Women in Fencing Series Launching at FENCETECH 2023

FENCETECH 2023 will feature an expanded topic: Women in Fencing. The seminar debuts on Thursday, March 2 at 4:15 p.m. with a reception following at 5:00 p.m. The reception is sponsored by Ameristar, Fencing Supply Group, Master Halco and Wheatland Tube.

“We’ve had Women in Fencing panel sessions at previous FENCETECH’s and they’ve been popular,” explains Alexa Churchwell with American Fence Association. “We are always looking for ways to create more value for our AFA members which is why we are expanding outside of FENCTECH in 2023 to provide year-round resources for women in the fence business including continuing education and business tools to attract more women to the industry.”

Andrea Hogan, CEO with Fencing Supply Group, is the lead organizer of the committee. “I attended a Women in Fencing session years ago and was a panelist in Salt Lake City in 2021 and in New Orleans in 2022. As I left New Orleans, I ran into Bobby Batchelor, the incoming AFA president. We talked about the Women in Fencing panel and ways to expand the idea. After a 40-minute conversation in the airport, we were excited about the possibilities. I was enthusiastic about Bobby’s interest and impressed when he reached out to me a month later to see if I was interested in helping them build upon the idea.”

In addition to Hogan, more volunteers have joined forces, creating a great momentum for this expanded topic. They are: • Catherine Mills Reynolds, Mills Fence Company • Kerri Hughes, Fortress Building Products • Paige Ginn, Jefcoat Fence • Susan Colson, Security Fence • Ashley Roth, Expert Stain & Seal

The committee’s goals are: • Improve content provide to all AFA members, particularly around how to recruit and retain women in the industry • Increase the number of women who participate in Women in Fencing events by providing a place for them to network, learn and grow • Be a resource for mentorship

“In addition to the seminar, several companies within the fencing community have graciously volunteered to sponsor a reception immediately following the seminar,” explains Hogan. “The reception is open to everyone. We have more ideas for the future and look forward to growing this idea in the coming years.”