The FENCETECH 2024 education lineup includes a wide array of topics that are innovative, engaging, inspiring, and informative for fence and access control contractors across the country. The sessions cover latest trends, installation techniques, and best practices from industry experts and peers.

FENCETECH 2024 EDUCATION SESSIONS

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

Tuesday, January 23

Empowering Perimeter Security

Tuesday, January 23
8:00am - 9:00am
Billy Pullen – JVA Monitored Fence

The presentation will cover Perimeter Security Systems, including NLEF requirements, Perimeter Management Systems, and well-designed setups. Gain practical strategies backed by statistics and real-life experiences to enhance property protection. Thought-provoking ideas, case studies, and audience Q&A. Elevate your security knowledge and Perimeter Security Systems design capabilities. 

Everything You Need to Know About Loops

Tuesday, January 23
8:00am - 9:00am
Brian Dixon – BD Loops

This education seminar covers everything you need to know to understand loops and loop systems. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become a loop expert! This is a special seminar that focuses entirely on education. Brian Dickson will be covering loop basics, best installation practices, troubleshooting, and everything in between.

Exploring Contracts & Amendments

Tuesday, January 23
8:00am - 9:00am
Mike Robinson – Robinson Fence

This session will explore how to navigate a construction contract and how to address issues within that contract. 

How to use Artificial Intelligence to Supercharge Your Contracting Business

Tuesday, January 23
8:00am - 9:00am
Justin Judy – ArcSite

We will spend time together learning about the past, present, and future of AI. AI is possibly the most powerful tool available to us today. Not knowing how to use it, or how others will use it, can put you at a handicap in this ever-changing landscape we operate in. Spend 1 hour today, to save 100s of hours in the next year. 

The Digital Success Blueprint for Fence Companies

Tuesday, January 23
8:00am - 9:00am
Sam Natello – DotCom Global Media

Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the actual digital strategies being used by many of the top-performing fence companies, online today. We share the secret BLUEPRINT that drives #1 Google rankings, higher website traffic, and greater conversion rates. These are proven solutions that drive real results - specifically for fencing contractors. 

Hyper Local SEO – Lead Generation, Call Capturing & Job Sales

Tuesday, January 23
9:15am - 10:45am
David Iannone – Reliable Fence Co.

Attendees will learn: How to determine Your Company’s “Allowable Cost per Lead”,  How to Determine Your Company’s Departmental KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators), How to Uncover Bottlenecks in Your Business, How to Dominate HyperLOCAL SEO with (City-Pages) Content Modules. 

Win the Talent Wars: The Changing Nature of Leadership in a Volatile & Uncertain Time

Tuesday, January 23
9:15am - 10:45am
John Dentico – LeadSimm LLC

The organizations and leaders that succeed can take control in the face of a volatile and uncertain future. Leadership is amid a tectonic shift to one based on influence relationships, proactive practices, and action. Using the attendees’ real-world experiences and shared values recruiting exercise, Dr. Dentico will explain the reasons behind the changing nature of leadership, why people hire on and stay, and how to manufacture mutual trust, the accurate measure of an organization’s effectiveness. 

Your 2024 Internet Marketing Plan: How to Maximize Your Leadflow

Tuesday, January 23
9:15am - 10:45am
Dave Caban – Fence Marketing Pros

Do you have the right strategy for Marketing your Fence Company Online? There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to online marketing (SEO, PPC, Local Service Ads, Online Directory Listings, Social Media, Pay-Per-Lead Services, & more). Discover what really works and where you need to be focusing your time/energy and in what order to drive the best results online. 

Fencing the Future: AI’s Transformative Power

Tuesday, January 23
11:00am - 12:00pm
Kyle Norton - A Project Patchwork

Join us for a deep dive into AI's transformative impact on the fence industry. In this presentation, you'll unlock the potential of chatbots for superior customer engagement and operational efficiency. Beyond mere theory, expect interactive demos, real-world success stories, and engaging Q&A sessions. Equip yourself with actionable strategies to harness AI's power and drive your business forward in this new technological age.

Insurance 101 – Real Life Examples

Tuesday, January 23
11:00am - 12:00pm
Andrew Stergiou – Alliant Insurance

During this exciting 60 minutes, Andrew Stergiou at Alliant Insurance will review the basics of business insurance and how it relates to real-life examples for American Fence Association members including experience modification calculation on Workers Compensation policies, minimizing the cost and understanding the pricing for automobile insurance and the importance of having excess limits going over general liability and automobile policies. We will also review the importance of reviewing the insurance policies making sure each AFA member has the right coverage including no residential exclusions!

Introduction to Crash Ratings & Perimeter Security

Tuesday, January 23
11:00am - 12:00pm
Scott Rosenbloom – Barrier1

In this session, Scott will use his more than 25 years of experience to dive into all things Crash & Perimeter Security. Bollards, Gates, Panels & more as well as discussions on ratings.

