The World of Asphalt/AGG1 conference once again demonstrated why it remains the premier event for professionals in the aggregate, asphalt, pavement maintenance and traffic safety industries. This year’s event spotlighted cutting-edge technology and market-driven sustainability efforts while providing a valuable space for industry leaders to exchange ideas and explore innovations shaping infrastructure development. Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI) used this conference to showcase its dedication to leading industry conversations in pavement preservation, exemplified by the innovative development of its own void reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) technology and by sharing insight into real-world implementation strategies that help extend pavement lifespan and improve road durability.
World of Asphalt attendees had the opportunity to explore over 400 booths, gaining insights into the production and application processes that shape infrastructure development. At its interactive booth, AMI showcased its innovative J-Band® technology, a VRAM designed to improve pavement durability by filling air voids along the longitudinal joint from the bottom up. The booth featured engaging videos, informational materials and a live permeability tube demonstration to illustrate J-Band®’s effectiveness in enhancing road longevity.
“We were able to talk to a lot of customers and decision-makers in the industry about what we do and what they are working with in their regions,” said AMI Associate Brand Manager Cari Doemland. “These were great conversations and opportunities to learn more about our customer base.”
Beyond the exhibits, attendees immersed themselves in education sessions led by industry experts. AMI and Evergreen Roadworks™ took center stage presenting their work on pavement preservation and innovations in asphalt pavements, ensuring decision-makers left with a deeper understanding of how VRAM technology can enhance infrastructure longevity.
Dave Henderson led The Future of Pavement Preservation panel, featuring representatives from counties leading the way in preservation efforts. Bryan Olson, Sheboygan County Transportation Director, was one of the featured speakers sharing insights on the county’s dedication to working with AMI on these initiatives and its successful implementation strategies. Despite this presentation being in the early morning on the last day of the conference, there was a full house of people eager to learn about successful preservation programs.
Another key session, Innovating Asphalt Pavements with a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane, explored the fundamentals and advantages of VRAM and J-Band® technology. Led by John Senger from Indiana Department of Transportation, Randy Miller of Evergreen Roadworks™ and Tim Zahrn of AMI, the discussion highlighted VRAM’s critical role in improving pavement durability and extending infrastructure lifespan. Presenters showcased real-world applications, highlighting successful county-level implementations and the growing adoption of J-Band® technology in road networks. The session provided valuable insight for decision-makers looking to implement sustainable, cost-effective pavement preservation strategies.
For Heritage Construction + Materials Marketing Specialist Olivia Kortepeter, attending World of Asphalt for the first time highlighted the industry’s scale and depth.
“I sat inside a few large construction rigs and felt like a kid in a candy store,” she said. “But my best experiences were interacting with people from our partner companies and various industry connections. We are all seeking to build better roads for our communities, which is a unifying mission.”
AMI and J-Band®’s presence at the conference, marked by a 30×30 island booth in the main aisle, along with the team’s commitment to building relationships beyond the exhibitor hall, provided a strong platform for engagement.
Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M) is part of The Heritage Group, a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. HC+M has core capabilities in infrastructure building. Its collection of companies provides innovative road construction and materials services across the Midwest. HC+M companies, including Asphalt Materials, Inc., Evergreen Roadworks, Milestone Contractors and US Aggregates, proudly employ 3,000 people at 85 locations across seven states. Learn more at www.heritagebuilds.com.
About Asphalt Materials, Inc.Asphalt Materials is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. Over its 66-year history, Asphalt Materials has prioritized safety and created a people-focused culture around asphalt expertise and innovation. Through its commitment to building long-term relationships with employees, customers, and vendors based on trust and confidence, Asphalt Materials creates solutions to issues affecting customers and our communities. Asphalt Materials is a part of The Heritage Group’s family of businesses. Learn more at www.asphalt-materials.com.
About Evergreen RoadworksEvergreen Roadworks provides a wide-ranging suite of pavement solutions and applications. For generations, we have partnered with state and local agencies across the Midwest offering products and services that extend roadway life and increase infrastructure longevity. We work to stretch our customers’ investments, building high-quality, long-lasting roadways that truly connect our communities in a better way. Evergreen’s commitment to excellence in paving and pavement preservation goes beyond roadwork – to building relationships and crafting the foundations of our communities.