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Advocacy & Industry Affairs

May 2026

May 2026
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The AMPPlify Update is AMPP’s monthly roundup of corrosion industry news, coatings and materials protection insights, technical resources, workforce development initiatives, standards updates, and global events shaping the future of asset integrity. This month’s edition highlights AMPP Advocacy Days in Washington, new federal pipeline safety regulations incorporating AMPP standards, advancements in corrosion innovation and workforce development, upcoming international conferences, and emerging technologies transforming inspection, coatings, and infrastructure protection worldwide.



AMPP NEWS

AMPP Advocacy Days 2026

AMPP Advocacy Days Brings Industry Perspective to Washington

AMPP Advocacy Days brought industry professionals to Washington, D.C., May 11–13, 2026, for direct conversations with policymakers on the future of U.S. infrastructure.

With 40 attendees participating in 54 meetings across congressional offices and federal agencies, discussions focused on what happens after infrastructure is built. Long-term performance—how assets are maintained, how standards are applied, and whether a trained workforce is in place—remains a critical part of the conversation.

Participants discussed legislation including the PIPES Act, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and the SHIPS for America Act, connecting real-world experience across energy, water, and maritime sectors to policy decisions.

Read the full recap →

Global AMPP book shipping

Lower Global Shipping Costs Now Available for AMPP Books

AMPP has introduced a new global fulfillment model that significantly reduces international shipping costs for printed publications by up to 90% in some regions.

This update makes it more affordable for members, partners, and customers worldwide to access AMPP’s technical books, whether for individual use, training programs, or bulk orders. The new model also includes improved pricing for multi-copy purchases.

The enhanced shipping approach supports AMPP’s ongoing commitment to expanding global access to technical knowledge and strengthening the reach of materials protection expertise.

Read the full announcement →

AMPP Expands Global Distribution Through BSB Edge Partnership

AMPP has finalized a strategic partnership with BSB Edge to expand international access to AMPP standards through a leading global distribution platform.

BSB Edge, an India-based standards aggregator and exclusive distributor of Bureau of Indian Standards publications, provides access to more than 20 leading standards developing organizations and serves over 20,000 customers across India, the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia. Through this agreement, AMPP standards will be incorporated into multi-SDO subscription offerings.

Read the full announcement and visit the BSB Edge AMPP page.

AMPP Standards Integrated into Updated Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations

Recent PHMSA rulemakings incorporate key AMPP standards into federal pipeline safety regulations.

Updated editions of NACE SP0206 and NACE SP0502 are now referenced in 49 C.F.R. Parts 192 and 195, aligning regulatory requirements with current practices for managing internal and external corrosion.

The rules take effect January 1, 2027, unless adverse comments are received.

Read the full press release →

AMPP Italy Conference committee

AMPP Italy Conference Returns to Genoa with Global Leadership and Technical Depth

The AMPP Italy Chapter will host the fourth edition of its Conference & Expo June 9–12, 2026, in Genoa, Italy, bringing together the global corrosion and materials protection community for one of Europe’s leading events.

The conference, titled Driving Innovation into Corrosion Management, will focus on advancing corrosion management and asset integrity as infrastructure evolves. AMPP leadership will be in attendance, including CEO Alan Thomas and international board members.

  • 160+ technical presentations across cathodic protection, coatings, hydrogen service, carbon capture, and related topics
  • 50+ exhibitors from across the industrial sector
  • A Student Poster Session showcasing emerging talent

Explore registration options →


AMPP MEMBER MOMENTS

CORROTHON

RGIPT Launches AMPP Student Chapter and CORROTHON

Raebareli, India | March–April 2026 — The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT) launched its AMPP Student Chapter and announced CORROTHON, an innovation competition focused on real-world corrosion challenges.

Led by Director Harish Hirani and V.S. Sistla, the initiative connects students with industry through technical learning, leadership, and applied problem-solving. Urvesh Vala of L&T Hydrocarbon served as a mentor and CORROTHON judge.

CORROTHON student competition
STUDENT INNOVATION

CORROTHON

CORROTHON, hosted by RGIPT on April 11–12, challenged students to develop innovative solutions for real-world corrosion issues impacting infrastructure, industry, and sustainability.

The competition focused on AI-driven corrosion prediction, sensor monitoring, marine protection, eco-friendly coatings, and biogas pipeline corrosion. Supported by faculty and industry leaders, the event combined mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on problem solving.

Member Spotlight: Urvesh Vala at RGIPT

At RGIPT in Raebareli, India, Urvesh Vala, Head of Innovation at L&T Hydrocarbon, helps students see how AMPP membership connects technical learning to real-world industry challenges. Through mentorship, industry insight, and his involvement in CORROTHON, Vala is guiding students beyond the classroom and helping shape future engineers equipped to solve corrosion and materials performance challenges.

