2024 ACAF Conference Wrap-Up

ACAF News,

Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida: 2024 Expo & Conference Recap

The Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida (ACAF) held its highly anticipated 2024 Florida Asphalt Expo and Conference at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando, Florida, bringing together industry professionals from across the state for two days of collaboration, education, and networking. The event showcased cutting-edge advancements in asphalt technology and best practices, while also celebrating outstanding achievements within the industry. Here’s a recap of the highlights:


Day 1 Highlights

Day one kicked off with a series of awards and insightful discussions. The agenda included:

  • Perpetual Pavement and Smoothness Awards: The association recognized the Florida Department of Transportation for their long-lasting pavements. Awards were also announced for the 2024 Smoothest Pavement of the Year , given to contractors that had superior quality and ride statistics.
  • AP Bolton Project Roundtable: A deep dive into the challenges and successes of the 2024 A.P. Bolton Awarded project, sparking valuable discussions among attendees.
  • "The Year in Asphalt" by Jim Musselman, P.E.: Jim provided a comprehensive overview of the year’s trends, innovations, and milestones within the asphalt industry.
  • "FDOT Research Update" by Greg Sholar, P.E.: Greg shared the latest findings and initiatives from the Florida Department of Transportation, emphasizing their impact on statewide asphalt practices.
  • "The State of Pavement Construction" by Rich Hewitt, P.E.: Rich discussed the current landscape and future outlook for pavement construction, offering actionable insights to attendees.

The day concluded with the FDOT Asphalt Panel Discussion, where experts engaged in a Q&A session, addressing pressing issues and answering attendee questions.

To wrap up the evening, a Cornhole Tournament brought everyone together for fun, drinks, and appetizers, fostering camaraderie and connections among peers.


Day 2 Highlights

The second day began with a hearty breakfast, energizing participants for another round of informative sessions:

  • "Asphalt Plant Wear: How to Identify and Address" by Greg Renegar of Astec Industries: Greg outlined strategies for identifying and mitigating wear and tear in asphalt plants to ensure optimal performance.
  • "Open Graded Friction Durability" by Dr. Grover Allen of the Asphalt Institute: Dr. Allen discussed the durability of open-graded friction courses and their importance in enhancing road safety and longevity.
  • "Milling Best Practices" by Tom Chastain of Wirtgen: Tom shared practical tips and techniques for effective milling operations, reducing costs and improving outcomes.
  • "Safety on the Inside" by Rich Jones of Youturn Health: Rich’s session emphasized workplace safety and mental health, offering tools to cultivate a safer and more supportive environment.
  • "Lessons Learned with the First Caterpillar SDX Screed in Florida" by Kristian Stoeckel of Caterpillar, Juan Garcia, and Michael Perez of Hubbard Construction: This case study showcased real-world applications and insights gained from utilizing cutting-edge screed technology.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support made this event possible. Their commitment to advancing the asphalt industry is truly invaluable. We also want to thank all the attendees who joined us for this incredible two-day event. Your engagement, expertise, and enthusiasm are what drive our industry forward.

We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s conference! Stay connected and continue striving for excellence in asphalt construction.