The first 15 registrants for Deck & Railing University will receive a FREE full convention package to FENCETECH/DECHTECH’11! Did you know that over 180 people have died, and even more have been injured, as a result of a deck or rail collapse in the last ten years? The deaths and injuries are most often caused by faulty construction methods, unsuitable or substandard materials or lack of maintenance. Because deck and railing is such a serious issue, AFA is encouraging both tenured and new deck and railing professionals to attend this year’s Deck and Railing University, to be held Monday, February 7, 2011 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. This powerful seminar will combine classroom instruction with hands-on field instruction to teach participants how to build safe, code compliant decks. What’s more is that this class will enhance your customer satisfaction and expand your business by giving you a competitive edge! Register at www.FENCETECH.com today to get your FREE full convention package, which includes:

• Admission to any seminar and roundtable discussion
• Admission to FENCETECH/DECKTECH exhibition and all Demos
• AFA Annual Meeting & Chapter Breakfast with Keynote Speaker Henry Winkler
• “Good Morning AFA” Day 2 Kickoff with Keynote Speaker Lt. Col. Oliver North
• AFA’s VFDRMA Division session: “PVC Outlook: Trends in the Industry”

Don’t miss this steal of a deal!

AFA Vice President & FENCETECH’11 Education Co-Chair Dennis Hammer, CFP Tri-City Fence Co., Inc. Vallejo, CA

The education program at FENCETECH/ DECKTECH’11 promises to be more relevant to attendees than ever before. Dennis Hammer, CFP, this year’s education co-chair with President Lyle Buchanan, explained the show’s goal of “Success through Education” as part of AFA’s “Gateway to Success.” As described to Fencepost, Hammer’s vision for 2011’s education is “To educate members and attendees on how to diversify their companies, provide a better range of services and improve their bottom line. This economic slump is a time for all of us to reorganize, change and improve the way we do business. It’s like the commercial, ‘this isn’t your father’s Buick.’ Contractors cannot continue to operate the way they did 10 years ago. This is a time to invest in education, AFA schools and certifi cation. We are never too old to learn, and we all need to keep ahead of the competition.” Read the rest of this entry »

In a 2003 lawsuit, a woman sued a deck builder for negligence after she sustained several serious injuries from falling as a result of the deck’s collapse.  The builder was found guilty and fined $750,000, which was more than 10 times the woman’s medical bills.  While the possibility of an accident may seem remote, deck safety should never be a gamble. Read the rest of this entry »

DECKTECH Deck Demo Engineer Robin Lopez, Summertime Deck and Dock

FENCETECH/DECKTECH’s mission in 2011 is to be the “gateway to success” for its attendees. With that in mind, the popular Deck Demos will return. Deck Demos will still provide attendees with the latest tools and techniques in deck construction, but there will be a new twist on the familiar. Deck Demo Engineer, Robin Lopez, explains the new layout, “In the past, we’ve had multiple demonstration areas spread across the demo area. This time, we will have one demo area, and each demo will build on the last, taking a project from concept to reality over the course of the show. By the show conclusion, we will have a unique, custom project that will inspire attendees to imagine more possibilities when they approach their next deck project.” Lopez is a Deck Demo veteran, having conducted demos for fi ve years. Fencepost caught up with him to get an overview of what will be covered in this year’s demonstrations. Read the rest of this entry »

FENCETECH’11 Chair Lynn Hayworth, CFP Hayworth Fence Co. Altoona, WI

Look for something new and different at FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11 in Las Vegas. The Access Control Demo will premiere in conjunction with the popular deck and outdoor demos at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, February 8-10. “We’re very excited about this new addition,” said Lynn Hayworth, CFP and chair of the show. “There’s no question that access control is emerging as a significant component of our industry, and having an Access Control Demo area makes perfect sense.”

FENCETECH/DECKTECH continues to evolve and will once again featured quality educational programs and great hands-on training opportunities. The Access Control Demo will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during show hours. A specific schedule of show floor lectures and live demonstrations are being developed by show management and the committee. Details will be contained in the attendee/registration brochure. Lynn Hayworth, CFP recently shared her thoughts on the 2011 show and the new demo area with Fencepost Magazine, the official magazine of the American Fence Association. Read the interview after the jump! Read the rest of this entry »