If you missed FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11 in Las Vegas, you’re in luck, we filmed some of the show highlights and talked to some people who had a great show experience.  Be sure to check out our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/afafencetech to see the simulated Deck Collapse, a Deck Demos demonstration, a review of the show by FT Chair Lynn Hayworth and more!  We will be uploading more videos in the coming weeks and will keep you posted as we add exciting, educational FENCETECH’11 sights you may have missed.

Thanks to everyone who participated in FENCETECH’11, you made it our best show EVER!  We heard more positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors than we ever have in the past.  From talking with you on the show floor, we believe that we were successful in making the show your gateway to success in education, certification and demonstration.  We look forward to seeing you in Miami in 2012 to celebrate 50 years of AFA and FENCETECH, so mark your calendars for January 25-27, 2012.

We would also like to congratulate all of the winners of all of the AFA giveaways!  Ken Dippold of Atlas Fence won the iPad from the early registration contest.  Don Niemann, Jr. of Niemann Fence Company won registration, airfare and accommodations for FENCETECH/DECKTECH’12, Doug Coughlin of Soldan Fence & Metals won registration to Fence Installation School, and Greg Yasher of Laser Perfect Products won $500 cash!

Have a safe trip back home everyone!  See you next year!

The show is less than a week away, and we have saved the biggest prize for last!  When you tweet about the show using the hashtag #FT11, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win dinner for two at a Mandalay Bay restaurant and two tickets to see the Lion King (a $500 value)!  The contest begins today and runs through February 7, 2011.  So start tweeting! We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

For the first time ever, a live deck failure will be demonstrated on the FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11 show floor!  Kim Katwijk, president and founder of Deck Builders, Inc., will be leading the demonstration and will discuss the risk and significance of deck failures based on his 10 years of research on the subject. He will also teach participants about alternative ways to attach the ledger.  Deck collapses will be conducted throughout the duration of the show in the demonstration area.  Be sure to stop by!

In addition to the live deck collapse, Katwijk will be leading a newly added seminar entitled, “Set Up Strategic Alliances and B2B Endorsements.”  He will teach a systematic approach to becoming a deck and fence expert; how to secure endorsements based on emotional instead of logical reasons; why one-on-one endorsements are valuable; how to develop a USP; and how to spend less money while doing more business. Katwijk has extensive experience in the construction industry, from heavy construction to log homes. This seminar is on Tuesday, February 8, 3:30 PM — 4:45 PM (Seminar 8-18). Sign up at www.fencetech.com!

Are you a woman running a fence or deck and railing business?  Be sure to sign up for the “Women in Fencing” seminar, which includes an open panel discussion with female experts in the industry.  Come prepared to discuss both challenges and successes that you have experienced.  This seminar (Seminar 8-13) will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 3:30 PM– 4:45 PM.  Sign up a www.fencetech.com!

Join us for an afternoon of fun and networking on Monday, February 7, 2011 at noon for a four person scramble in support of AFA’s Educational Foundation (AFAEF)! The California Fence Contractors Association presents the 2011 Golf Tournament at Desert Pines Golf Course, Las Vegas’ “Top Strategic Course.” Just 10 minutes from Mandalay Bay, Desert Pines was recognized as a “best new upscale course” by Golf Digest and selected as a host course by the Golf Channel for Big Break II. Your participation will help provide scholarships to members of the fence, deck, railing and perimeter security industry and their children. Support AFAEF at Desert Pines!  Details: Golf attire required. $125 per person, includes transportation to and from Mandalay Bay. Scores and prizes will be announced inside the AFA booth at noon on Tuesday, February 8. You may sign up as a team, twosome or individual and be paired up. For more information, contact Brad Howard (916-257-6707) or Kent Bailey (510-783-2980). Download the registration form at www.fencetech.com. Register by January 31st to secure your space!