Reducing Utility Damages During Fencing with Improved Use of 811

Tuesday, January 23
11:00am - 12:00pm
Khrysanne Kerr – Common Ground Alliance

Most professional excavators and contractors are familiar with 811 as the national call-before-you-dig service, but for 19 years, “no notification made to the 811 center” has remained the leading cause of damages to underground utilities. A significant portion (24%) of these no-call damages occur during fencing or landscaping, leading to costly fines and injuries that hurt your business. CGA will help organizations shift damage prevention programs to encourage consistent, proper use of this life-saving service.

The Origami of Gate Design

Tuesday, January 23
11:00am - 12:00pm
Peter Hartzell – Torxun

Folding Gate installations have enjoyed hockey stick growth in the last 25 years. This trend has been validated by last year’s published bi-folding gate UL Standards; architects making it their top Secure Design Choice; and thousands are now installed across North America. When will you join the rush 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.

Growing Your Install Business by Utilizing Monthly Payment Financing

Tuesday, January 23
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Greg Burns – Watercress Financial

Are you dealing with rising equipment costs and higher quotes – How can you adapt? Are you a proactive or reactive contractor? How successful contractors integrate monthly payments into marketing and sales. 

Introduction to ASTM Standards & Their Application

Tuesday, January 23
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Ben Shirley – Ameristar

This session will highlight some of the most commonly used ASTM standards as well as how they apply to your installations. We will also explore some of the recent updates to standards like the changes to ASTM F1184 that took place in Nov. 2022 & how they affect you. 

Leadership Skills & a Culture Based Mindset

Tuesday, January 23
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Chris Rice & Rachel Newton – Ameristar

Learning strategies and mindsets to increase your leadership skills to create an infectious culture your team will want to be in! 

Operations Workflow Procedures to Enhance Efficiency & Profitability

Tuesday, January 23
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Tony Thornton – Thornton Consulting Group

The operations workflow is the most important position of a fence company. Attendees will learn best practices to develop a workflow procedure for the operations position of your company, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability.  

People, Process, and Technology - A Solid Foundation for Growth

Tuesday, January 23
1:15pm - 2:45pm
Zach Peyton – Superior Fence & Rail

Building a business on a solid foundation is the key to long-term sustainable success. In this session we'll approach three key focus areas for business leaders - people, process, and technology. With the right people in the right seats, you'll have the right team to grow your business. With effective and efficient processes, your team will maximize results. With the right technology in place, your business will scale efficiently. 

Conquered the STAR Method? What's Next....

Tuesday, January 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Nathan Downs - RADIUS Gate & Fence Co.

You've heard the STAR program that Nathan teaches; this goes to the NEXT step! Find out how to continue to drive quality communication and connect with your customers and team in ways you've never imagined.

Emergency Access: Increasing Public Safety While Increasing Revenue

Tuesday, January 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
McKay Lundgren - Siren Operated Sensors

This presentation will highlight how reducing response times of emergency responders will save lives and property. It will give an overview of all the different options there are for emergency access and how to influence Fire Marshalls and Code Enforcement offices to upgrade their systems. Finally, you will learn how to increase revenue by quoting emergency access on every job even when it is not required.

Gate Safety Initiatives & the Hummingbird Alliance

Tuesday, January 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Eric Bledsoe & Eric Quanbeck - Electronic Innovations & The Hummingbird Alliance

How contractors can use safety messaging to connect with customers and position themselves as experts in the community. In this session we will also be discussing the Hummingbird Alliance, how it came to be, what its mission is & how you can help.

Growing Your Business: From Pickup Truck to Brick/Mortar & Beyond

Tuesday, January 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ken Throckmorton - Forever Fence & Rail

Helping you to analyze your own business, work to create power partners & understand the pain that comes from growing.

Stain Your Way to Maximum Profits; Unlocking the Potential of Exterior Wood Stain in Your Fence Business

Tuesday, January 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Roy Branch - Wood Defender

In this engaging presentation, join the experienced team from Wood Defender as we delve into the world of fence staining and discover how it can significantly enhance the profitability and value of your existing fence business model. With insights and expertise gained from years in the industry, we will guide you through the following key sections: Profitability in Fence Staining, Popular Products, Marketing Opportunities, Prestained Fence Materials, and Leveraging the Outdoor Living Trend.

The Ultimate Social Media Strategy for Fence Companies

Tuesday, January 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sam Natello - DotComm Global Media

Attendees will learn how to create and execute a social media calendar. Attendees will learn advanced techniques to create and acquire a high-quality content/asset library. Attendees will explore inspirational/creative ideas for social content that will improve their social media performance.

80/20 for Business & 80/20 for Life; the Math Behind how to Deploy Limited Resources to the Best Opportunities

Tuesday, January 23
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Andrea Hogan - Fence Supply Group

Optimizing Residential Fence Consultations: Enhancing Efficiency & Customer Satisfaction with Site Plans

Tuesday, January 23
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Brandon Matheny - HOA Fence

In this 60-minute presentation, I will highlight the transformative impact of over-the-phone sales consultations using site plans in the residential fence industry. The presentation covers the challenges of traditional at-home consultations and provides innovative solutions, resulting in benefits like enhanced efficiency and customer satisfaction. Attendees will be encouraged to adopt similar strategies for business success.

