At ConExpo 2026, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to build better roads.

This year, 17 educational sessions will focus on roadbuilding techniques and technologies to help contractors perfect their skillsets.

The first roadbuilding seminar takes place on Tuesday, March 3, at 10:45 a.m. Brad Belvin, Sales & Marketing Manager at Sakai America, will host

. Belvin will outline key factors that influence in-place density and smoothness, including strategic rolling patterns, the effects of vibration versus oscillation, and the role of temperature and timing.

The session will also highlight practical ways to increase in-place density by 1 per cent, a small but meaningful gain that improves pavement durability without sacrificing ride quality.

At 1 p.m., Todd Mansell, Product Application Specialist at Caterpillar hosts

The session will outline proven methods for constructing durable longitudinal joints, as well as proper paver setup and paving practices, followed by compaction techniques to meet density requirements.

Hassan Tabatabaee, Director of Global R&D Director at Cargill, will lead

, at 2:30 p.m.

Tabatabaee will explain how bio-based additives have emerged as practical solutions for more sustainable pavements.

The talk will review current efforts in the industry to incorporate bio-based technologies, like chemical warm mix additives, rheology modifiers, rejuvenators and bio-extended binders in performance-based design methods for hot mix and warm mix asphalt, using real world Balanced Mix Design (BMD).

Todd Mansell returns on Wednesday, March 4 to lead

at 9:30 a.m.

Mansell will address the common issue of achieving a smooth take off at the start of paving. And outline the correct steps every paving crew should follow each time they get ready to pull off the joint and start paving.

The session will also cover how to manage the mix moving through the paver to ensure a smooth mat.

At 10:45 a.m., Foster Ladlee from Bomag Americas and Pavewise CEO Bryce Wuori Partner to deliver

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Attendees will learn how intelligent compaction tools improve quality and consistency in asphalt paving. The seminar will also outline how data-driven practices boost profitability, reduce rework and meet tighter specifications.

Next up, Brian Horner, Director of Dealer Development and Training at Etnyre International hosts

at 1 p.m.

The discussion will focus on the purpose of tack coats before paving, application rates, different products used and how to handle them, as well as proper setup of distributor trucks to correctly apply tack coats. The information presented is not machinery brand specific, but an overview of how to apply tack coats properly and the benefits they provide.

, hosted by Luke Peterson, Technical Marketing Manager at Ingevity takes place at 1 p.m.

This session addresses leveraging WMA technology to reduce mix production temperatures to meet an air quality regulation or alleviate pressure from communities and local governments regarding nuisance claims.

The session also addresses other benefits from lowering temperatures, reducing GHG emissions, lowering costs and extending pavement service life.

At 2:30 p.m., T2ASCO President TJ young will deliver

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In this seminar, Young covers the essential elements of asphalt plant operations that impact mix performance and project success. Attendees will learn how aggregate handling and storage, temperature management and regular plant maintenance and calibration all contribute to more efficient operations and better overall project outcomes.

Roadbuilding education opportunities continue Thursday, March 5, starting with

at 9:30 a.m.

Greg Renegar, Vice President of Customer Success at Astec Industries, will outline how advanced technologies are driving operational efficiency and environmental responsibility in asphalt plant operations.

Next, Buzz Powell, Technical Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, will deliver

at 10:45 a.m.

This seminar discusses how successful asphalt overlay starts with identifying and correcting deficiencies in the existing pavement surface and structure.

Attendees will learn how to recognize different types and severities of pavement distresses with the

.

, hosted by James McMurray Head of Business Development at Green Asphalt and Dylan Neudecker, General Manager – Central NY at Heidelberg Materials, takes place at 1 p.m.

McMurray will feature Green Asphalt’s first hybrid asphalt plant in the United States, capable of producing hot mixes from 0 per cent recycled content to 100 per cent recycled content with the use of a patented air filtration unit. Constructed in 2011, the plant is in New York City and regularly produces 100 per cent recycled hot mix pavement.

Heidelberg Materials joins the presentation to discuss the impacts of their partnership with Green Asphalt on a second 100 per cent recycled hot mix plant conversion.

Timothy Martin, President at 2TM Consulting Engineers, will deliver

at 2:30 p.m.

This presentation discusses the many issues that can arise during design and placement of asphalt and concrete pavements.  Case studies will be provided that discuss the effects these issues have on performance and what can be done to prevent them.

Also, at 2:30 p.m., Brian Hall, Asphalt Training Specialist at LeeBoy, will outline

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As commercial paving can be challenging, Hall will help attendees develop a good understanding of the principles of quality construction and how to utilize the best paving practices.

George Chang, Senior Engineering Consultant at The Transtec Group, will deliver

on Friday, March 6.

Chang will explain how Intelligent Construction Technologies (ICT) are rapidly maturing into field-ready solutions that enhance paving contractors’ quality control capabilities. Veta MDMS and web application unify roadbuilding technologies within a standardized platform, enabling agencies and contractors to fully leverage the benefits of ICT.

Debbie Schwerman, Executive Director at Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association, hosts ConExpo’s final roadbuilding educational seminar at 10:45 a.m.

will focus in on the fundamentals of ensuring top-notch quality in asphalt mixture production and construction.

Attendees will gain an understanding of asphalt plant operations, quality control, adapting to changing conditions and the crucial role of safety.

For more information, pricing and the full list of more than 160 seminars, visit

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