Register now for AFA University FIS and GADS in Sacramento April 26-29!
The FENCETECH 2023 education lineup includes a wide array of topics that are innovative, engaging, inspiring, and informative for fence, deck, and access control contractors across the country. The sessions cover latest trends, installation techniques, and best practices from industry experts and peers.

FENCETECH 2023 EDUCATION SESSIONS

All sessions, titles, descriptions, and speakers are subject to change.

Tuesday, February 28

Bigfoot, Aliens and the Myth of Automatic Pedestrian Gates

Tuesday, February 28
8:00am - 9:00am
Peter Hartzell, TORXUN

Consider the growing demand for automated pedestrian gates: ADA requirements, Covid-driven touch-free door requirements, campus fence-line security and access control. Why are there not more outdoor-rated solutions that are reliable, durable and easy to install for the gate and fence and door contractors? Come find out and get your questions answered by industry experts who have some exciting developments to share.

Online Marketing That Works

Tuesday, February 28
8:00am - 9:00am
Will Daugherty, EVOLVE Inc

Having an online presence is standard for every business these days, but if you are not optimizing for results and assisting people in finding you, their journey may lead them to a competitor.  In this session, you will learn all the critical high-level steps to make sure your web presence is complete, working well, and converting visits into customers.  Those who manage their own website will leave prepared to succeed and non-technical people will be prepared to work effectively with their service provider to get the online house in order. 

Working with Meters

Tuesday, February 28
8:00am - 9:00am
Gate Automation Technician School Instructors

Working with meters to troubleshoot gate systems is a topic combining both a presentation and hands on use of the most important tool a gate and access tech can have, the multi meter. The presentation will cover why this tool is vital in diagnosing operator systems. Specifically how to set up a meter to test voltage, amperage, resistance and continuity for AC and DC systems. Following the formal presentation there are five hands on stations where attendees can use a meter, under guidance from an OIS instructor, to become familiar with the tools usage.

Gate Operator System Troubleshooting

Tuesday, February 28
9:15am - 10:45am
Gate Automation Technician School Instructors

This session will discuss a basic approach to diagnosing issues with a Gate Operator System. Learn how to quickly pinpoint the area of system failure and how to use test equipment to isolate the problem issue.

Professionalism in the Fence Industry

Tuesday, February 28
9:15am - 10:45am

Professionalism is skill or behavior that goes beyond what an ordinary person would have.  Being a professional is a state of mind, not an acquired gift.  So come on in, grab a chair, and let's talk about some things that can impact your life in ways you never thought possible.

Young Fence Professionals Panel

Tuesday, February 28
9:15am - 10:45am
TBD

Sit in on the Young Fence Professionals Panel as we experience smaller interactive groups that choose several topics and then keep you engaged with discussion on those topics. It will be fun and different! We look forward to seeing you there!

Your Business Pipeline: The Secret to Uncovering Your Bottlenecks and Hidden Profits

Tuesday, February 28
9:15am - 10:45am
David Iannone, Reliable Construction Systems/Reliable Fence CT

Description to come.

Budget Development and Forecasting for Fence Company Growth

Tuesday, February 28
11:00am - 12:00pm
Tony Thornton, Thornton Fence Consulting Group

Attendees will learn how to develop a company budget, how to evaluate the importance of a budget, and how to forecast for growth regardless of company size. Budget and forecast templates will be provided and each attendee will develop their budget and forecast of growth.

CLFMI/ASTM Post Setting Practices

Tuesday, February 28
11:00am - 12:00pm

Description to come.

Increased Profitability Through Group Purchasing

Tuesday, February 28
11:00am - 12:00pm
Mark Schiavone, Member Savings Program

Learn from AFA Members who have implemented Group Purchasing, driven down their indirect costs and increased profitability. We'll explore attendee opportunities and share best practices among the group.

The Benefits of Stained Wood Fencing for Revenue Generation

Tuesday, February 28
11:00am - 12:00pm

Join representatives from Wood Defender and Texas Best Fence and Patio to gain essential information on how wood staining can grow your fence business.  Topics covered will include:
Profitability in Fence Staining
The 2 Most Popular Types of Fence Stains used: Wood Stain Products and Water-Based Products
Marketing: How Fence Companies Can Create Value by Adding Fence Staining into Their Marketing Plan
Prestained Fence Materials
Outdoor Living

Estimating and Bidding

Tuesday, February 28
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Mike Robinson, Robinson Fence Company

Bidding & Estimating: We will talk about the process of bidding commercial and industrial fence projects. We will also talk about specific items that will directly help and protect your company from potential issues of estimating these projects.

Managing Your Money

Tuesday, February 28
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Tom Luby, Profit Builders International

Does your money control you or do you control your money? How well do you really understand your finances and is your money working hard for you? This seminar will help you budget your money, collect your money and plan in advance for profit!  Topics covered will include:

  1. Establishing good financial controls to manage and control profitability
  2. How to create a master budget, determine your break even point (and why it is important, how to find your overhead factor and profit percentages – long before the end of the year when your annual financial outcome is set and change is no longer possible
  3. How to implement the very best accounts receivable collections procedure in the fence industry

Telephone Entry/Smart Video Intercom: New Technologies and Solutions

Tuesday, February 28
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Tim Nordstrom, Controlled Products Systems Group

This seminar will focus on the latest technologies in the TES/ Smart Video Intercom products, including cellular and internet based products. Also covered will be proper "Pre-site" testing requirements and the numerous methods to get internet to a TES/ Smart Video Intercom. There will be a focus on Video Calling and App control.

Apps and Tech Tools That Crush

Tuesday, February 28
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Michelle Myers, Pink Callers

Learn about the top ten apps and tools that are shaping the future of the home service industry.  The audience will leave with an entire playbook filled with QR codes, shortcuts and integrations to touch every aspect of their business.

