MILWAUKEE (March 13, 2025) - Leadership in the asphalt and construction industry is often associated with technical expertise, operational efficiency and safety compliance. However, relationships are another critical factor driving long-term success.
At World of Asphalt, the leading asphalt trade show, leadership expert Ed Wallace, leads an education session on “Relational Leadership,” offering insights into how leaders can foster meaningful connections with employees, clients and stakeholders. These strategies actively enhance teamwork, trust and performance from within.
“Great leadership is the foundation of strong teams, lasting client relationships, and a thriving business. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Ed Wallace to World of Asphalt for his session on Relational Leadership,” said World of Asphalt Show Director Brittany Schmidtke. “As an award-winning author and leadership strategist, Ed brings invaluable insights into how leaders can build trust, foster meaningful connections, and drive long-term success, not just within their companies, but across the entire asphalt industry.”
Relational Leadership in the Workforce
Relational leadership is more than a management strategy, it builds genuine, trust-based relationships driving associate engagement and collaboration. Unlike traditional leadership approaches that only focus on authority or results, Relational Leadership emphasizes authenticity, communication and mutual respect as core components of effective leadership.
As a business relationship expert, #1 best-selling author and experienced keynote speaker with more than 400 leadership sessions on record, Wallace helps leaders develop skills that cultivate meaningful and professional relationships. His talks provide practical strategies that help attendees strengthen their leadership impact by improving their ability to connect with people and build authentic relationships.
Key Takeaways from this Session:
- Learn about building competitor-proof business relationships
- Locate the Relational GPS, (Goals, Passions and Struggles)
- Connect with any generation
- Interact with intention
- Use active Listening
- Build trust
- Immediately apply business relationship strategies
“Relational Leadership involves approaching every interaction with worthy intentions,” said Wallace. “And putting the other person’s needs and goals ahead of your own builds trust and authenticity.”
Leading Though Relationships
As the asphalt industry evolves, leadership styles should adapt to meet new challenges. Asphalt and construction professionals can embrace relational leadership to improve team engagement, strengthen business relationships and drive long-term success.
Don’t miss “Relational Leadership: Building Stronger Connections for Business Success,” Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in room 261 at World of Asphalt in St. Louis, MO., where Edward Wallace shares the strategies and insights you need to become a more effective, relationship-driven leader.
This is a recommended session for any industry professionals looking to elevate their leadership impact and strengthen their relationships to fuel growth and innovation.
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.
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