Top of the Chain Annual Recap 2023
November 29, 2023
Housing
November 29, 2023
FenceTech 2024
Join Us in Music City
Howdy y’all! Saddle up for an unforgettable experience at the American Fence Association’s FENCETECH conference, January 23-26, 2024 in Nashville, TN. As the country capital’s honky-tonk tunes blend seamlessly with the cuttingedge world of fencing, this ain’t your ordinary industry event – it’s a southernstyle shindig of innovation and networking. With workshops and sessions that’ll have you two-stepping your way to success, and an exhibit floor showcasing state-of-the-art products that’ll make you holler “Yeehaw!”, FENCETECH in Nashville is where the heart of the fencing community beats stronger than ever. So put on your best pair of boots and mosey on down to the Music City Center for an experience that’s both business and boot-scootin’ fun. Can’t wait to see y’all there!
About the AFA
The American Fence Association (AFA), is the driving force behind innovation, excellence, and growth in the fencing industry. With a legacy spanning decades, AFA stands as the premier resource for industry professionals, providing a platform for education, collaboration, and advancement. As a proud organizer of the FENCETECH conference, AFA continues to unite professionals from all corners of the field, offering a unique opportunity to engage with revolutionary technologies, industry best practices, and a network of peers that is second to none. AFA ensures its 1,500+ members and 20 chapters have a competitive edge among their industry peers and the tools needed to build a successful career.
FENCETECH 2024 Schedule
PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS & CERTIFICATION TESTING
MONDAY, JANUARY 22 FROM 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM AND
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 FROM 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• GATE AUTOMATION DESIGNER SCHOOL (GADS)
• LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
MONDAY, JANUARY 22 FROM 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• SEVEN STRATEGIES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL FENCE CONTRACTOR*
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 AND THURSDAY, JANUARY 25
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• COM, CGAD AND CGAT CERTIFICATION EXAMS
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• CFC CERTIFICATION EXAM
*INCLUDED IN THE FULL PACKAGE
SHOW ACTIVITIES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | REGISTRATION HOURS
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM| MISSIONS DAY
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM| OPENING PARTY - PICKETS & PICKS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | REGISTRATION HOURS
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | AFA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM | STATE OF THE INDUSTRY PANEL
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | KEYNOTE SPEAKER & RECEPTION
12:30 | SHOW FLOOR RIBBON CUTTING
12:40 – 5:00 PM | SHOW FLOOR HOURS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | REGISTRATION HOURS
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | AWARDS BRUNCH
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM| SHOW FLOOR HOURS
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | WOMEN IN FENCE PANEL
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM| SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
SIP AND SEMINAR
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
7:00 AM – 1:00 PM | REGISTRATION HOURS
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | SHOW FLOOR HOURS
LEADERSHIP TRACK
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- THE DIGITAL SUCCESS BLUEPRINT FOR FENCE COMPANIES
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- WIN THE TALENT WARS: THE CHANGING NATURE OF LEADERSHIP IN A VOLATILE AND UNCERTAIN TIME
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
- LEADERSHIP SKILLS & A CULTURE BASED MINDSET
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- HUMMINGBIRD ALLIANCE
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
- CULTURE & LEADERSHIP IN THE WORLD OF SALES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- CULTURE IS KING! CHANGE YOUR CULTURE, SET A STANDARD AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE
INSTALL TRACK
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOOPS
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- REDUCING UTILITY DAMAGES DURING FENCING WITH IMPROVED USE OF 811
- INTRODUCTION TO CRASH RATINGS & PERIMETER SECURITY
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
- INTRO TO ASTM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- THE BENEFITS OF STAINED WOOD FENCING
- EMERGENCY ACCESS - INCREASING PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE INCREASING REVENUE
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
- SMART VIDEO INTERCOMS & ACCESS CONTROL- WHAT’S NEWNEW FEATURES AND CONNECTIVITY METHODS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- WORKING WITH METERS
SALES TRACK
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- HOW TO USE AI TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR CONTRACTING BUSINESS
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- HYPERLOCAL SEO - LEAD GENERATION, CALL CAPTURING & JOB SALES
- YOUR 2024 INTERNET MARKETING PLAN: HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR LEAD FLOW
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- FENCING THE FUTURE: AI’S RANSFORMATIVE POWER
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- CONQUERED THE STAR METHOD? WHAT’S NEXT...
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
- LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF COMMERCIAL BIDDING AND ESTIMATING
- OPTIMIZING RESIDENTIAL FENCE CONSULTATIONS:
ENHANCING
EFFICIENCY AND CUSTOMER
SATISFACTION WITH SITE PLANS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- FUNDAMENTALS OF SELLING TO ENGAGE TODAY’S SALES PERSON WITH TODAY’S CUSTOMER
BUSINESS TRACK
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- EMPOWERING PERIMETER SECURITY: INSIGHTS FROM BILLY PULLEN’S 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
- EXPLORING CONTRACTS AND AMENDMENTS
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- BUDGET DEVELOPMENT & FORECASTING
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- INSURANCE 101 - REAL LIFE EXAMPLES
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
- PEOPLE, PROCESS, AND TECHNOLOGY - A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH
- OPERATIONS WORKFLOW PROCEDURES TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY
- GROWING YOUR INSTALL BUSINESS BY UTILIZING MONTHLY PAYMENT FINANCING
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- GROWING YOUR INSTALL BUSINESS: FROM PICKUP TRUCK TO BRICK & MORTAR AND BEYOND
- THE ULTIMATE SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY FOR FENCE COMPANIES
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
- THE LEGISLATIVE DIGEST - LIVE! HOW GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AFFECTS YOU LOCALLY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- 0.04 LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
OUTLOOKS & OBJECTIVES
- INTERESTED IN INCREASED PROFITS? LEVERAGE THE AFA’S BUYING POWER!
- CONTROL FREAK - HOW EOS CHANGED MY BUSINESS
9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT! HOW ARE YOU TRACKING YOUR KPI’S?
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
