| August 25, 2025
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September 10th & 11th
Join us at Tymetal in Greenwich, NY for two days of expert-led, hands-on learning at AFA University On the Road!
Choose Your Track:
Want even more training?
Arrive early on September 9 for our optional Welding School — a hands-on session to jumpstart your learning!
AFA Certification Testing | September 11 — Register Here.
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You're invited to join us for these upcoming Special Interest Group (SIG) events!
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Join us in Wrightsville Beach, NC, for the Gate Automation Designer School, happening September 18–19. This 1.5-day program features expert-led instruction on automated vehicular gate design, covering UL 325 and ASTM F2200 standards, gate types, access control devices, and more.
Whether you're new to gate automation or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll gain practical knowledge through lectures and interactive layout activities. An optional certification exam is available to showcase your expertise. Registration includes all study materials and lunch both days — just bring your curiosity and passion for design.
Register now and close out 2025 with a boost to your career!
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Mark your calendar — FENCETECH is back and bigger than ever! Dynamic sessions, top-tier education, and an unforgettable Indy experience are just around the corner.
Registration for FENCETECH 2026 opens mid-September.
Be on the lookout for the email!
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November 3rd through 8th
Get ready for a full week of hands-on training and professional development at AFA University, happening November 3–7! Whether you're new to the industry or looking to grow your skills, there's a school for you:
5-Day Schools (Nov. 3–7):
2-Day Schools (Nov. 3–4):
2-Day Schools (Nov. 6–7):
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with peers!
Explore the schools and register today.
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 Now’s the perfect time to become an AFA member! Members enjoy exclusive discounts on top-tier training — including AFA University On the Road this September and AFA University in November. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or grow your business, membership gives you access to valuable resources, networking, and savings.
Join today and start saving on your next training!
Learn more about membership.
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We’re excited to announce that the American Fence Association has formed a specialized team to lead our FENCETECH exhibit and sponsorship sales programs.
This strategic initiative is designed to enhance your promotional experience, unlock new opportunities, and simplify the sales process - allowing us to stay focused on delivering the content and resources that matter most to you.
Details about this exciting development will be landing in your inbox over the next couple of weeks — stay tuned!
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Ready to take your career to the next level? AFA’s certification programs help you build credibility, boost your skills, and stand out in a competitive industry. Whether you're an installer, operator, or manager, certification shows your commitment to excellence and professionalism. Plus, it opens doors to new opportunities and greater trust from customers.
Testing is included with your certification application; there is no separate testing fee unless you’re retaking an exam. Check out all upcoming testing events: https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/events/
Need to apply? Start by submitting your certification application.Questions? Contact Sara Surprenant, sara@americanfenceassociation.com.
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The AFA Association Awards honor individuals and companies who exemplify leadership, integrity, and innovation in the fence industry. With six distinct categories — Ambassador Award, Outstanding Service Award, Distinguished Service Award, Contractor of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and the Hall of Fame Award — this program recognizes those who have made a lasting impact on the AFA and the broader community. Nominations are open now through December 8, 2025, and there’s no cost to submit. Winners will be celebrated at the Rise & Recognize Event during FENCETECH 2026 on February 5, 2026.
Ready to nominate someone exceptional? Click here to submit your nominee.
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Have you completed a project that stands out as a true example of excellence in the fence industry? The AFA Pro Awards recognize the most outstanding residential and commercial installations across 8 categories — from Access Control and Ornamental to Farm/Ranch/Agriculture and Multi-Use. This year, there’s no cost to submit, and both contractors and suppliers can participate — contractors by nominating their work, and suppliers by sponsoring their customers’ projects.
Winners will be honored at FENCETECH 2026 and featured in Fencepost magazine, giving your work the recognition it deserves. The deadline to submit is December 8, 2025, so don’t wait! Click here to start your project submission.
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Ready to level up your fence industry knowledge and connect with other professionals? Log in to our exclusive online community today! As a member, you’ll gain access to expert discussions, valuable resources, and the chance to connect with others who share your passion for fencing.
Not a member yet? Sign up now and start enjoying all the benefits! Join here.
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We’re excited to announce that Member Savings Program (MSP) has officially partnered with Foodbuy, one of North America’s largest and most trusted Group Purchasing Organizations.
This partnership opens the door to additional exclusive discounts for AFA members on:
– MRO supplies from Grainger, Sherwin Williams and HD Supply
– Access to top-tier vendors through Foodbuy’s vast supplier network
What does this mean for you?
Your business now has access to even more ways to save on everyday operations – all through your membership with AFA.
Make sure you or a purchasing staff member attend next week's webinar!
When: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 2-3 p.m. ET
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting
To help you get the most out of this new partnership opportunity, we invite you to join an upcoming call hosted by Foodbuy. This session will walk through how the partnership works, what it means for your operation, and how to enroll.
What to expect on the call:
– An overview of the partnership benefits and details on how your ordering process will remain unchanged during the transition
– Step-by-step guidance on completing the required electronic Letter of Participation (eLOP)
– Live Q&A to address your questions before enrollment
We look forward to helping you save money on additional day-to-day operational expenses for years to come. Let's grow your bottom line together.
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AFA would like to welcome the new members who have recently joined the association.
We're glad you're part of the family!
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AFA would like to give a shout-out to our members celebrating anniversaries with the association.
We're honored to mark another year in our partnership!
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
