2024 AEMA-ARRA-ISSA Annual Meeting is Headed to Sunny Florida


Coming together collectively for the 21st consecutive year, the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA), Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association (ARRA), and International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA) are excited to the host the 2024 AEMA-ARRA-ISSA Annual Meeting in Palm Harbor, Florida, February 19-13, at Innisbrook Resort.

Program Chairs Matt Kennedy, AEMA, Bryan Ray, ARRA, and Jeff Roberts, ISSA, have been working hard to create a program that includes innovative topics that will provide opportunities for members to improve their business, best practices, and connect with colleagues in the industry. Keeping with recent year’s schedules, the AEMA, ARRA, and ISSA Technical Sessions have been arranged to not allow for overlap. This allows attendees to attend all technical sessions if they choose.

The Opening General Session will kickoff with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ivan Joseph. Joseph coached individuals and teams to maximize their potential. His presentation will focus on teamwork and diversity. Following Joseph is Brent Hutto with Truckstop.com. Hutto has experience in the freight transportation industry and is published within supply chain media including Harvard Business Review. The General Session will also feature a success story from Polk County, Florida, and updates from industry partners including FHWA, Asphalt Institute, FP2, and the Association of Modified Asphalt Producers.

The ISSA Technical Session will follow the General Session. Roberts has worked hard to secure presentations from NCAT, Dr. Andrew Braham, University of Arkansas, on sustainability and education, and Troy McCain of Hernando County, FL with the pavement preservation treatment plan. Additionally, ISSA will hear from 2024 award winning projects.

During the ARRA Technical Session on Thursday morning, Ray has secured presentations in ARRA disciplines. First, attendees will hear from Mike Hemsley, Paragon Technical Services, and Bill Evans, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions on FDR using fly ash. Pavement Recycling Systems’ Michael Concannon will review a project completed at Yellowstone National Park. Art Baker, indus, will review paver-placed asphalt recycling. And finally, Blair Heptig with Kansas DOT will review their hot-in place recycling plan.

Thursday will conclude with the AEMA Technical Session in the afternoon. The topics selected by Kennedy won’t want to be missed. Members from the AEMA Leadership Development Team will look at the future of emulsion. Mike Anderson with Asphalt Institute will look work on NCHRP 09-63 and Andy Clayton with Blueline Transportation will focus on viscosity testing. Finally, attendees will hear from Tony Kurcharek with McAsphalt Industries on high-float emulsions and residues.

Throughout Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday, and Thursday, various committees from AEMA, ARRA, and ISSA will meet. More information on when these meetings will occur can be found here.

The Annual Meeting will conclude on Friday with the annual Golf Tournament. The tournament will be played on the Copperhead Course which hosts the PGA’s annual Valspar Championship each March. With the Valspar Championship so close to the PPRA Golf Tournament, golfers will get to experience pristine tournament conditions as the Copperhead Course continues to prepare for the championship.

The 2024 AEMA-ARRA-ISSA Annual Meeting cannot be made possible without the generous sponsorships from members. There are still a variety of sponsorships still available including exclusive/limited and general. If you are interested or want to learn more, contact Ali Mostardo at alim@cmservices.com.

Registration is now open and AEMA, ARRA, and ISSA encourage you to register today! Rates increase on February 2, 2024 so don’t wait!

We look forward to seeing everyone in sunny, warm Florida in a few months!