American Fence Association

What American Fence Association does

The American Fence Association (AFA), founded in 1962 and headquartered in The Colony, Texas, is a not-for-profit trade association organized under Illinois law serving the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry in the United States. It is the largest and most comprehensive industry body in its vertical, with 1,800+ member companies across all 50 states and 15 countries, supported by 20 local chapters and five Special Interest Groups (Women in Fence, Emerging Fence Professionals, Hispanic Fence Professionals, Veterans in Fence, Ag Fence Professionals). The association is led by Executive Director Michael Reed and President Bobby Batchelor.

AFA's core product is FENCETECH, its premier annual trade show and educational conference, which drew nearly 6,000 attendees from 28 countries and featured 350+ exhibitors and 70+ education sessions in 2026. The product surface extends to AFA University (AFAU) — a certification and education platform delivered via PathLMS — and to publications including Fencepost Magazine (bi-monthly, six issues per year), the Across the Fence monthly e-newsletter (distributed via Informz), the Member Directory and Buyers' Guide, and The VOICE FENCETECH Show Guide. Supporting resources include the Contractor Locator tool, the Member Resource Library (on Higher Logic), the FENCE Industry Index and Fence Pulse market intelligence products, and the AFA Education Foundation providing academic and training scholarships.

The business model is a diversified membership-based trade association revenue stack: recurring annual membership dues from 1,800+ member companies, FENCETECH registration fees and exhibitor booth rentals (with members paying $3,050-$3,550 per 10x10 booth versus $3,850-$4,350 for non-members), multi-tiered event sponsorships (Platinum/Gold/Silver/Bronze), advertising in publications, education and certification fees, and online store sales. AFA derives strategic positioning from standards-setting engagement with ASTM International, UL, DASMA, and ICC, and from federal advocacy including the Alex Gate Safety Act (S.1682) and 2027 I-Codes gate safety provisions. Underlying technology is conventional: PathLMS for learning management, Higher Logic for community, Informz for email, and standard web analytics — there is no proprietary AI/ML layer.

Name

American Fence Association

Legal name

American Fence Association, Inc.

Website

https://americanfenceassociation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American Fence Association is a 1962-founded not-for-profit trade association serving the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry with 1,800+ member companies across 50 states and 15 countries, operating FENCETECH, AFA University certifications, publications, and federal advocacy including the Alex Gate Safety Act.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Fence Installation & Replacement (HSAIAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Gate Installation (Manual & Automated) (HSAIAJAC)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Fence industry certification
• Industry trade shows
• Professional education programs
• Perimeter security standards

Headquarters

HQ city

Princeton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from 1,800+ member companies providing recurring revenue stream.
2. FENCETECH Event Revenue: Registration fees, booth rentals, and exhibitor fees from the annual premier trade show and conference. FENCETECH 2026 attracted nearly 6,000 attendees from 28 countries.
3. Education and Certification Fees: Fees for AFA University courses, certification testing, and approved education provider programs.
4. Sponsorships: Sponsorship packages at FENCETECH event including Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze tiers and featured sponsorships.
5. Advertising: Advertising opportunities in Fencepost Magazine, Across the Fence newsletter, and FENCETECH Show Guide.
6. AFA Online Store: Sales of publications including Member Directory & Buyers' Guide, merchandise, and educational materials.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The American Fence Association is a not-for-profit trade association providing education, certification, networking, and advocacy services to the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry. Its core offerings include FENCETECH (the annual premier trade show and conference), AFA University (online education platform), professional certifications, industry publications (Fencepost Magazine and Across the Fence newsletter), Special Interest Groups, and industry standards advocacy.

Product overview

American Fence Association (AFA) operates as a membership-based industry association for fence, gate, and perimeter security professionals, offering a portfolio of interconnected products and services. The core offering is FENCETECH, the premier annual trade show and educational conference for the industry, which anchors a broader ecosystem that includes AFA University (AFAU) — a learning management platform delivered via PathLMS — professional certifications, and the Fencepost Magazine and Across the Fence e-newsletter publications. Additional offerings include the Contractor Locator tool, FENCE Industry Index and Fence Pulse market intelligence resources, the Member Directory & Buyers' Guide, the Member Resource Library (on the Higher Logic community platform), the Education Foundation with scholarships, and five Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The Rise & Recognize Industry Awards program rounds out the portfolio by celebrating industry excellence annually at FENCETECH.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fencepost Magazine: AFA's bi-monthly magazine (6 issues per year) delivering business-related and technical articles to industry professionals.
• Across the Fence
• The Voice
• AFA University
• Fence Industry Index
• Fence Pulse
• AFA Education Foundation
• Rise & Recognize