Passing the Torch: Next Generation Leadership

Tuesday, January 23
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Mike DeLorenzo - Wayside Fence

Are there potential leaders in your organization? Whether it be a foreman or a family member, the goal is to better understand the transition and how to navigate the challenges of passing the torch. If you are ready to retire or ready to be the next leader, we will focus on setting expectations and how to tackle the steps to succession. 

Protecting Yourself in the World of Commercial Bidding & Estimating

Tuesday, January 23
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Mike Robinson - Robinson Fence

In this session, you will learn the basic concepts of commercial bidding and estimating along with proven techniques that will assist your company in a smoother installation process.

Smart Video Intercoms & Access Controls

Tuesday, January 23
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Tim Nordstrom - Controlled Products Systems Group

Today's end users want to use apps and mobile credentials to enter their property, this class will focus on how they work. What are the different methods to connect cellular and internet to Smart Video Intercoms and Access Controllers and how to navigate the different technologies and their applications.

The Legislative Digest - Live! How Government Affairs Affects You Locally

Tuesday, January 23
4:15pm - 5:15pm
Catherine Mills-Reynolds - The American Fence Association

In this session you learn about some of the big legislative issues affecting your company, what you need to be aware of regarding government affairs in your areas & you will get a chance to ask your pressing questions regarding overall government affairs issues.

Wednesday, January 24

0.04 Leadership & Culture Outlooks & Objectives

Wednesday, January 24
8:00am - 9:00am
Scott Wilhite - Master Halco

One of the biggest challenges to coaching or managing people is motivating them to do the little extra things that lead to success. Most business plans and leadership styles promote growth in terms of a number or percentage greater than before. Usually this sounds like “grow your sales 110%” or “give me 110% today”. Does this truly motivate? How do I do that? Is 110% even realistic? I have never had much success with this type of leadership. Come hear how a realistic expectation called .04% can benefit you personally and professionally. You will learn a simple way to take the next steps to success! 

Bigfoot, Aliens and the Myth of Automatic Pedestrian Gates: Season 2 - Confirmed Sightings!

Wednesday, January 24
8:00am - 9:00am
Peter Hartzell - Torxun

Consider the growing demand for automated pedestrian gates: ADA requirements, Covid/germ-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 gate, fence and door contractors? Season two: In only the past year, installations are everywhere. Get your questions answered by industry experts who have multiple case studies to share. 

Control Freak - How EOS Changed My Business

Wednesday, January 24
8:00am - 9:00am
Michelle Myers - Pink Callers

Attendees can expect to have a better understanding of EOS, and how to find the experts out there that can help them implement EOS in their business. As a control freak business owner, I'll explain my personal experience of why leading my team through accountability made all the difference. 

Interested in increased profits? Leverage the AFA's Collective Buying Power!

Wednesday, January 24
8:00am - 9:00am
Mark Schiavone - Member Savings Program

Interested in increased profits? Learn how ENGAGED AFA Members are leveraging the AFA's Buying Power through the AFA Member Savings Program to save time and money on purchasing as well as increasing sales through the AFA exclusive Synchrony Financial Consumer Financing Program. 

Working with Meters

Wednesday, January 24
8:00am - 9:00am
Scott Meckes - DoorKing

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.

Culture is King! Change your culture, set a standard & lead by example.

Wednesday, January 24
9:15am - 10:45am
Matt Warner - Empire Netting & Fence

Increase productivity due to less turnover. Your #1 asset is your people. 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. 

Fundamentals of Selling to Engage Today's Salesperson with Today's Customer

Wednesday, January 24
9:15am - 10:45am
Shane Yarbrough – Bluff City Fence, Randy Ward – Binford Supply, Ben Jodoin – Ultra Aluminum

Teaching how today’s Professional Sales Person must develop trust and credibility in the fundamentals of the buying and selling framework to engage today's customer. 

INSPECT what you EXPECT! How are you tracking your KPI's?

Wednesday, January 24
9:15am - 10:45am
Robert Whittaker - Magnolia Fence

If you are looking to hold yourself and your team accountable, then this is the class for you. First, we need to know what the heck we are even wanting to accomplish. We will discuss the importance of a destination, review the importance of consistent data and how to set S.M.A.R.T goals. By the time you leave you will have a better understanding of KPI's, Goals, Meeting Rhythm and will walk away with tangible "To Do's" to take back to your business. I love participation and will encourage it throughout the presentation. 

State of the Industry Panel

Wednesday, January 24
9:15am - 10:45am
Hosted by Michael Reed - Executive Director, American Fence Association

This panel will consist of leaders from the Contractor, Manufacturing & Wholesale sides of the industry. 

Thursday, January 25

Women in Fence Panel Session

Thursday, January 25
4:00pm - 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. At the seminar, you will hear from women in leadership positions who will share ideas and wisdom from their experiences in our industry. First 150 attendees in the door will receive a free leadership book and a Women in Fence t-shirt.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
 

FENCETECH 2024

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