Opening General Session
The 2024 APAI Winter Conference and Expo will kick off Thursday morning with welcome remarks from APAI Executive Director Kirsten Fowler, APAI 2024 Board President Margi Brooks, and Indiana LTAP Director Dr. John Haddock. Build Indiana Council Executive Director Brian Gould will outline key transportation funding initiatives for the upcoming legislative session. INDOT Commissioner Michael Smith will deliver a special address, highlighting the achievements of Indiana’s NextLevel Roads and Community Crossings initiatives.
The conference will feature an inspiring keynote from Austin Hatch, a Fort Wayne native and former University of Michigan basketball player who has faced extraordinary adversity. Having survived two plane crashes over a 10-year span that tragically claimed the lives of his father, mother, second mother (never referred to as stepmother), and siblings, Austin’s message focuses on resilience and recovery. His journey from a coma to a wheelchair, and ultimately to playing basketball for Michigan, serves as a powerful testament to overcoming obstacles. Austin's story is a reminder that the challenges we face in life and business are more alike than different, offering valuable insights on how to grow through adversity.
Indiana Quality Asphalt Pavement & Safe Worker Awards Luncheon
Celebrate the successes of a busy 2024 construction season with colleagues, clients and customers at the 2024 APAI Quality Pavement and Safety Awards luncheon. Paving projects from around the state will be recognized for quality workmanship and the use of innovative technologies, while Indiana road construction workers will be recognized for demonstrating and leading safety at their companies.
Quality Asphalt Pavement Award categories include:
- INDOT projects > 10,000 Tons
- INDOT projects < 10,000 Tons
- Public Agency Roadway > 3,000 Tons
- Public Agency Roadway < 3,000 Tons
- Other Projects > 3,000 Tons
- Other Projects < 3,000 Tons
APAI Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Scholarship Awards Banquet
The most prestigious honor in the Indiana’s asphalt industry is induction into the Indiana Asphalt Hall of Fame. This banquet will celebrate our 2024 inductees and recognize their career contributions to Indiana’s asphalt industry.
Also during this event, more than $40,000 in scholarships will be awarded to deserving college students from six Indiana universities. This formal banquet is the pinnacle event of the 2024 APAI Winter Conference and Expo.
The Sealmaster Ultimate Asphalt Gameshow
One of the most anticipated events of the year is back and better than ever! The Sealmaster Ultimate Asphalt Gameshow is returning with an exciting new format and thrilling games. Teams will go head-to-head in an epic showdown of asphalt knowledge and general trivia, competing for the bragging rights and prizes!
Step up to the challenge in crowd-favorite games like Survey Battles, Spin and Solve, Matchup Wars, and Time Rush. Don't miss your chance to claim victory and make your mark in this exhilarating competition!
Asphalt After Party
Get ready for an unforgettable Thursday night social event! Mingle with conference attendees over delicious food, refreshing drinks, and an plenty of fun activities. You won’t want to miss the excitement of dueling pianos, pool tables, dart boards, and, for those who still want a little casino action - a poker tournament! Plus, there are numerous prizes waiting to be claimed. Join us for an after-party that promises an evening of fun!
APAI Business Meeting
APAI Executive Director Kirsten Fowler, along with outgoing APAI president Margi Brooks and incoming APAI president Scott Stine will conduct the Annual Member Meeting, provide a State of the Association update and recognize Board of Directors members for their 2024 service. APAI Director of Member Services Jaymie Hunckler will preview what's ahead for the association in 2025.
Closing Keynote: Building a Sustainable Safety Culture
During this closing session, Lee Cole, Executive Vice-President of Environmental, Heatlh and Safety for CRH Americas, will discuss six common sense principles that we all should practice to be successful in what we do, working and living safely included.
Cole has been in the safety, health, and environmental field for over 40 years. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1977 and went to work for Warren Brothers Company in his home state of Mississippi. Early in his career he held various positions in operations but eventually found his passion in the field of EHS.
Over his career he has served in leadership and member positions for safety and health committees representing NAPA, ARTBA, NSSGA and National Safety Council.