Products and services

• FENCETECH Annual Trade Show and Conference AFA's premier annual trade show and educational conference for the fence, gate, deck, and perimeter security industry, featuring exhibits, education sessions, networking events, and industry awards including Rise & Recognize.
• AFA University (AFAU) Online education platform providing courses, career pathways, schools, and approved education provider programs for fence industry professionals, delivered via PathLMS.
• AFA Professional Certifications Professional certification programs for fence and gate professionals, including Certified Fence Contractor and Certified Fence Technician, delivered through chapter testing events and AFA University.
• AFA Membership Annual membership program for fence and gate professionals, providing access to AFA University, certifications, local chapters, special interest groups, publications, and member savings benefits. Membership serves 1,800+ member companies across all 50 states.
• Fencepost Magazine AFA's bi-monthly magazine (six issues per year) delivering a mix of business-related and technical articles to help industry professionals succeed.
• Across the Fence Newsletter AFA's monthly e-newsletter sharing news and promoting upcoming events, automatically distributed to AFA members via Informz.
• Contractor Locator Online finder tool that helps consumers and businesses locate qualified fence, gate, and perimeter security contractors near their project location, filterable by project type, product type, and credentials.
• Fence Industry Index Research and benchmarking resource providing market data and industry intelligence for fence and gate professionals.
• Fence Pulse Periodic market intelligence and pulse-tracking resource for the fence industry.
• Member Directory & Buyers' Guide Annual publication highlighting current AFA members by categories and location, helping buyers find industry suppliers and contractors.
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Five Special Interest Groups — Women in Fence, Emerging Fence Professionals, Hispanic Fence Professionals, Veterans in Fence, and Ag Fence Professionals — providing focused networking, education, and community for niche professional segments within the fence industry.
• AFA Education Foundation Scholarships Funding the future of the fence industry through academic scholarships and training scholarships for students and professionals pursuing careers in fencing and perimeter security.
• The VOICE (FENCETECH Show Guide) AFA's official FENCETECH show guide published annually, containing event schedules, exhibit floor maps, education session descriptions, and industry insights.
• Rise & Recognize Industry Awards Annual industry awards program at FENCETECH honoring excellence through Association Awards, Presidential Awards, Chapter Excellence Awards, Pro Awards, Hall of Fame induction, and scholarship recognition.
• Member Resource Library Members-only digital library on the Higher Logic community platform containing shop drawings, sample employee manuals, and other resources for fence and gate professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 6,000 industry professionals attend FENCETECH annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor, platinum, gold, silver and bronze.

