Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/48221
28 • DECEMBER 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS SECURE GATE SYSTEMS, INC. FENCETECH'12 Preview Special events during FENCETECH'12 will mark AFA's 50th anniversary ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER OF HIGH SECURITY PANIC GATES (866) 725-6995 www.securegatesystems.net Booth No. 519 FENCETECH'12 is scheduled for Jan. 25-27, 2012 in Miami Beach, and the 2012 show will be not only the AFA's annual convention and trade ex- hibition, but a commemoration of the organization's 50th anniversary. Sev- eral special events and exhibits are planned so that attendees may look back at the activities and history of AFA (and formerly, the International Fence Industry Association). For instance, on the evening of Jan. 26, a special reception will be held at Bongo's Cuban Cafe to honor past leadership, training school in- structors, Hall of Fame members and other notables in the association's his- tory from 1962 to the present. And you will want to visit the 50th anniversary "museum" adjacent to the AFA booth on the trade show floor. In the following pages you will find everything you need to know to make arrangements to attend this spe- cial exhibition. The annual trade show is always a great opportunity to renew business and personal relationships, see what's new for the coming season and maybe, just maybe, take a break and have a little fun. But the 2012 show is also impor- tant for its historical significance. Log on and get those reservations started! (www.fencetech.com) As the association notes, FENCETECH/DECKTECH provides a great opportunity for buyers to ef- fectively evaluate materials, equip- ment, tools and accessories, and for vendors to connect with over 4,000 fence, security, specifier, deck, railing, architects and government profession- als with real purchasing power. Opportunities include: • Educational sessions offer some- thing for everyone, from installers to business owners. Learn to successfully run your company in challenging times by attending these industry-spe- cific seminars. New for 2012: Blue- print reading and personal safety (modules of the Fence Installation School) will be offered to allow you to complete 25 percent of the core re- quirements to become a new Certified Installer. • Networking. FENCETECH al- lows you to meet with existing suppli- ers as well as form new relationships and learn about the products and trends that will affect the future of the industry. With over 4,000 like-minded professionals in one place, FENCETECH provides the perfect op- portunity to network with peers. Stay connected before, during and after the show by following FENCETECH on Facebook, FT Blog and Twitter. • Certification. Both the Certified Fence Professional (CFP) and Certi- fied Automated Gate Operator In- staller (CAGOI) exams will be offered. • Demonstrations. The popular Deck and Outdoor Demos, as well as the Deck Collapse (a live demo of a deck failure), return in 2012. These daily lectures and demon- strations focus on best practices and improved security. Be sure to check out the Deck Col- lapse and Deck Demos on Wednesday and Thursday on the show floor. You will also learn the importance of myths about deck failures based on extensive research over the last 10 years of deck collapses. There will also be discus- sions, lectures and demonstrations all three show days on hot topics like board bending, finishing flourishes, building with curves, deck fastener failure tests, working with inlays, and deck design and layout. Another popular event is the out- door equipment demonstration, which will be held Thursday, January 26 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. It will be held outside the convention center, and offers a great opportunity to see the latest new tools and equipment in ac- tion, ask questions and meet the man- ufacturers. See working products from ex- hibitors such as post hole diggers, tools, and other earth moving equip- ment.