AFA Pro Awards

What Are the PRO Awards?

The Pro Awards recognize AFA members who have created and installed outstanding projects that are considered “the best of the best” in the industry. NEW! This year, there is no charge to submit your project for a Pro Award.

AFA Contractors can nominate their projects for multiple categories during the application process. 
AFA Suppliers can sponsor their customers’ projects and have their names recognized with the winners. 

We're now accepting project submissions in both residential and commercial divisions across the following categories — for a total of 16 opportunities to showcase your work:

• Access Control
• Chain Link
• Deck and Railing
• Farm/Ranch/Agriculture
• Multi Use - Projects that encompass 2 or more categories
• Ornamental
• Vinyl
• Wood 

Please review the Eligibility Requirements below before submitting:

• Nominee and those sponsoring the nominee must be affiliated with an AFA member company in good standing at the time of the nomination.
• Nominations must be submitted via the AFA Project Awards electronic submission portal. Multiple nominations are permitted. Nominations submitted via mail or email will not be accepted. All REQUIRED areas of the electronic submission portal must be complete or the submission will be deemed invalid.
• A minimum of six (6) images and a maximum of ten (10) images must be submitted with each nomination, along with a signed release statement 1
• Projects must have been completed within past two (2) years prior to November 15 of each year. Photos and images submitted cannot include the nominee’s company or business name. Any nomination photographic material submitted with your nominee’s company or business name will not be eligible for consideration.

Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted. 

Submit Your Project

Deadline for submission: December 8, 2025

Winners will be awarded at FENCETECH 2026 and have their project featured in Fencepost magazine post-event. 

Submitting a Standout Project

Here are a few tips for submitting a strong Pro Award nomination:

1. Showcase the Project’s Impact: Clearly describe the scope and significance of the project. Highlight how the project demonstrates innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, or the use of unique materials or techniques that set it apart from typical projects.

2. Focus on Challenges and Solutions: Include any obstacles or challenges encountered during the project and how they were overcome. Describe how the team adapted to difficulties, whether through creative problem-solving, technical expertise, or collaboration.

3. Detail the Project’s Features: Use descriptive language to emphasize the standout elements of the project. Highlight specific design features, quality of construction, or any custom solutions that were implemented to meet the client's needs.

4. Submit High-Quality Photos: Ensure the photos you submit are clear, well-lit, and taken from multiple angles to fully showcase the project’s details. Include before-and-after photos if relevant, as well as close-ups of key elements or craftsmanship.

5. Adhere to Submission Requirements: Make sure your submission aligns with the specific award category criteria. Double-check that the project fits the guidelines and that all required materials, such as photos and supporting descriptions, are complete and accurate.

6. Explain What Makes the Project Unique: Highlight what sets the project apart from others in the industry. Whether it’s an innovative use of materials, a complex design, or the project’s community impact, emphasize why this project is worthy of recognition.

7. Summarize with a Strong Closing: Conclude your submission with a powerful statement that summarizes the project’s value and significance. A concise, compelling closing sentence can help reinforce why your project stands out.

These tips will help you craft a thorough and compelling project submission that highlights the best aspects of your work for the AFA Pro Awards.