• Ready, Set, Safe!coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Collaboration on Gate Safety Month campaign and Alex Gate Safety Act advocacy. Ready, Set, Safe! co-founded by Eric Quanbeck focuses on gate safety awareness and standards. Joint efforts promote safety education and professional inspections for automated gates.
• Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2025Collaborated on Alex Gate Safety Act legislation. DASMA is a key partner in developing and promoting industry safety standards for gates. Partnership focuses on codifying ASTM gate safety standards into federal law.
• Military MakeoverminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership supporting veteran home renovation projects. AFA members volunteer labor and donate materials for fence installations at veteran homes. Completed 8 fence projects to date through this initiative.
• Purple Heart HomesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVeterans service organization; chapters can participate in service projects supporting veterans through Purple Heart Homes builds.
• NAFCA (National Association of Fence Contractors)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPast service project collaboration; NAFCA members can participate in joint veteran-focused initiatives.
• Irreverent WarriorsminorOthersVeteran mental health organization; Veterans in Fence SIG promotes awareness of mental health resources for veterans in the workforce.
• Operation Angel WingminorOthersVeteran support organization; Veterans in Fence SIG raises awareness for mental health resources through this partnership.
• Healing America Foundation (Vann Morris)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFounded by veteran advocate Vann Morris; partnership supports veteran workforce development and leadership programs in the fence industry.
• D&D TechnologiesplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; provider of gate hardware and access control solutions.
• DoorkingplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; manufacturer of gate operators and access control systems.
• Ameristar Perimeter SecurityplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; provider of perimeter security fencing solutions.
• Catalyst Fence SolutionsplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; fence industry solutions provider.
• FAACgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; provider of automated gate operators.
• Fencing Supply GroupgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; major fence materials distributor.
• Veka Outdoor Living ProductsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; provider of outdoor living and fence products.
• LiftMastergoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; manufacturer of gate operators and access control.
• Master HalcogoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; major fence materials supplier.
• Controlled Products Systems GroupgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; perimeter security products.
• Nationwide IndustriesgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; manufacturer of fence hardware and accessories.
• GeniesilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; garage and gate door manufacturer.
• LocinoxsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; gate hardware and access control manufacturer.
• mySalesmansilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; sales technology provider.
• Amico Perimeter SecuritybronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; perimeter security solutions.
• DAC IndustriesbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; fence and gate products manufacturer.
• FenceTracbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; fence system provider.
• Frame It AllbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; deck and fence products.
• Security Brands Inc.bronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; access control and gate products.
• Southwest Automated SolutionsbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; automated gate solutions.
• US AutomaticbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; gate operator manufacturer.
• Wheatland TubebronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor of FENCETECH 2026; steel tubing for fence posts.
• Homeland Vinyl ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual sponsor of the Emerging Fence Professionals Special Interest Group; vinyl fence materials manufacturer supporting next generation of industry professionals.
• The Wyman CompanycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOfficial publishing partner for AFA advertising and FENCETECH sponsorship sales; manages exhibitor booth reservations and sponsorship agreements.
• American Tradeshow Services (ATS)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEvent registration and housing management partner for FENCETECH; handles attendee registration, hotel booking coordination, and CEU transcript processing.
• ASTM InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFA collaborates with ASTM on gate safety standards development; ASTM standards form basis for Alex Gate Safety Act legislation.
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on safety standards for gates and access control; AFA participates in standards development with UL.
• ICC (International Code Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on building codes affecting fence installation; AFA ensures industry standards are integrated into code development.
• Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)coreOthersBipartisan sponsors of the Alex Gate Safety Act (S.1682); legislation directs CPSC to adopt gate safety standards based on ASTM standards.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA): NRCA is a national trade association for roofing contractors. It is comparable to AFA as a similarly structured construction specialty trade association offering education, certification, advocacy, and an annual convention/expo.
• American Subcontractors Association (ASA): ASA represents specialty trade subcontractors in the construction industry. It is comparable to AFA in that many fence contractors operate as subcontractors, making ASA a competing association for the same audience.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): NAHB is the largest U.S. trade association for the home building industry. While broader in scope than AFA, fence installation is a sub-segment of residential construction, making NAHB a comparable incumbent that may engage fence contractors as members.
• Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI): AWCI represents contractors and suppliers in the wall and ceiling industry. It is comparable to AFA as a construction specialty trade association with similar member services including education, conventions, and technical resources.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): ABC is a national construction industry trade association representing commercial contractors. It is comparable to AFA as a competing membership body for fence/perimeter security contractors who work on commercial projects.

Emerging players

• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP): NALP is the trade association for the landscape industry, which frequently intersects with fence installation as complementary outdoor services. Some landscape professionals also install fences, creating membership overlap potential.
• International Door Association (IDA): IDA is a trade association serving door dealers and installers, including garage and gate door segments. It is comparable to AFA as an adjacent association focused on a related perimeter access product category with overlap in member profile.

Others

• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE is the professional association for association executives. It is comparable as a meta-organization representing association management best practices, of which AFA is a member organization.
• Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA): DASMA is a partner and standards body for door and access systems manufacturers. It is adjacent to AFA as a standards-setting peer for automated gates, with whom AFA has co-developed the Alex Gate Safety Act.

Direct peers

• National Association of Fence Contractors (NAFCA): NAFCA is a parallel trade association serving fence contractors. It is directly comparable to AFA as it competes for the same contractor member base and has collaborated with AFA on veteran-focused service projects.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AmericanFenceAssociation
• Facebookfacebook.com/americanfenceassociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-fence-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/americanfenceassoc
• Xx.com/AFAFence

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Fence Association