The AMPPlify Update is AMPP’s monthly roundup of corrosion industry news, coatings and materials protection insights, technical resources, workforce development initiatives, and global events. This edition highlights the launch of TalentForce, new research on pipeline integrity and shipbuilding workforce capacity, upcoming corrosion awareness campaigns, and key opportunities for corrosion engineers, coatings inspectors, and asset integrity professionals.
In this AMPPlify Update:
The 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Houston was a clear success for the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). According to Greg Muha, Director of Conferences, Exhibits, and Sponsorships, the show finished with a record 6,345 total registrants, surpassing the 2024 New Orleans event by over 400 guests.
“It was a home game, and the home team fans really came out for AMPP this week,” Muha said. “We’re grateful for that. But really, it’s our members who won it. The members, exhibitors, sponsors, authors, and all the volunteers who drive this organization, I just couldn't be more thrilled for them.”
Relative to the 2025 Nashville conference, the Houston show exceeded its final figure by more than 800 registrants.
The 2026 show featured approximately 72 new exhibitors and 13 new sponsors. With more than 350 exhibiting companies in total, an expansive Exhibit Hall inside Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center showcased a range of cutting-edge solutions, with robotics and drone technologies among the clear focal points.
Read the whole story.
AMPP is introducing new Certification Recognition Badges to honor professionals who have maintained certification in good standing over time, including a badge for those who have held certification for 10+ years.
If you’re eligible, your badge is now available in your My Certification Portal—ready to view, download, and share across your professional networks.
Log in today to see your badge and showcase your commitment to excellence.
Read the full announcement.
The Master Painters Institute (MPI), an AMPP subsidiary, is featured on the nationally syndicated This Old House Radio Hour, bringing expert insight on coatings performance to a broad audience of homeowners and industry professionals.
In the episode, “The Truth About Luxury Paint + Jake Tapper's Lake Escape + Biodiverse Backyards,” MPI shares practical guidance on how formulation, environment, and exposure conditions influence coating performance and long-term durability. The discussion highlights key considerations for specifiers, contractors, and building owners when selecting paint systems for residential and commercial applications.
The episode aired on March 24, 2026, and is available on major podcast platforms.
Listeners can also access a free 30-day trial of MPI’s Restoration Repainting Decision Tree™ (RSM) tool, which supports coating specification for repainting and restoration projects through a structured, step-by-step process.
Read the full release.
AMPP Announces 2026 World Corrosion Awareness Day Theme
AMPP, in collaboration with global partners, has announced the theme for World Corrosion Awareness Day (WCAD) 2026: “Did You Know? | The Corrosion Conversation.”
Observed globally on April 24, WCAD will bring together organizations, students, and industry leaders across more than 25 countries in a coordinated effort to drive awareness and engagement.
Join the Global Conversation
Organizations, companies, and individuals are encouraged to participate by sharing insights, showcasing their work, and contributing to the global conversation around corrosion prevention.
👉 Get involved and access campaign resources
TalentForce Hosts Inaugural Workforce Development Panel at AMPP 2026
TalentForce, AMPP’s new company, held its inaugural workforce development panel on Tuesday, March 17, at the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Houston.
Panelists included John Prego, Director of Operations at Alpine Painting and Sandblasting Contractors; Jamey McDaris, the Performance and Development Manager at OneMesa; Dawn Cronin, the Chief of Staff in the Labor Office of the Texas Workforce Commission; Juliet Stipeche, the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast; Hector Yanez, the Director for Workforce Development at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station; and Kenya Ray, Lead Instructor and Faculty Advisor of Corrosion Technology at Kilgore College.
The discussion highlighted the need to design and update models and programs to be more modern. “Jobs are changing and we need to evolve with them,” said Cronin.
However, while programs, technologies, and jobs change, there will be a career for “people who have skills to fix problems,” according to Stipeche.
The panelists agreed that we need to ensure that people are not encouraged to enter a “road to nowhere,” or a field that does not have potential careers. Prego emphasized that we need to refocus on the trades and not view them as secondary to college.
Read the full story and learn more about TalentForce.
AMPP has joined the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Hydrogen Standards Coordination Initiative as a sponsor, supporting efforts to strengthen standards across the hydrogen value chain.
As hydrogen use expands, materials performance and corrosion control remain critical to safe, reliable infrastructure. The initiative is expected to move into its next phase this spring, focusing on standards gaps and future coordination.
Read the full press release.
The Master Painters Institute (MPI) has announced its 2026 Champion Award recipients, recognizing manufacturers that are advancing coatings performance through measurable results.
This year’s honorees include Sherwin-Williams, Behr Paint Company, Davies Paints Philippines, Inc., and Cloverdale Paint Inc., each honored for leadership in performance, sustainability, education, and commitment.
Recipients are selected based on objective criteria, including performance on MPI’s Approved Products List (APL) and engagement in MPI programs and standards.
Read the full story.
National Volunteer Week, observed April 19–25, 2026, is a time to recognize the individuals who generously give their time, expertise, and leadership to strengthen our global community.
At AMPP, our volunteers are essential to advancing our mission—supporting technical excellence, driving innovation, and helping protect the world’s critical infrastructure. From chapter leaders and committee members to mentors and advocates, your contributions make a lasting impact across the materials protection and performance industry.
Thank you for your continued dedication and for helping move our profession forward.
When asked what she would tell her younger self, AMPP member Ashley Caria, Business Development Manager at MOBILTEX, shared:
“Just because the space doesn’t exist, doesn’t mean you can’t carve it out for yourself.” Ashley C.
