AMPP Western Conference Explores Extreme Environments

Heather Groll, instructional designer and cathodic protection (CP) instructor at AMPP, explores the role of education course development within the association and the industry. Discussion topics include Groll’s unique corrosion career journey; highlights from her time with AMPP; recent course offerings and what could be in the pipeline; and key criteria considered by AMPP during the developmental stages.

What does it take to perform in extreme environments and manage challenges for land, maritime, and offshore infrastructure? In a roundtable conversation previewing the AMPP Western Conference, Farwest Corrosion Control’s Brandon LaVerne joins AMPP’s Jennifer Merck and Stephanie Chizik to discuss opportunities for corrosion and coatings professionals to learn, collaborate, and move forward. To learn more about the November 2026 event in Renton, Washington, visit www.ampp.org/events/western-conference.

Our ongoing “Chapter Takeover” series was created to strengthen connections across Latin America, provide a platform for Spanish-speaking members, and highlight the valuable work happening within AMPP’s regional chapters. This episode features Norberto Pesce, an AMPP cathodic protection specialist (CP4) and general manager of Mendoza, Argentina-based Omnitronic. The conversation examines highlights from Pesce's distinguished career and provides an overview of various technical and organizational challenges for the Latin American CP industry. La serie “Chapter Takeover” nace con el propósito de fortalecer los lazos entre los capítulos de AMPP en América Latina, crear un espacio para nuestros miembros de habla hispana y dar a conocer el valioso trabajo que se está realizando en toda la región. En este episodio nos acompaña Norberto Pesce, especialista en Protección Catódica (CP4) certificado por AMPP y gerente general de Omnitronic, empresa con sede en Mendoza, Argentina. A lo largo de la conversación, Norberto comparte algunos de los momentos más destacados de su trayectoria profesional, sus experiencias dentro de la industria y su perspectiva sobre los principales desafíos técnicos y organizativos que enfrenta actualmente el sector de la protección catódica en América Latina.

In a 2026 AMPP Ambassadors panel interview, Henkel’s Brian Cheshire (United States) and PPG’s Mani Karuppiah (United Arab Emirates) share practical lessons on coating performance, failure analysis, inspections, and field experience. As part of AMPP’s fifth anniversary “Then and Now” thought leadership series, Cheshire and Karuppiah explain how recent developments in these critical areas are driving improvements in long-term asset protection. Editor’s note: Earlier episodes of the series can be listened to here.

The AMPP Central Conference takes place from September 28-30, 2026, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a focus on practical corrosion mitigation and industrial coating solutions to address challenges related to large-footprint assets and difficult access. In this roundtable conversation, General Corrosion Corporation’s Rachel Devereaux — co-chair of the conference — joins AMPP’s Greg Muha and Tiffany Krevics. As part of an event preview, they share insight on its robust technical program, exhibit hall, and exclusive networking opportunities.

Bears chewing through equipment, a beaver hauling off a rectifier, and even a cow that may have kidnapped a data logger. The Mobiltex support team has heard it all. In this sponsored episode, Client Services Manager Shawn Lawrence shares real-world case studies from around the globe. Additional discussion topics include his perspective on technical support, field challenges, and the future of cathodic protection (CP) remote monitoring.

The corrosion industry is evolving rapidly, as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, digital inspection tools, and workforce challenges are all changing how organizations approach corrosion prevention and asset management. In our fifth anniversary “Then and Now” thought leadership series with 2026 AMPP Ambassadors, Craig Botha (Re:Ignite), Paola Andrea Postigo Rojas (NaTran), and Harsh Zala (AsInt, Inc.) explore many of the future challenges and opportunities within the industry.

In the second episode of our AMPP Ambassadors series, Carlos Roberto Córdova (MM Contratistas, Peru), Syed Wajahat Hussain (ATCO Gas, Australia), and Juan Pablo Bohórquez Rico (Penspen, Mexico) share insights on asset integrity for pipeline and energy infrastructure systems. To explore challenges and opportunities in the field, our guests bring perspectives from pipeline integrity, cathodic protection, corrosion mitigation, inspection, and asset management across multiple world regions.

Industry standards are built from decades of research, field experience, lessons learned, and collaboration across industries and continents. But how do they evolve? Who shapes them? And how do we ensure they remain relevant? In the inaugural episode of our AMPP Ambassadors series, Washington Nyoni (Corrosion Control Engineering, Australia), George Joseph (Saudi Aramco), and Dr. Raghu Srinivasan (University of Alaska-Anchorage) share real-world perspectives from their diverse career backgrounds.  

Rebecca Bickham, Editor-in-Chief of Materials Performance (MP) Magazine, joins Technical Editor Mersedeh Akhoondan to discuss MP’s 2027 Corrosion Innovation of the Year Awards program. Discussion topics in this August 2026 episode include the importance of the upcoming nomination deadline of October 15; strategies to succeed with the judging panel; perks and prizes for award winners; answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs); and much more. Submit your nomination today!