Innovations at Thriving Trade Exhibition Will Help Fence, Deck and Railing Business Better Meet Customer Needs

Business Wire, Feb 2, 2005

NEW ORLEANS -- A wheelbarrow for pouring concrete into post holes, a security barrier that pops out of the ground, composite nails that won't corrode in treated wood decking, and chain-link slats with photos printed on them were only a few of the innovations unveiled during FENCETECH'05 January 19 - 21.

"These new tools and products will help American Fence Association member contractors better meet the needs of their customers - from a homeowner who wants a fence around her pool to a Homeland Security expert who needs to prevent terrorists from gaining entry to a facility," explained AFA President and Certified Fence Professional Jere Jefcoat, of Pearl, MS.

Nearly 400 companies covered more than 94,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the world's largest fence, deck, and railing convention and trade exhibition.

"It was our largest show to date, and next year's show, which will be held in Las Vegas, promises to be even bigger," Jefcoat said.

The three-day event drew more than 6,100 fence, deck, and railing contractors and manufacturers from all over the world for educational sessions, equipment demonstrations, networking opportunities, and the annual meeting of the American Fence Association (AFA). Meetings of American Society for Testing and Materials committees on fencing specifications, the Chain-Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, and AFA's new Vinyl Fence, Deck, and Railing Division were also held during the week.

FENCETECH'05 is the annual convention and trade exhibition of AFA. The American Fence Association benefits the fence industry and the consumer by promoting the highest levels of professionalism, ethics and product standards through the dissemination of information and the education of its members.

AFA is the world's largest fence, deck, and railing association, serving thousands of members throughout the United States and around the world. The association offers members professional development seminars in fence products, service, installation, and ethical business practices as well as a professional certification program.