As is always the case at AGG1 and World of Asphalt, education will play a big part in each show. Between both shows, attendees will have nearly 120 education sessions to choose from over the course of three days.
Dugas says feedback from attendees last year went into developing this year’s AGG1 Academy. Sessions are broken into four tracks: operations and production, safety and health, business and people management, and environment and sustainability.
“One thing we learned is that our members are really loving our business and people management track, so we added some additional education sessions around that,” Dugas says. “We go through the more than 100 proposals that come in and really hone in on what’s keeping people up at night and what needs to be addressed.
“Safety is one of our core values, so we spend a lot of time on safety programs,” she adds. “Our ‘101’ classes – crushing 101, washing 101 – are all very popular programs as well. They’re always going to be there because attendees who might be new to the industry are always going to need those ‘101’ educational offerings.”
AEM and NAPA’s People, Plants & Paving Conference is divided into five tracks: environment, health, safety and sustainability; pavement preservation and maintenance; paving; people; and plants.
“This year’s education session offerings at World of Asphalt were crafted by considering industry trends, expert input and feedback from past events,” says AEM and NAPA. “Designed to meet the needs of professionals across the asphalt industry, the sessions focus on important topics such as sustainability, new technologies and leadership, all aiming for continuous improvement in the industry.”
Major is one of many companies putting on an education session at AGG1. Its session, “Optimizing Screening Performance: Wire Selection & Process Customization,” will explore strategies for selecting and customizing screen media to enhance efficiency, improve durability and optimize performance.
Edwards is excited for the company to share its insights with attendees.
“Education and industry collaboration are critical to advancing our industry, and the AGG1 Academy plays a vital role in that,” he says. “The sessions offer valuable insights into best practices, emerging trends and the latest technological advancements. It’s a great opportunity to share practical knowledge that helps producers make informed decisions to improve their operations.”
Final thoughts
No matter where AGG1 and World of Asphalt are held, a crowd is sure to follow.
AEM’s, NAPA’s and NSSGA’s goals with these shows are the same: educate attendees and provide a place for industry members to find the latest and greatest technology. The associations are excited about what St. Louis has to offer and have high expectations for this year’s shows and beyond.
“We’re thrilled with the networking opportunities this year’s World of Asphalt will provide,” says AEM and NAPA. “A city like St. Louis provides a close-knit atmosphere, making the city feel like an extension of the show. Whether it’s connecting on the exhibit floor, during education sessions or at special events, World of Asphalt continues to be a hub for collaboration and innovation within the asphalt industry.”
Adds Dugas: “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where AGG1 is at. Whether it’s in St. Louis, Nashville or New Orleans in 2027, the heart of it is the show, the exhibitors and the attendees who are there. We’re really excited to showcase what St. Louis has to offer and have an excellent show.”
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