We aren’t sure about you, but we are so excited about FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11 in Las Vegas, we could scream! And while we could go on forever about how educational and insightful (not to mention fun and fabulous) the show is going to be, we would really rather know what is important to you. With that in mind, we would like to announce the Blog Topic Contest. Post topics that concern the fence, deck, and railing industry as comments to this blog entry. Your peers will “like” your topic to agree with your suggestion or post their own topic. The topic that gets the most “likes” will win. The top topics will be blogged about each day at FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11 and will incorporate input from industry experts at the show. What’s that you say? Oh right, what do you win?! The person whose topic gets the most “likes” wins dinner for two at the Tender Steakhouse, along with tickets to see Carrot Top (courtesy of the Luxor Hotel Las Vegas). So put your thinking caps on and for goodness sake, speak up! Post your ideas by Friday, January 28th in the space below and don’t forget to click the submit button to post your comment. We can’t wait to hear what you want to talk about!

FENCETECH / DECKTECH’11 would not be possible without the support of its sponsors.  This week, we would like to thank Access Automation & Controls Group of LA (www.accessautomation.com) and Boon Edam (www.boonedam.us). The AA & C Group are full line wholesale distributors of gate and access control equipment, anti-terrorist and perimeter security products. They specialize in being independent wholesale systems integrators of access control, video and perimeter security products, as well as OEM software integration for PLC controls.  Stop by their booth (#2044) to see the latest technology in the gate industry! Boon Edam is the world market leader in revolving doors.  They also manufacture turnstile solutions with the widest range of sophisticated security features in the industry, including high security doors and portals.  Visit their booth (#1468) to see the best of the best in door systems, security access and advanced door care.  And be sure to play “SPOT A SPONSOR” at FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11 for a chance to win some fun and fabulous giveaways!

As you may have heard, the AFA Annual Meeting and Chapter Breakfast will be combined into one event on Day 1 of FENCETECH/DECKTECH’11.  Our keynote address for the breakfast will be Henry Winkler, best known for his portrayal of “The Fonz” on Happy Days (1974-84).  He is also an accomplished author, producer and child advocate for organizations such as United Friends of Children and the Children’s Action Network. Through humorous anecdotes, inspirational life lessons and moving stories, Winkler explores themes of overcoming adversity and believing in oneself.  Henry learned late in life that he was dyslexic, after growing up being told he was stupid and lazy.  He was neither.  His message is enhanced by the belief that anything is possible if you follow your dreams.  We’re sure that this keynote address will get you motivated and ready for a great show!  We can’t wait to see you there!

As the organizers and the brains behind the FENCETECH / DECKTECH operation, we can talk all day long about why you should attend FENCETECH‘11.  But the message is far more powerful when it comes from you, the attendees…the real industry experts. Check out what these attendees had to say about last year’s show. And Feel free to post your comments about what you found to be the most valuable or helpful about last year.  We would also like to know what you’re looking forward to seeing at FENCETECH‘11.  We  can’t wait to hear from you! (Videos after the jump!) Read the rest of this entry »

We will be spotlighting various seminars in this space – unfortunately, we cannot get to all of them, and that’s where you come in! If you’ve attended a seminar that you thought was great, let us know by leaving a comment!

If you’re looking for great selling tips served up in an entertaining way then this afternoon’s seminar, Expanding Your Sphere of Influence: Using Tools that Make Sense in Order to Sell More Fence, delivered it big time. Presented by Mark Towers of Speak Out Seminars, this session included a lot of hands-on learning exercises designed to develop a greater focus on connecting with potential customers.

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