[App] Conference (Descriptions)

APAM Annual Conference Session Descriptions

NAPA Chairman on Leadership (0.75 CEH)

Hear from Pat Nelson, President of Lehman Roberts, a Granite Construction Company and recent NAPA Chairman as he talks about his time as Chairman of the Board along with what it takes to be a strong leader in your organization.

Pavement Distresses (0.75 CEH)

This session explores asphalt pavement distresses and the importance of identifying the root causes behind common pavement distresses. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of pavement structure, mixture design, material properties, construction quality, and environmental and traffic influences that affect performance. Through real-world examples of cracking, rutting, raveling, moisture damage, and other distresses, the presentation connects observed failures to their underlying causes and discusses effective remedies and rehabilitation strategies.

Talking Politics with Baldly Bipartisan

Back by popular demand, Adrian Hemond, a Democrat, and John Sellek, a Republican, are two of Michigan's top political consultants and news analysts. They will go in-depth about what recent political outcomes mean. From the State House to the White House, they talk about what is happening in politics and why. Politics can be cordial and funny and that's what John and Adrian do for audiences across the state.

Asphalt Binders: What's New (0.75 CEH)

Join Jason Wielinski from the Asphalt Institute as he discusses several key developments shaping the industry. From coast to coast, agencies and contractors are building, piloting, and evaluating HiMA/HiMod/HP mixtures. Learn what these mixtures are and how owners are using them to improve pavement performance across their networks. Jason will also cover MSCR specifications, explaining what they are, why they are being adopted, and how many Midwest states have already made the transition.

MDOT General Update (0.75 CEH)

Listen in as the Department provides a recap on the previous construction season and talks about the good, the bad and the opportunity. That will be followed up with an update/forecast on 2026 construction lettings as well as any new initiatives that the Department is beginning or planning to implement in the near future.

MATC Follow Up & Capabilities (0.75 CEH)

The Mobile Asphalt Technology Center (MATC) is a program dedicated to advancing and encouraging asphalt innovation within state transportation agencies and the paving industry. It includes an accredited asphalt laboratory that delivers hands-on education, material testing, and demonstrations of advanced tools on agency-selected paving projects. During the 2025 paving season, the MATC trailer and staff were in Michigan, providing training on laboratory capabilities, asphalt mixture fundamentals, and conducting testing on the mixture placed on I-96 west of Lansing. This session will highlight what data were collected, the testing performed, and the results from the materials evaluated.

Tacking for Performance (0.75 CEH)

You can design the best mix and place it perfectly, but without proper bonding, pavement performance is at risk. Brian Hill from LeeBoy dives into asphalt bond coat best practices and why they are one of the most critical (and often overlooked) factors in long-lasting pavements. Listen as Brian breaks down what actually works in the field: material selection, application rates, surface preparation, timing, and common mistakes that lead to premature failures. You’ll see real-world examples, practical guidance, and lessons learned that you can immediately apply on your next project. If you care about pavement durability, return on investment, and getting full value from every ton placed, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

Antitrust (0.75 CEH)

Antitrust compliance is a critical responsibility for organizations operating in competitive markets. This session will focus on antitrust awareness, compliance and the types of conduct that can lead to antitrust violations and address common misconceptions about what behavior crosses legal boundaries. The discussion will include a foundational overview of antitrust principles, including the Sherman Act, and provide practical guidance on identifying and avoiding anticompetitive behavior.
Attendees will also learn best practices for fostering a culture of compliance and gain an understanding of the significant legal and reputational risks associated with antitrust violations. This session is designed to educate and help prevent future issues by equipping participants with practical knowledge to compete lawfully and ethically.

Building a Talent Pipeline: Education & Industry Partnerships (0.75 CEH)

Hear from APAM member companies as they discuss how developing partnerships with entities like Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) can help build a strong, sustainable workforce for the asphalt paving industry. Attendees will learn how RESAs support career and technical education across Michigan and hear real-world examples from APAM members who have successfully hosted student visits, tours, and hands-on demonstrations. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for engaging students, creating career pathways, and turning early exposure into internships and future hires.

MDOT Technical Update (0.50 CEH)

As always, the Michigan Department of Transportation and APAM will discuss changes that impact the asphalt industry. Current topics that will be touched upon are the HiMA specification, Ride Quality specification updates, Manual Updates, DPS Research, Binder and Emulsion Certifications, Balanced Mix Design testing and more! In addition, the conversation will include things that the Technical Committees is working to finish and plans to work on in the near future.

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