Special Events

Sunday, March 15, 2026

4th Annual Darrel D. Byerley Memorial Golf Tournament

7:30 a.m. – Registration, Breakfast, Warmup
8:30 a.m. – Shotgun Start
1 p.m. – Lunch & Awards

Wildcat Golf Club
Learn more and View Sponsors

Opening Reception

5:30 – 7 p.m.
Marriott Marquis – Houston Ballroom

The Opening Night Reception kicks off AMPP’s Annual Conference + Expo, as attendees and exhibitors interact over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Drink tickets will be provided at registration. Proxxima™ and AMPP cosponsor this reception. A common vision of corrosion prevention, environmental preservation, and education binds together the two organizations.

Sponsored by:

Monday, March 16, 2026

AMPP Ultimate Inspector Challenge

George R. Brown – Exhibit Hall Booth #2146

Don’t miss the Ultimate Inspector Challenge, an exciting hands-on competition that puts industry skills to the test. Beginning Monday, March 16 at 5:00 pm and continuing through Wednesday, March 18, participants will go head-to-head in a series of inspection challenges designed to highlight expertise, precision, and real-world problem-solving. Finalists will be announced during the Pipeline Safety Forum on Tuesday, March 17, and winners will be revealed on Wednesday. Join us to watch the action, cheer on competitors, and celebrate excellence in inspection proficiency.

RSVP

Guest Program Breakfast

8 – 9:30 a.m.
Marriott Marquis – Scot Cotton Room 

This breakfast is for participants of the Guest Program and is not intended for conference registrants.

Coffee with Congressman Wesley Hunt

8 – 10 a.m.
George R. Brown – General Assembly Theater ABC 

Join us on Monday, March 16 for Coffee with Congressman Wesley Hunt during the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. This special event is free for all conference attendees and offers the opportunity to hear directly from Congressman Hunt as he shares insights on federal priorities impacting energy policy, infrastructure resilience, and the industries we serve. Hosted in partnership with the Corrosion and Coatings PAC, this conversation creates space for meaningful dialogue between policymakers and materials protection professionals while connecting over coffee at the start of an impactful week in Houston.

RSVP

EMERG Student Lunch Meeting

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
381 B

Discuss career development opportunities, current industry topics, innovations, issues, and trends while networking and making connections with a diverse group of students and young professionals from around the world.

Keynote Presentation

3 – 5 p.m.
George R. Brown – General Assembly Theater ABC 

AMPP welcomes John “Gucci” Foley, former lead solo pilot of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, as the 2026 keynote speaker. His keynote, Ignite a Culture of Excellence, will deliver powerful, real-world insights on leadership, teamwork, and performance under pressure.

Sponsored by:

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening

5 – 7:30 p.m.
George R. Brown – Exhibit Hall

Join us as we officially open the Exhibit Hall at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo. Be among the first to explore the dynamic show floor, connect with leading companies across the industry, and discover the latest products, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of corrosion and coatings. This is your opportunity to meet exhibitors, make valuable connections, and kick off an exciting week of innovation and collaboration.

Sponsored by:

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Fellows Breakfast

7 – 8:30 a.m.
George R. Brown – 382 AB

Women of AMPP Breakfast and Panel

8 - 9 a.m. - Breakfast
9 - 10 a.m. - Panel
General Assemble ABC
Price for Breakfast: $35 

Join us for the Women of AMPP Breakfast, a dedicated networking gathering designed to foster meaningful connections among professionals in the materials protection and performance industries. This informal event offers a welcoming space to meet peers, strengthen relationships, and build new connections as you start your day at the conference.

Then, stay for the Women of AMPP Panel, a powerful and inspiring conversation celebrating leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of women in the corrosion and materials protection industry. Respected female leaders from across engineering, asset management, coatings, research, and operations will share insights from their career journeys, the challenges they have navigated, and their perspectives on building influence, advancing professionally, and creating more inclusive workplaces. Whether you are an emerging professional, an experienced leader, or an ally, this session offers meaningful takeaways and the opportunity to be part of the ongoing growth of Women of AMPP.

Guest Program Breakfast

8 – 9:30 a.m.
Marriott Marquis – Scot Cotton Room 

This breakfast is for participants of the Guest Program and is not intended for conference registrants.

Coffee & Conversation: Connecting Contractors with AMPP Leadership

9 – 11 a.m.
George R Brown – 360 DE 

Hear from AMPP CEO Alan Thomas and Chief Product and Operation Officer Cindy O’Malley as well as the QP Team, and AMPP Market Leaders.

Student Coaching Sessions

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
George R. Brown – 360 CF

Thirty-minute time slots will be available for students to register. Notifications will be sent once all coaches have been confirmed. If you’re interested in signing up, please contact emerg@ampp.org.

