service.
- Do not have to be members of the American Fence Association (AFA) to qualify.
- Submit one letter of recommendation
- Complete application in its entirety including responses to essay questions about leadership skills, why furthering education is important to you.
Deadline to submit applications is January 13, 2022.
For any questions, please call (800) 822-4342 or send an email to memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.
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Congratulations to all those who earned certifications this year! In 2021, ACI certified 60 new Certified Gate Automation Technicians, 44 new Certified Gate Automation Designers, 10 new Certified Operations Managers, and 4 new Certified Fence Contractors.
If you’re interested in advancing your career and proving your expertise, 2022 will be a great year to earn a certification! For more information on available programs and testing events, visit https://acieducation.org. All confirmed testing events are posted on the events page and you can sign up to be notified when testing events are scheduled in your area.
Please join us in congratulating the individuals listed here who earned one or more certifications in 2021.
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AFA University On the Road #1
Las Vegas, Nevada
When: March 9 – 12, 2022
Schools Offered:
Fence Installation School
Fence Installation School is a week-long, intensive course that includes classroom experience and hands-on installation training for the two fence disciplines - Wood and Vinyl. REGISTER NOW!
Gate Automation Designer School
Due to the complexity of gate automation systems, this school focuses on the importance of the design and layout of a project. REGISTER NOW!
Where: South Point Hotel and Casino, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV
Hotel rooms are available at the rate of $75 for Wed and Thursday nights and $135 for Friday night (single/double occupancy) plus 13% Clark County room tax and a $14.00 Resort Fee. The hotel reservation cutoff date is February 16th to be guaranteed the group rate.
Cost:
Members
Early bird Registration: $600
Regular Registration: $650
Non-Members
Early bird Registration: $900
Regular Registration: $950
Early Bird Deadline: February 18, 2022
AFA University On the Road #2
Dallas, Texas
When: April 24-30, 2022
Schools Offered:
Fence Contractor Business School (FCBS)
Fence Contractor Business School consists of six courses covering the most critically important aspects of managing a fence contracting business. REGISTER NOW!
Operations Manager School
Operations Manager School provides a deep dive into how managers and superintendents strategically and logistically coordinate all the moving pieces of a contracting business to ensure maximum quality, efficiency and profitability. REGISTER NOW!
Where: Hilton Arlington, 2401 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX
A single occupancy hotel room arriving Sunday 4/24 departing Saturday 4/30 is included in student tuition. Your reservation will be made for you by AFA staff, and more details will be included in your school registration confirmation.
Cost:
Members
Early bird Registration: $2349
Regular Registration: $2399
Non-Members
Early bird Registration: $3149
Regular Registration: $3199
Early Bird Deadline: April 4, 2022
AFA University On the Road #3
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Registration opening soon!
When: May 11-13, 2022
Schools Offered:
Fence Installation School
Fence Installation School is a week-long, intensive course that includes classroom experience and hands-on installation training for the five fence disciplines.
Gate Automation Designer School
Due to the complexity of gate automation systems, this school focuses on the importance of the design and layout of a project. Registration opening soon!
Where: Hampton Inn by Hilton, 11271 Reiger Road, Baton Rouge, LA
Hotel rooms are available at the rate of $129 (single/double occupancy) plus 15.95% room tax. The hotel reservation cutoff date is April 20, 2022 to be guaranteed the group rate.
Cost:
Members
Early bird Registration: $600
Regular Registration: $650
Non-Members
Early bird Registration: $900
Regular Registration: $950
Early Bird Deadline: April 20, 2022
AFA University On The Road #4
New York Area - TBD
Registration opening soon!
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The AFA Board of Directors and Staff would like to recognize and appreciate the enormous contributions these individuals have given in their roles on our Board.
It is through these passionate members that we have successfully engaged our community of contractors and the profession. A tremendous thank you for the gift of your time, talents, and leadership. You leave a great legacy for us to continue.
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See What Your Member Savings Program Can Do for You and Your Business!
Ariat equips your team with the highest quality gear since 1993.
With Ariat Crew, you can:
1. Customize any clothing with high-quality embroidery
2. Register your crew to purchase quality gear and stay in budget
3. Feel confident your crew is safe and protected in their gear
4. Set up a company program and catalog specific to your needs
5. Work with your dedicated account manager to determine the best solution for every order
Register and start saving on boots and workwear with Ariat at https://www.ariatcrew.com/mspregistration.
Cold weather is here and if stats are correct, 25% of vehicle batteries won't survive through the winter. Make sure your business's cars and trucks are protected from the cold. Have your vehicle fleet's batteries tested for free with your Batteries Plus MSP Business Account agreement. Get in touch with your account rep for more information. Don't have a free business account? Sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/4h9a2h.
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Upcoming Events
