Courses & Events

Build Expertise and Connect with Industry

AFS offers a range of educational programs and industry events designed to help you deepen your technical knowledge, stay current on emerging topics, and connect with peers across the filtration and separations field.

Whether you prefer structured courses, flexible on-demand learning, or in-person experiences, AFS provides multiple ways to engage—each designed to meet you where you are in your career and schedule.

AFS Technical Courses

AFS courses are designed to deliver practical, technical knowledge you can apply immediately—whether you’re new to the field or deepening specialized expertise.

Webinars

Expert insights. Timely topics. Practical takeaways.

Join industry experts for live online sessions exploring emerging technologies, research breakthroughs, and best practices. 

Best for:

  • Staying current on emerging trends and technologies.
  • Earning CEUs in a convenient online format.
  • Professional development between conferences.

Virtual Courses

Live, focused learning from anywhere.

Short, instructor-led sessions delivered online, designed to address timely topics and emerging needs in the industry.

Best for:

  • Professionals looking for quick, targeted learning.
  • Staying current on specific technical topics.
  • Learning without travel.

On-Demand Courses

Learn at your own pace, on your schedule.

Self-paced courses that allow you to access content anytime, making it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule.

Best for:

  • Independent learners.
  • Reinforcing foundational knowledge.
  • Flexible training across teams or individuals.

Short Courses at FILTCON

Deep, in-person learning alongside the industry.

Offered in conjunction with FILTCON, these in-person courses provide more comprehensive, hands-on learning experiences led by industry experts.

Best for:

  • In-depth technical training.
  • Interactive, face-to-face learning.
  • Pairing education with broader industry engagement.

In-House Courses

Customized training for your organization.

AFS brings expert instruction directly to your team with content tailored to your specific applications, challenges, and goals.

Best for:

  • Organizations training multiple employees.
  • Addressing company-specific processes or technologies.
  • Building internal capability at scale.

AFS Events

AFS events bring the filtration and separations community together to share knowledge, explore innovations, and build connections. While both events serve the industry, they are designed for different purposes.

FILTCON

AFS’s flagship technical conference.

FILTCON is AFS’s annual conference focused on technical depth, professional development, and community connection. It brings together engineers, scientists, and industry professionals for a program centered on education and knowledge exchange.

What to expect:

  • Technical sessions and presentations.
  • In-person short courses.
  • Industry tours and networking opportunities.

Best for:

  • Deepening technical expertise.
  • Engaging with peers and experts.
  • Immersive learning and discussion.

FiltXPO

A large-scale industry exhibition, powered by partnership.

FiltXPO is a major international exhibition organized by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. AFS partners with INDA to develop and deliver the technical conference program as part of the event.

What to expect:

  • Large-scale exhibition of products and solutions.
  • Broad industry participation across sectors.
  • Technical sessions developed by AFS.

Best for:

  • Exploring the marketplace and suppliers.
  • Understanding industry trends at a high level.
  • Combining exhibition access with technical content.

FILTCON & FiltXPO: A Complementary Approach

FILTCON and FiltXPO each serve a distinct purpose within the filtration and separations industry—and together, they provide a more complete experience than either alone.

While the comparison above highlights how the two events differ, many organizations find the greatest value in participating in both.

  • FILTCON offers a focused environment for deep technical learning, professional development, and direct engagement with peers and experts.
  • FiltXPO provides access to the broader marketplace, showcasing technologies, solutions, and industry trends at scale.

Rather than asking teams to choose between them, these events are best viewed as complementary opportunities:

  • Send technical staff and subject matter experts to FILTCON for in-depth learning.
  • Engage business development, leadership, or cross-functional teams at FiltXPO to explore the broader industry landscape.

Together, FILTCON and FiltXPO support both the technical advancement and strategic awareness needed to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field.

Continuing Education

AFS is committed to supporting lifelong learning and professional development across the filtration and separation industry. Many of our educational offerings are eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs), helping you document your learning while advancing your technical knowledge.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Eligible courses and webinars identify the number of CEUs awarded upon successful completion. CEUs provide a standardized way to recognize participation in continuing education and may be used to support your organization’s professional development requirements.

AFS uses the following CEU standard:
1 hour of instructional time = 0.1 CEU

Certificate of Completion

Participants who successfully complete an eligible AFS educational program will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting the course title, completion date, and CEUs earned. Certificates serve as a record of your professional development and may be shared with employers or retained for your personal records.

Attendance Requirements

To maintain the integrity of AFS educational programs, CEUs and Certificates of Completion are awarded only to participants who satisfy the attendance requirements for each program. Specific attendance and participation expectations will be communicated during registration and at the start of each course or webinar.

Please note: AFS offers certificate programs that recognize successful completion of designated educational pathways. These programs are distinct from professional certification or licensure programs.

Find the Right Fit

Whether you’re building foundational knowledge, exploring new topics, or connecting with the broader industry, AFS offers a pathway that fits your goals.

Start with the format or event that matches your needs—and explore from there.