Workforce Development Panel: The Future Builds Here

1 – 2:30 p.m. 
George R. Brown – Room 371 C

A focused, solutions driven discussion that brings together leaders from industry, higher education, the Texas Workforce Commission, and regional workforce partners to address workforce challenges shaping the corrosion and materials protection industries and share practical, real time solutions.

CoatingsPro Contractor Awards Program

3 – 3:30 p.m.
George R. Brown – Exhibit Hall, Student Poster Stage 

Join us in celebrating the best in the coatings industry. CoatingsPro’s Contractor Awards Program recognizes the projects and crews that demonstrate excellence in the field of high-performance commercial and industrial coatings.

MPI Champion Awards

3 – 3:30 p.m.
George R. Brown – Exhibit Hall, Student Poster Stage

Join us in celebrating the MPI Champions, paint and coatings manufacturers recognized for their leadership in product performance, sustainability, education, and industry advancement. These award recipients set the standard for excellence and innovation across the coatings community.

Scholarship Awards Ceremony

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
House of Blues Houston – Music Hall

Students, event Sponsors, and Scholarship donors come together for an evening of celebration and recognition in support of our 2026 Scholarship Recipients.

Each student registrant for the conference receives a free ticket to attend the event, under-written by the generosity of our Signature Sponsor, BP. Sponsors and their guests are also invited, along with our scholarship donors.

**Guests who purchase a ticket to the EMERGing Leaders Bash: Shamrock Social can gain entry to the ceremony with their event ticket.

Sponsored by:

EMERGing Leaders Bash: Shamrock Social

8 – 10 p.m.
House of Blues Houston – Music Hall
Price – $75 

All AMPP Conference + Expo 2026 attendees and their guests are invited to join us on St. Patrick’s Day at House of Blues Houston as we raise funds to support the future of the materials protection industry.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, hosted bar, dancing, and networking with other conference attendees as we welcome the ultimate Texas experience, Tilluride Band, to the AMPP stage! This grit-fueled, red-dirt country band is influenced by traditional country, heavy metal, and blues, resulting in a unique country-rock sound. They are shaking up the music scene with their #13 single, “Beer Don’t Care” on the Billboard Texas Country chart, with their 2nd hit debut single, “Guitar in my Hand” releasing on all streaming platforms in August 2025.

*All student registrants for the conference will receive a complimentary ticket to the Scholarship Awards Ceremony and EMERGing Leaders Bash with their conference registration.

**Tickets to the EMERGing Leaders Bash also give ticket holders access to the Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

Sponsored by:

Signature Sponsor

Copper Sponsor

Copper Sponsor

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Guest Program Breakfast

8 – 9:30 a.m.
Marriott Marquis – Scot Cotton Room  

This breakfast is for participants of the Guest Program and is not intended for conference registrants.

Registration required for tours. Deadline is March 28

Student Travel Assistance Redemption

9 a.m – 2 p.m.
George R. Brown – Registration 

Bring your completed voucher to Registration between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to collect your Travel Assistance check. Please bring your Social Security Number and a photo ID. If anyone needs special assistance, students can chat with an EMERG representative during Monday’s Student Meeting.

Student Poster Session Awardee Lunch

1 – 3 p.m.
George R. Brown – 381 C

Women of AMPP Mentor Connect – Speed Mentoring Event

1:30 – 2:30 p.m
George R. Brown – Exhibit Hall Floor 
Student Poster Session Area 

Ready to fast track your growth and expand your professional network? Join us for the Women of AMPP Mentor Connect, a dynamic speed mentoring experience designed to spark meaningful conversations in a high energy, supportive environment. This structured session pairs emerging professionals and future leaders with experienced industry mentors for focused, small group discussions.

During the session, you will meet senior leaders from across the industry, ask direct questions about career pathways and leadership growth, gain practical insights you can apply immediately, and build relationships that extend beyond the conference. This interactive experience makes mentorship accessible and creates space for real connection and opportunity.

Seats are limited to ensure meaningful engagement. Connect. Learn. Grow.

RSVP

High Rollin’ For A Harley

4:45 p.m.
George R. Brown – Exhibit Hall

Explore the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo by visiting sponsor booths in the High Rollin' for a Harley event. Gather playing cards at each booth and rush to the Harley parked outside the Exhibit Hall. Fill out the submission card for a chance to win the drawing by 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Get ready for a thrilling adventure!

Sponsored by:

Honoree Night

6 – 10 p.m.
Daikin Park – Union Station Lobby 

AMPP invites you to an evening of celebration as the association’s awards are presented in recognition of members who have made outstanding contributions to AMPP and the corrosion control industry. Guests will enjoy a relaxing evening of networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment.

Tickets are required and available for purchase at the registration while supplies last.