The difference is, they’re not doing it alone. If you’re early in your career and still figuring out your path, you’re not the only one. Being part of this community means you’re surrounded by people who understand your challenges and are willing to share what they’ve learned so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. It’s like having something over you, people who show up, have your back, and help you through the moments that feel uncertain.
Over time, those connections turn into real relationships, and what starts as uncertainty begins to make sense.
When you PowerUP with AMPP, you’re still carving your own path; you’re just doing it with people who get it.
PowerUP now. Join AMPP.
Already a member? Keep carving your path and renew today.
We’re always working to improve the AMPP Knowledge Hub—making it easier to navigate, search, and use. As part of this effort, we’re exploring new capabilities, including AI, to enhance your experience.
Built with input from professionals like you, the Hub continues to evolve in response to your feedback. Please take a moment to complete this quick, two-question survey. Your input will help shape what comes next.
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September 28-30, 2026 | Saint Paul, MN |
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October 19-21, 2026 | Myrtle Beach, SC |
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November 16-18, 2026 | Renton, WA |
Columbus, OH | April 11–15, 2027
Help shape the 2027 AMPP Annual technical program by submitting topics you want to see on stage. We’re looking for ideas across papers, presentation-only sessions, workshops, panels, and more. This initial call is focused on gathering topic interest—formal calls for abstracts will follow once the program is defined. Interested in getting more involved? You can also indicate your interest in serving as a chair or vice chair. Submit your ideas and help drive the conversations that matter most to the industry.
Revised Standards:
NACE TM0284-2026 Evaluation of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel Steels for Resistance to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking
AMPP CAREER CENTER
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Confidential | Canton, Ohio, United States |
Cathodic Protection Specialist/Engineer WBI Energy Corrosion Services | Billings, Montana, United States |
Inside Sales technical Representative Cathtect USA Inc | Sebastian, Florida, United States |
Looking For Assistance With Employee Recruitment?
Look no further than AMPP's Career Center, where you can post your job openings and reach thousands of professionals in the Corrosion and Coatings industry. Don't wait, post your job openings today and enhance your recruitment efforts.
AMPP GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Make an Impact at AMPP Advocacy Days 2026
AMPP's Advocacy Days are returning to Washington, D.C., May 11-13, 2026, giving members a unique opportunity to bring the materials protection and performance industry's voice directly to federal decision-makers.
This year's program includes focused fly-ins for the Maritime, Defense, Energy, and Civil Infrastructure sectors, where participants will meet with members of Congress and federal agency leaders to discuss the policies, standards, and workforce issues shaping your industry.
Advocacy Days are your chance to:
Educate policymakers about the importance of corrosion control, coatings, and asset protection, from ports and pipelines to bridges and defense infrastructure.
Highlight workforce development needs and federal policy priorities that support growth and resilience.
Strengthen AMPP's influence in national policy conversations that directly affect your business and profession.
Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to government engagement, Advocacy Days offer a powerful platform to influence the future of materials performance policy in the U.S.
AMPP AROUND THE WORLD
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NASCC: The Steel Conference (AISC) April 22-April 24, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia, Booth #867 |
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API Pipeline Conference & Expo April 27-April 29, 2026 | Denver, Colorado |
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OTC (Offshore Technology Conference) May 4-May 7, 2026 | Houston, Texas, Booth #2557 |
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MPI Show: American Coatings Show May 5-May 7, 2026 | Indianapolis, Indiana, Booth #2647 |
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AUCSC (Appalachian Underground Short Course) May 12-May 14, 2026 | Morgantown, West Virginia |
Common Questions About Corrosion, Coatings, and Asset Protection
The corrosion and materials protection industry is expanding due to increased global infrastructure demand, aging assets, and stricter safety regulations. Industries like energy, transportation, and maritime rely heavily on corrosion control to maintain reliability and prevent costly failures. Corrosion alone costs the global economy trillions annually, making prevention a top priority.
Key trends shaping the corrosion industry include:
These innovations are helping companies reduce downtime, improve safety, and extend asset life.
AI is transforming corrosion management by analyzing large datasets to predict failures, detect early corrosion patterns, and optimize maintenance schedules. In pipeline systems, AI supports integrity management programs by identifying risks faster and improving decision-making around inspections and repairs.
Corrosion is one of the leading causes of pipeline and infrastructure failure. Without proper protection, corrosion can lead to leaks, environmental damage, and safety hazards. Techniques like protective coatings and cathodic protection systems are widely used to reduce risk and extend asset lifespan.
Corrosion prevention typically involves a combination of:
Together, these methods provide a cost-effective and long-term solution for protecting metal infrastructure.
The industry faces a talent gap due to retiring professionals and a lack of awareness among younger workers. At the same time, demand is increasing as infrastructure ages and expands. Workforce initiatives are focused on training, certification, and creating accessible career pathways to meet this need.
Professionals in this field need a mix of technical and practical skills, including:
Training programs and certifications help professionals build these skills and advance their careers.
World Corrosion Awareness Day (April 24) is a global initiative that raises awareness about the impact of corrosion on infrastructure, safety, and the environment. It highlights the importance of prevention and the role professionals play in protecting critical systems worldwide.
Industry standards ensure consistency, safety, and performance in corrosion control practices. They guide everything from coatings application to pipeline integrity management, helping organizations reduce risk and comply with regulations.
Explore More Corrosion Insights
📘What Is Corrosion? (Fundamentals & Causes)
📚Corrosion Reference Library (Guides, Studies, Resources)
🛢️Pipeline Corrosion & Integrity Resources
🎓Corrosion Training & Certifications (AMPP Education)
🛡️Protective Coatings & Corrosion Control
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