As a chapter leader, you play a unique role in connecting your members to opportunities that help them grow—professionally, technically, and personally. And one of the biggest opportunities of the year is the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, returning March 15–19, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Many members want to attend but aren’t sure what to expect, how to justify the cost, or even what they’ll get out of the event. That’s where your voice makes all the difference. A quick reminder at a meeting or a personal conversation at an event can be the nudge someone needs to take that next step in their career.
This blog post will give you easy, confident talking points you can use to encourage your members to attend—along with links to tools that help them make a strong business case to their employers.
Members trust you. They look to you for recommendations on training, networking, and career development. When you highlight the value of attending AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, they listen—and they’re far more likely to take action.
Plus, chapters that encourage attendance tend to come back stronger: your members return with new ideas, new connections, and new energy for your programming.
The AMPP Annual Conference + Expo isn’t just another industry event—it’s the largest global coatings and corrosion conference in the world.
Attendees come from every major sector—energy (48%), civil and infrastructure (33%), defense (26%), maritime/naval (41%), and more. This is where asset owners, manufacturers, suppliers, government agencies, military branches, engineers, contractors, vendors, and researchers connect to shape the future of the industry.
In short: this is the place to be for anyone serious about corrosion control, protective coatings, materials performance, or advancing their career in this field.
When you talk to your members, here are the key benefits you can highlight:
The conference offers:
This is especially valuable for inspectors, engineers, project managers, and anyone pursuing certification maintenance or career advancement.
Members can:
This is how careers accelerate.
If your members work with coatings, materials, equipment, or services, the expo hall alone is worth the trip.
AMPP’s exhibitor list includes companies like:
Chevron, BP, Bechtel, ExxonMobil, Shell, TechnipFMC, Tenaris, DNV, and more.
It’s a unique chance to meet the people behind the technology your members use daily.
With more than a dozen networking events—large and small—members can:
There’s something for everyone.
You can remind:
Not sure what to say? Here are simple, practical ways to fold this into your chapter communications.
Examples you can share:
Speak to what matters to them:
Many members want to attend the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo but aren’t sure how to ask their supervisor for permission or funding. The good news is that AMPP has already created a comprehensive Attendee Justification Toolkit that removes the guesswork and helps them present a strong, professional business case.
As a chapter leader, simply letting members know this exists—and showing them how to use it—can dramatically increase the likelihood that they get approval to attend.
What’s Inside the Justification Toolkit
You can highlight these elements during your chapter meetings:
These items help members articulate why attending the conference benefits not just them—but also their company.
How Chapter Leaders Can Encourage Members to Use the Toolkit
You might say something like:
“If you want to attend but aren’t sure how to approach your boss, download the Justification Toolkit. It walks you through exactly what to say and gives you a ready-made letter you can customize.”
Then guide them through these simple steps:
Why This Matters
Many members mistakenly believe their supervisor will automatically say no. But with the right language and a professional letter, the conversation becomes much easier. The justification letter alone can remove a huge emotional barrier—members no longer feel like they have to “figure out what to say.”
You can summarize it this way:
“You don’t have to start from scratch. AMPP already created the tools you need to ask for approval confidently and professionally.”
Share the Toolkit Link Widely
At the end of your discussion, remind members where to find it and include the link in:
The easier you make the process, the more likely they are to attend.
When directing members to the annual conference website, highlight:
The website is updated regularly, so encourage members to check it often for new announcements.
Consider:
Even small efforts help members feel more confident about attending.
You can tell them:
“If you work in coatings, corrosion, or materials protection, attending the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo is one of the best investments you can make in your career. You’ll walk away with ideas, tools, contacts, and knowledge you simply can’t get anywhere else.”
And remind them:
“Your chapter is here to help if you have any questions.”
📌 Download the Attendee Justification Toolkit
This includes the ROI tips, attendee demographics, the top 10 reasons to attend, and the customizable justification letter.
📌 Visit the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo Website
Explore sessions, exhibitors, schedules, and travel information.
📌 Register for the 2026 Conference
Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!
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