The 2026 SSWS Delivers a Week of Hands‑On Learning, High‑Impact Education, and Industry Connection

The 2026 Slurry Systems Workshop (SSWS) once again proved why it remains the pavement preservation industry’s premier training event. Held January 19–23, this year’s Workshop brought contractors, agencies, engineers, suppliers, and emerging leaders together for five days of technical education, certification opportunities, equipment demonstrations, and collaborative learning. From new technical tracks to expanded hands‑on experiences, the 2026 SSWS continued to elevate the standard for slurry surfacing, micro surfacing, chip seal, and crack treatment training.

A Strong Start: Networking and Industry Energy

The Workshop kicked off Monday evening with an opening reception at Cinebarre, giving attendees a chance to meet, reconnect, and set the tone for an engaging week ahead. The relaxed atmosphere allowed participants to build early connections with peers, exhibitors, and ISSA leadership.

Tuesday: Insights, Industry Leadership & Breakout Learning

Tuesday began with a series of high‑value presentations covering foundational and forward‑looking pavement preservation topics. Attendees heard from speakers such as:

• Dr. Andrew Braham – Pavement Preservation Overview
• Juvenio Guerra – Planning for Success
• Industry leaders including Tim Harrawood and President, Jeff Roberts during an interactive panel on RAP use in slurry systems — a conversation full of practical experience, innovation, and forward‑looking ideas for the future of pavement preservation.
• The presentation of the ISSA President’s Awards — large and small project.

The afternoon marked the start of breakout sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to choose from three focused tracks:

Breakout Options –

1. Micro Surfacing & Slurry Seals
2. Crack Fill Treatments
3. Technical Track, featuring:

• Slurry Surfacing Performance Testing
• Aggregates & Aggregate Operations
• Emulsions in Pavement Preservation
• Mix Optimization

These sessions provided both foundational knowledge and advanced technical guidance, helping attendees deepen their understanding of best practices and quality control.

Wednesday: Application-Focused Learning & Hands‑On Training

Wednesday opened with a demo preview, followed by specialized breakout tracks:

Breakout Options –

1. Chip Seal
2. Inspection Track (Micro, Slurry, Chip Seal & Crack Fill)
3. Applications in Pavement Preservation, including:

• Use of RAP
• Troubleshooting Panel

Hands‑On Afternoon:

One of the most anticipated components of the workshop — the Contractor Showcase and Demo Day — took place Wednesday afternoon. Attendees observed slurry surfacing, micro surfacing, and chip seal treatments in action, gaining close‑up exposure to equipment, application techniques, and crew operations.

Thursday: Advanced Technical Training & Demo Tables

Thursday focused on technical mastery and real‑world application. Morning presentations included updates from:

• NCPP
• AASHTO
• NCAT
• ISSA Web‑Based Training

The day continued with breakout options and demo tables covering:

Breakout Options

1. Slurry & Micro Calibration & Record Keeping
2. Distributor & Chip Spreader Operation & Calibration
3. Demo Tables, featuring:

• Slurry Surfacing
• Micro Surfacing
• Lab Equipment
• Chip Seal
• Crack Seals

The afternoon wrapped with a Certification Exam Review for those preparing for NCPP credentials.

Friday: Certification Exam Day

The Workshop concluded with NCPP Exams, giving attendees the chance to earn or maintain key industry certifications that support professionalism, consistency, and quality results across pavement preservation projects.

The 2026 Slurry Systems Workshop would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to the following:

• Monday Night Reception Sponsor: Talis Corporation
• Exhibitor's Reception Sponsor: Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc.
• Beverage Cart Sponsor: ViaSun Corporation
• Mobile App Sponsor: VSS International, Inc.
• Lanyard Sponsor: Crafco, Inc.
• Luncheon Sponsors: Pavement Preservation Group, Sunland Asphalt
• Luncheon & General Sponsor: Bergkamp, Inc.
• Break Sponsor: Western Emulsions
• General Sponsors:
  •  American Pavement Preservation
  • Arkema
  • BASF
  • Cactus Asphalt
  • Etnyre International
  • Forta
  • Geneva Rock
  • Ingevity
  • Intermountain Slurry Seal
  • Maxwell Products
  • McAsphalt Industries Ltd.
  • Nouryon
  • Paragon Technical Services, Inc.
  • Pavement Maintenance Solutions
  • AASHTO re:source
  • Slurry Pavers, Inc.
  • TRCC
  • Tymco
  • Vance Brothers
  • Viking Construction
  • VSS Macropaver