The Evoluion of TXAPA’s MAPS Conferences

By Terry Morris Lhoist North America Associate Member Advisory Committee Chair

TXAPA’s Materials and Asphalt Pavement Solutions (MAPS) regional conferences continued their strong momentum in 2026, expanding the association’s reach and strengthening relationships with local agencies, municipal leaders, engineers, and industry professionals across Texas. They have become one of the strongest examples of how collaboration, regional focus, and industry engagement can elevate he asphalt industry throughout the state.

What began as a single annual conference has successfully evolved into four regional events serving the North, South, East, and West regions of the state. To date, TXAPA has successfully completed three regional MAPS Conferences in Midland
(West), Corpus Christi (South), and Houston (East) with a fourth event scheduled in Dallas-Fort Worth-Hurst (North).

The transition to regional conferences has allowed TXAPA to better connect with contractors, producers, suppliers, engineers, and most importantly, local agency transportation professionals in the areas where they live and work. By expanding into multiple regions, the MAPS Conferences have created greater accessibility, stronger attendance, and more meaningful local participation while still maintaining the high standards and industry focus that define TXAPA.

The first three MAPS Conferences had a combined total of almost 450 attendees, and we expect another 160 or more in Dallas-Fort Worth-Hurst in May. They included dozens of local agencies and many local members—our regular member producers and contractors, major associate members, and our associate members, including numerous engineering firms and our equipment, materials, and technology providers.

Each region brings its own unique challenges, project demands, and market opportunities. Hosting conferences in four different markets has allowed educational focus and discussions to become more relevant to local infrastructure needs, specifications, paving and compaction, and inspection and testing. It has also strengthened relationships between local industry partners and local agency partners throughout the state.

The growth of the MAPS Conferences refl ects the continued success of the Texas asphalt industry and the commitment of TXAPA leadership, committees, and members to invest in education, innovation, and collaboration. Expanding from one location to four regional conferences was not simply about growth in numbers—it was about creating a stronger connection to the people and markets that drive Texas infrastructure forward every day.

Today, the TXAPA MAPS Conferences continue to serve as a platform for networking, technical learning, leadership development, and industry advancement, helping ensure that Texas remains a national leader in asphalt pavement quality and performance.

A sincere thank you to the TXAPA membership for their generous support of the MAPS program through their sponsorship, attendance, and participation in the technical programs and panel discussions. MAPS would not be possible without you.