Certification Courses Plus Small Contractor and CEO Sessions Planned
 
World of Asphalt 2007 will be held March 19-22, 2007 at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and will feature exhibits of the latest asphalt-related equipment, technologies,  products and services.

In addition to education sessions over four days, World of Asphalt 2007 attendees can participate in a continuing-education tour of the research and testing facilities of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT).

World of Asphalt 2007 attendees will have access to two leading industry conferences: the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) Asphalt Pavement Conference and the People, Plants and Paving Training Program. The programs have been designed by a cross-section of asphalt industry experts to ensure sessions meet industry needs.

Two new education tracks will be included in the 2007 People, Plants and Paving Training Program, one focused on small contractor needs and one providing upper level management with the latest on industry trends to help them better manage their companies’ future.

 World of Asphalt 2007 will also host two certification courses to provide additional ＆#118alue to attendees: the Traffic Control Technician Course of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and the OSHA 10-Hour Course for Construction Workers, a safety course developed by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Select sessions of World of Asphalt education will be available in Russian and Spanish in recognition of the increasingly global nature of the show. Conference fees remain the same as for last year’s events, and registering in advance will save attendees money as well as time.

“Our goal is to provide knowledge-sharing opportunities that meet the ‘real-world’ needs of a broad range of industry professionals. And, it’s not only learning in the classroom; the networking among peers is also invaluable,” stated Show Manager Melissa Magestro.

Details of World of Asphalt 2007 Education Follow

APA Conference Focuses on Future of Hot-Mix Asphalt Construction 

The 2007 edition of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance’s (APA) Asphalt Pavement Conference is themed “HMA Construction – Moving Forward,” with a focus on current and future construction practices that affect the quality, performance and cost effectiveness of hot-mix asphalt pavements.

 The APA conference will be held March 19-20, 2007 and is geared toward paving professionals in the public and private sectors, including construction managers, project superintendents, inspectors, quality control/quality assurance technicians/managers and others involved in the design, construction and maintenance process.

The two-day event will cover four main areas: (1) best construction practices for tack coats, smoothness, joint construction and uniformity; (2) specification issues including test strips, ride quality, PWL (Percent Within Limits), incentives/disincentives and proprietary products; (3) innovations in production and placement; and (4) the future of the industry in performance testing, contracting, recycling and materials supply.

Participants in the APA Asphalt Pavement Conference will receive certificates of attendance to document Professional Development Hours for their continuing education and certification needs.

APA is a partnership between the Asphalt Institute (AI), National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and state asphalt pavement associations. Assisting APA to develop the conference program are the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Georgia Department of Transportation.

People, Plants and Paving Training Program - New Small Contractor and Executive Education Tracks Planned

The People, Plants and Paving Training Program at World of Asphalt 2007 will be held March 20-22, 2007, with education tracks geared to the professional development needs of paving and plant operators, foremen, superintendents, project managers and owners.

The program includes 40 separate sessions, all aimed at delivering the latest methods to achieve asphalt paving and production efficiencies. Registrants can purchase single-session tickets or multiple-ticket "＆#118alue packs."

The training program’s “people” track will provide tips to enhance management and leadership skills. The “plants” track will examine techniques for optimal plant performance, while the “paving” track will discuss trends in production of efficient, high quality pavements. The “safety” track will spotlight practical strategies for operator/crew worksite safety.

New to the training program for 2007 are a “small contractors” educational track with information geared to their specific needs and an “executive” track with trends/forecast data to help CEOs, owners and presidents guide their companies into the future.

The People, Plants and Paving Training Program is a cooperative effort of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) along with the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA), Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA), and International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA).

Select Sessions in Russian and Spanish Offered

Select sessions of the training program will be offered with simultaneous interpretation in Russian and Spanish. Participants in the training program will receive certificates of attendance to document Professional Development Hours for their continuing education and certification needs.

NCAT Tour: Another Learning Opportunity for World of Asphalt 2007 Attendees

Another educational opportunity for World of Asphalt 2007 attendees is a continuing-education tour of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT). NCAT was created in 1986 through an agreement between the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Education Foundation and Auburn University.

NCAT works to improve hot mix asphalt performance through research, education and information services. Emphasis is on research that can be readily applied by industry and by state and federal governments.

Industry-Focused Certification Courses Offered

Two industry-specific worker certification courses will be conducted in conjunction with World of Asphalt 2007.

The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) will offer its Traffic Control Technician Course on March 19, 2007, geared to professionals whose job responsibilities include installation, maintenance and removal of traffic control devices. The course will introduce basic principles of temporary traffic control, with a focus on workable concepts, techniques and practices. Course materials will include a “pocket guide” for use in the field.

More states are requiring construction site workers to have a valid “OSHA 10-hour card.” World of Asphalt 2007 will offer the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Course for Construction Workers on March 19-20, 2007 to help industry personnel meet this requirement.

The U.S. Department of Labor developed the course to provide construction workers, supervisors and other personnel responsible for construction activities with an awareness of construction safety and health concerns in the industry. Topics include an introduction to OSHA, hazard communication and lockout/tagout procedures.