MILWAUKEE - The World of Asphalt Show & Conference takes place March 25-27, 2025, at the America’s Center Convention Center Complex in St. Louis, Missouri.
John Harper, Senior Vice President of Construction Partners, serves as chair of the 2025 World of Asphalt. He has more than 30 years of construction management experience. Prior to joining Construction Partners in 2002, John held several positions of increasing responsibility within Wiregrass Construction Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Construction Partners, serving as Vice President of Estimating/Project Management and, most recently, President. An active member of several state and national highway construction organizations, John has previously served as Chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. He received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Auburn University.
Brittany Schmidtke, World of Asphalt Show Director, sat down with John ahead of this year’s show to chat about all things World of Asphalt.
Brittany: Hi John, so great to see you, thanks for making time for us today.
John: My pleasure, Brittany.
Brittany: Let’s get started. What does it mean to you to serve as the Show Chair for the World of Asphalt?
John: It’s an honor to chair the leading event for the asphalt industry. The World of Asphalt show has had impressive success over the past years, and I look forward to continuing that success in St. Louis.
Brittany: What are you most excited about for this year’s World of Asphalt Show?
John: I’m real excited to be in St. Louis for the first time. The Gateway City has a lot of transportation history and attendees can choose from a wide variety of entertainment opportunities while in St. Louis.
Brittany: I’m so excited for St. Louis as well. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned. Can you highlight any new features or events at this year’s show?
John: Something brand new for this year’s show is the Community Zone. I’m really excited for everyone to experience that. Everyone will need to stay tuned until those details get released, but I think it’s something that will definitely add to the World of Asphalt experience. While the education program, People, Plants, and Paving, isn’t a new feature, I think there’s always something new for attendees to experience there. These sessions bring in all types of experts with new perspectives and ideas for how we can all take on new opportunities in our industry.
Brittany: How do you see the asphalt industry evolving in the next five years?
John: Technology is constantly evolving, especially with automation and AI. I see our industry continuing to make strides in sustainability with higher RAP percentages, efficiencies at our plants to reduce our carbon footprint.
Brittany: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the asphalt industry today?
John: Workforce and funding. Competition for asphalt workers is highly competitive. World of Asphalt is a great way to showcase our industry with the latest technology and innovation to attract the next generation of workers. IIJA will expire in 2026. Our industry is working with the new administration to ensure a healthy funded program.
Brittany: What are some of the biggest opportunities in the asphalt industry today?
John: Workforce and funding. I always see challenges as opportunities. But again, World of Asphalt is the perfect place to zero in on the opportunities across the industry and how to best take advantage of them.
Brittany: What advice would you give to first-time attendees of the show?
John: Plan and enjoy the experience. There is a lot World of Asphalt has to offer from the show floor to the educational programs and networking. Our company (Construction Partners, Inc.) had a lot of first-time attendees last year and received very positive feedback.
Brittany: What are some of the key benefits of attending the World of Asphalt Show?
John: Seeing all the latest technology and trends in one location along with the educational programs in People, Plants, and Paving. It’s such a unique setting have the entire asphalt and aggregates community in one place. It brings together new ideas and perspectives everyone can bring home and put to use regardless of their position.
Brittany: What legacy do you hope to leave as the Show Chair of the World of Asphalt?
John: Attracting the next generation of asphalt workers to our industry. I can’t think of a better recruiting tool than World of Asphalt!
Brittany: Well said, John. Thank you again, looking forward to seeing you in St. Louis!
John: You’re welcome. See you in St. Louis.
Registration for World of Asphalt is now open. Register by March 24th, to save 15%.
About World of Asphalt
Held every year except during CONEXPO-CON/AGG years, World of Asphalt is the leading trade show and conference focused on the asphalt and paving industries, whose most recent edition was recognized by Trade Show Executive as one of the “Fastest 50” growing trade shows. The show features the best education, and latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the asphalt and paving industries. World of Asphalt, co-located with the AGG1 Academy & Expo, will be held March 25-27, 2025, in St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. World of Asphalt is majority owned by NAPA and partially owned by AEM, who produces the show. For more information on World of Asphalt, visit WorldOfAsphalt.com.
About AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America’s premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace.
###
