The 2026 AEMA‑ARRA‑ISSA Annual Meeting brought a vibrant flair to Austin as the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA), the Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association (ARRA), and the International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA) gathered for their 23rd Annual Meeting. More than 320 contractors, suppliers, academics, and government agencies came together in Austin, Texas, from February 17-20, 2026, for a week filled with expert presentations, valuable discussions, and meaningful networking. Program Chairs Arlis Kadrmas (AEMA), Mark Stahl (ARRA), and Justin Guiles (ISSA) collaborated for months to deliver a seamless and impactful event.
The meeting opened on February 17 with the PPRA Golf Tournament at FalconHead Golf Course, where more than 100 golfers enjoyed a sunny day on the course with colleagues. That evening, attendees gathered for the Opening Cocktail Reception, reconnecting with peers, meeting new members, and interacting with exhibitors.
Thursday began with an inspiring keynote from Tom Chaby, a U.S. Navy SEAL who served 26 years on active duty. His message focused on leadership, team effectiveness, and performance optimization. The Awards & Recognition Breakfast followed, honoring individuals and projects across the pavement preservation and recycling sectors. During this program, each association introduced its newly elected Board of Directors for 2026-2027.
- The 2026-2027 AEMA Board of Directors include: President Matt Kennedy, McAsphalt Industries Limited; Vice President Arlis Kadrmas, BASF; Secretary/Treasurer Cameron Porter, Asphalt Materials Inc. Past President Bob Huitt; and Directors Stormy Brewster, Marathon Petroleum; Matt Gutkaiss, Asphalt Emulsion Industries, LLC; Donna Kwapis, Nouryon; Natalia Oleynik, GP RAD, JSC; Matt Tremeroli, VSS Emultech; Aaron Walker, Ingevity; and Scott Watson, Paragon Technical Services.
- The 2026-2027 ARRA Board of Directors include: President Bryan Ray, Rock Solid Reclamation & Stabilization; Vice President Mark Stahl, Wirtgen Group; Secretary/Treasurer Michael Concannon, Pavement Recycling Systems; Past President Jason Wielinski, Asphalt Institute; Technical Advisor Ben Bowers, Auburn University; and Directors Eric Baker, ASTEC Industries; John Danello, Gallagher Asphalt Corporation; Mark Eiden, Caterpillar Paving Products Inc; Aaron Hansen, Dustrol, Inc; John Morgan, Ingevity; Mat Nayagam, The Miller Group, and Dan Schellhammer, SurfaceCycle.
- The 2026-2027 ISSA Board of Directors include: President Chris Oakes, Pavement Solutions, Inc; Vice President Justin Guiles, Vestal Asphalt Inc.; Secretary Jimmy Kendrick, Bergkamp Inc., Treasurer Matt May, Slurry Pavers, Immediate Past President Jeff Roberts, VSS International, Technical Director Chris Hollenback, Heritage Research Group; and Directors Shawn Brost, Vance Brothers, Inc; Bryan Darling, Crafco Inc; Dave Kiser, Terry Asphalt Materials; Fabio Mendez, MPI Ltda; Matt Teto, indus; Stan Williams, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, and Jamie Wing, Ingevity.
The morning continued with a presentation from Justin Guiles and Natalia Mendez of MPI Ltda on the first micro surfacing project completed in Puerto Rico, followed by an update from Eric Lykins of TxDOT on the organization’s four‑year pavement management plan. AEMA’s Technical Session that afternoon featured updates from Aaron Roy on the 5th edition of the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual, insights from Mike Anderson on NCHRP 9‑63 Emulsion Performance Testing and Specifications, a research update from Stormy Brewster, and a forward‑looking presentation from Roy and Charles Taylor on the future of asphalt emulsions. Attendees closed the day with a lively cocktail reception at the Austin Taco Project, enjoying Texas‑inspired food and live music from The Voice contestant Reid Umsted.
Friday morning began with ISSA’s Technical Session, which included presentations from the winners of the 2026 ISSA President’s Award. Matt Ferguson of VSS International presented the Large Project—Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks — while the Small Project recognition highlighted the City of Bend, Oregon’s Pavement Management Program. Dr. Andrew Braham of the University of Arkansas provided an update on the TREAT Mobile Lab, followed by Dr. Arunkumar Goli of Rowan University, who discussed the use of 100% RAP for sustainable pavement preservation. The session concluded with Tim Harrawood of Vance Brothers sharing findings from the NCAT‑MnRoads Preservation Group Study.
ARRA’s Technical Session wrapped up the meeting on Friday afternoon. Presentations included an overview of the history and success of full‑depth reclamation (FDR) in Texas from Stephen Sebesta of Texas A&M Transportation Institute; updates from Kit Black of TxDOT on Texas roadway recycling and reclaiming initiatives; insights from Jim Trost of Gallagher Asphalt on employee wellness and company culture; and a final session from Buzz Powell of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance on implementing FDR for private‑sector projects.
The 2026 AEMA‑ARRA‑ISSA Annual Meeting was supported by numerous industry partners whose contributions helped make the event possible.
· Green Sponsors:
– Caterpillar
– Wirtgen Group
· Thursday’s Reception Sponsor:
– Ingevity
· Silver Sponsors:
– Bergkamp
– TRCC
· Keynote Sponsor:
– Vestal Asphalt
· Lanyard Sponsor:
– Nouryon
· Mobile App Sponsor:
– Kao
· Videographer Sponsor:
– Asphalt Materials
· Bronze Sponsors:
– Albina Asphalt
– BASF
– Arboris
– Arkema
– BOMAG
– Chemco Systems
– D&H Equipment Mfg.
– Evergreen Roadworks
– International Tank Service
– OutPave Surface
– Resonac
– Walker Emulsions
· Beverage Cart Sponsor:
– BASF
– Strawser Construction
· Golf Hole Heckler Sponsor:
– Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions
The week brought together professionals from across the pavement preservation and recycling industries, offering them opportunities to learn, collaborate, and move the industry forward. Attendees are invited to mark their calendars for the 2027 AEMA‑ARRA‑ISSA Annual Meeting, scheduled for March 1-5 in Bonita Springs, Florida, with more details to be released later this summer.
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