FENCETECH/DECKTECH’12 would not be possible without the commitment and support of this year’s sponsors. We would like to say a special thank you to:

• Access Automation & Controls Group of LA (Booth #1705)
• Builders Fence Co. (Booth #1627)
• ci Fabrics (Booth #608)
• Country Estate Fence & Deck (Booth #1308)
• Electronic Data Payment Systems (AFA Booth)
• Encon Electronics (Booth #1122)
• Liftmaster (Booth #811)
• Linear (Booth #2338)
• Master Halco (Booth #203)
• Merchants Metals (Booth #915)
• Poly Vinyl Creations (Booth #1943)
• Southwestern Wire (Booth #1008)

Stay on the cutting edge and stop by their booths at FENCETECH to see the latest products in the fence, deck, railing and security industry.

And be sure to play “Spot A Sponsor” at the show. A “Spot A Sponsor” card will be included in your tote bag or you can get one at the AFA Booth. Get your card stamped at all 12 FENCETECH’12 sponsor booths for a chance to win some fabulous and fun giveaways!

AFA is excited to welcome everyone to tropical Miami, my hometown, which is known for its beautiful beaches, warm winter climate and an exciting nightlife with an international flair. It is simply unbelievable this is our 50^th trade show, and it has been quite a journey. This year, over 4,000 fence industry professionals from across the country and around the world will be here celebrating our history, the success of the industry and honoring our founders and leaders over the past 50 years. Highlights for the show include the limitless networking opportunities with industry and product professionals, interactive demos, certification opportunities and more than 20 dynamic education seminars that will equip you with the knowledge to succeed in an ever changing marketplace. And you won’t want to miss an exciting keynote address from former combat-decorated fighter pilot Rob “Waldo” Waldman, as well as a variety of special 50^th anniversary events!

If you have any questions or want to learn more about what AFA has to offer, stop by the AFA Booth. We’re glad you’re here with us and have a great show!

- FENCETECH/DECKTECH’12 Chair, Mark Davis, CFP

If you were not a winner in our last Facebook contest, you have ANOTHER chance to win!

In honor of both AFA’s and FENCETECH’s 50th Anniversary, name a past AFA Hall of Fame member for the chance to win a Miami CVB gift bag! Post a Hall of Fame member’s name on our Facebook page by Monday, January 23 by 5 PM for the opportunity to take home a prize! Please do not repeat names and only one entry per person.

Post your name here: http://www.facebook.com/americanfenceassociation

Due to unexpected events, our LEED seminar presenter is unable to attend FENCETECH, but we have already secured a great replacement to share important underground damage prevention secrets with you!

The Do You Know What’s Below? Learn the Facts About Underground Damage Prevention education seminar at FENCETECH’12 presented by Khrysanne M. Kerr, Vice President of Communications and Program Development and Common Ground Alliance (CGA), Sergio J. Clavijo, Damage Prevention Liaison, Sunshine State Once Call of Florida on Wednesday, January 25 from 7:30 AM to 9 AM, will help you understand how to understand the total damage prevention process.

Did you know that every three minutes, someone in the US loses a vital utility service such as water, phone or natural gas due to unintentional damage to a buried utility? But why does this matter to you? According to a recent report put out by the national association for underground damage prevention, the Common Ground Alliance, utility damages in the fence and landscape industry are on the rise.

This session will teach you how to protect your customers, crew and yourself from the consequences that occur when a line is damaged, as well as offer how these incidents can not only be reduced, but avoided with an in-depth look at how the process works at a local and national level by the Sunshine State One Call Center in Florida.

This is an education seminar you won’t want to miss!

Volunteering and donating are a great way for people to get involved and help out with the community, and since 2010, the American Fence Association (AFA) and FENCETECH have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to give back to the community. After each FENCETECH show, exhibitors donate their trade show materials to the local Habitat for Humanity.

Over the past couple of years, FENCETECH has donated truckloads of leftover materials to Habitat for Humanity that have been used for countless building projects throughout the local community. Habitat for Humanity will have its own space on the show floor at FENCETECH’12 in Miami, FL, where you can stop by and find out how to donate materials after the show or get involved in your local area through donations, volunteer work or national volunteer projects.

AFA and FENCETECH’12 are currently working with the Miami branch of the organization and are looking forward to another successful partnership.

Do you have a great local project to share that you were involved with?

To learn more about how you can donate to Habitat for Humanity in your area, visit www.habitatforhumanity.com.