Business Insurance 101

Tuesday, February 28
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Learn the essentials on topics of general liability, workers compensation, automobile, property and excess coverages for all fence dealers and manufacturers.  We will go into detail about experience modifications, residential exclusions, and everyone and anything you needs to get on a jobsite with the right insurance coverages.

Culture is King: Change Your Culture and Lead By Example

Tuesday, February 28
3:00pm - 4:00pm

To succeed, you must make a commitment from the top and be willing to change. It takes work to be the best. Establish your team; recruit the right people, set expectations, and communicate expectations. Your team is your company’s most valuable asset.  Invest in your team; you get what you pay for. Establish the culture and lead by example. Give your people all your energy, it will cause a spark that will lead to an inferno.

Attendees will learn:

  1. Culture starts at the top
  2. Your team is your best recruiter
  3. Attract and retain good team members to increase bottom line

Wood Care for Contractors

Tuesday, February 28
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Caleb Roth, Stain & Seal Experts

Description to come.

Residential and Negotiated Sales Workflow Procedures

Tuesday, February 28
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Tony Thornton, Thornton Fence Consulting Group

Learn best practices to develop a workflow procedure for residential and negotiated sales, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability.

Train, Retain and Grow

Tuesday, February 28
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Derek Smith, Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville

Having trouble hiring, training, and developing talent in your company? Staffing shortages can be conquered with the right mix of activities encouraging employee engagement and growth in your business. Learn from a 5x AFA Fence Contractor of the Year and 2021 #1 Small Business in Middle Tennessee according to The Tennessean.

Using Data-Driven Insights to Grow Your Fencing Business

Tuesday, February 28
4:15pm - 5:15pm

The State of the Fencing Industry Report presents data and insights to help fencing businesses succeed. Using data from a survey of fencing business owners, the report tracks the trends most important to fencing companies. With quotes and insights from leaders, the report helps fencing professionals grow and scale their business. We will discuss the findings in the report, which cover topics including material shortages, hiring and retaining team members, technology, and sales strategies.

Wednesday, March 1

Automation Doesn't Have to be Complicated: Streamline Your Business Today

Wednesday, March 1
8:00am - 9:00am

Fence contractors are juggling a lot of moving parts to ensure their business runs smoothly. With all the administrative work, it's hard to keep up and even harder to support growth with manual processes.

Technology can help you do more than just keep up with your business. You can get more time, organization, and visibility using automation. In this session, learn the benefits of automation and the steps to start streamlining your business today.

FOLDED: Season Two

Wednesday, March 1
8:00am - 9:00am
Peter Hartzell, TORXUN

Folding Gate installations have enjoyed hockey stick growth in the last 25 years. This trend has been validated by new published bi-parting gate UL Standards; architects making it their top secure design choice; and the recent ability to use the canvas of folding gates to create monetization opportunities for your clients. It’s no wonder that installers are rushing to this safe, secure and fast opening alternative to current formats for fence line and parking applications. Now is the time to grow your folding gate revenue.

S.T.A.R.: How To Identify and Understand Your Potential Buyers

Wednesday, March 1
8:00am - 9:00am
Nathan Downs, Radius Perimeter Security

This experience will introduce a tried-and-true simple sales qualifying method to understand your audience better: breaking down habits and nuances of different personality types. This process is very simple yet massively effective and can be used in every aspect of person-to-person interactions in your life. STAR is something you can use for life!

The Economic Heartbeat of the Fence Industry for 2023

Wednesday, March 1
8:00am - 9:00am
Tony Thornton, Thornton Fence Consulting Group

What do the 2023 fence industry market segments look like and how do fence companies overcome the upcoming challenges and stay profitable? Join Tony for essential information on how to best position your company for success in the coming year.

Collecting Your Money Once the Job is Completed

Wednesday, March 1
9:15am - 10:45am
Tom Luby, Profit Builders International

What good is doing the work if you can’t get paid?  Improve your company’s collections efforts and learn how to prevent collections problems before they even begin.  Get a two-for-one win for your fence company by learning how to improve your company’s reputation in the community and build better customer satisfaction, all through a coordinated combination of public relations tactics and collections procedures.  This interactive session will present a solution to collect your money that will be easy to use, easy to teach and train your people to use in all areas of your company (sales, in the office, and in the field).

The Digital Success Blueprint for Fence Companies

Wednesday, March 1
9:15am - 10:45am

Take a rare behind-the-scenes look at the actual online strategies and campaigns being used by the top-performing fence companies today.  All of the strategies and tactics we will explore are directly applicable for almost any size fence company and will drastically improve your online results!  Of particular value is a step-by-step checklist/handout every fence company can follow to improve your online results!

Working with Solar Power for Access Controls

Wednesday, March 1
9:15am - 10:45am

This presentation will cover the basics of how to use a volt meter to test and trouble shoot a solar powered gate system.

Thursday, March 2

Women in Fence

Thursday, March 2
4:15pm - 5:00pm

Gain new insight about women in the fence industry, learn how to enhance your business and develop your professional skills, and engage with women in the industry at the Women in Fence seminar and reception.  At the seminar, the discussion will include views on the 2023 economic/industry outlook.  You will hear from women in leadership positions who will share ideas and wisdom from their experiences in our industry.  

Please join us for a reception immediately following the panel discussion to gain a new understanding of how to expand the candidate pool to include women and how they can become more involved in the fence industry at all levels.

A reception will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Click here to register

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FOR FENCETECH ATTENDEES

Visit OKC Discount Pass

Free Streetcar Pass

Receive FENCETECH Alerts

Be the first to know when new FENCETECH updates are shared!

Featured Partners