AMPP 5 years united, 150 years of combined impact 5TH GENERATION STORY

Mark Byerley

Mark Byerley likes to say his story did not start with him. It started years earlier, in booths on show floors and in conversations that helped shape an entire industry.

His family’s connection to corrosion, coatings, and materials protection goes back to when Leo Tinker and John “Jack” Rasor joined the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, what we now know as AMPP. That decision did not just help build a company. It built a legacy.

At just three years old, Mark told his parents he wanted to serve the company one day. His father, who started as a salesman before eventually purchasing Tinker & Rasor, built more than a business—he built a life centered around purpose, relationships, and pride in the work.

Years later, standing beside his father in a NACE Expo booth, the moment felt bigger than business. Tinker & Rasor had supported the Expo since the very first show, and now two generations of the same family had both served as President of the organization. His father served in 1974 and 1975. Mark served in 2009 and 2010.

At the heart of it all, the work matters. Corrosion prevention goes far beyond metal and coatings. It plays a role in protecting infrastructure, preserving resources, and helping keep people safe. Still, when Mark talks about why he stayed in the industry, he starts with the people.

“You will never find a field with more fantastic people,” he says.

Today, as President and CEO of Tinker & Rasor, Mark continues to carry forward a legacy built on stewardship, relationships, and pride in the work.

Read more about Mark Byerley and connect with him through LinkedIn. Have a generational story like Mark’s? Share it with us →

AMPP Corporate Membership

AMPP IN MEMORIAM

Kenneth B. Tator
IN MEMORIAM

Honoring the Legacy of Kenneth B. Tator

The materials protection and performance community recently lost one of its most respected industry leaders with the passing of Kenneth B. Tator, P.E. His decades of contributions to protective coatings, corrosion control, standards development, inspection, and education helped shape the industry and influence generations of professionals worldwide.

AMPP extends its condolences to Ken’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those impacted by his leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing the profession.

Read the full memorial →


AMPP TECH


AMPP EVENTS

28–30 SEPT

AMPP Central Conference 2026

📍 Saint Paul, MN

September 28–30, 2026

View Conference →
19–21 OCT

AMPP Eastern Conference 2026

📍 Myrtle Beach, SC

October 19–21, 2026

View Conference →
16–18 NOV

AMPP Western Conference 2026

📍 Renton, WA

November 16–18, 2026

View Conference →

Call for Abstracts: AMPP 2026 Area Conferences

Share your expertise and help shape the conversation at the 2026 AMPP Area Conferences. Industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts focused on corrosion prevention, pipeline integrity, industrial coatings, and infrastructure protection across challenging environments.

Coming Soon: AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2027 Call for Abstracts

From maritime and energy to civil infrastructure and emerging industries, the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2027 technical program will spotlight the challenges and innovations shaping our world. Starting May 24, submit your paper or presentation-only abstract and join the global conversation in Columbus, Ohio.


AMPP STANDARDS

NEW STANDARDS

Newly Published Standards

Explore the latest standards supporting contractor qualification, horizontal directional drilling, internal corrosion mitigation, and advanced surface preparation.


AMPP CAREER CENTER

COATINGS

Coating Inspector

KTA-Tator, Inc.

Connecticut, United States · On-Site

View Opportunity →
INSPECTION

U.S. Navy Coating Inspectors

Elzly Technology Corporation

Everett, Washington, United States

View Opportunity →
CORROSION

Supervisor – Corrosion

DTE Gas

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

View Opportunity →

Looking for Assistance with Employee Recruitment?

Look no further than AMPP’s Career Center, where you can post job openings and reach thousands of professionals in the corrosion and coatings industry. Post your job openings today →


AMPP AROUND THE WORLD


COMMON QUESTIONS

Quick answers to common questions connected to this month’s stories about corrosion prevention, infrastructure resilience, coatings, asset integrity, technology, and workforce development.

What industries depend most on corrosion prevention?

Corrosion prevention is critical across oil and gas, pipelines and energy, water and wastewater, maritime and shipbuilding, transportation and bridges, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing. Without proper corrosion control, these industries face increased maintenance costs, downtime, safety risks, and infrastructure failure.

Why is infrastructure resilience such a major topic right now?

Governments and organizations worldwide are investing heavily in infrastructure modernization because of aging assets, extreme weather, increasing energy demand, and growing safety concerns. Corrosion prevention and protective coatings help infrastructure last longer and remain reliable under demanding conditions.

What causes corrosion to happen?

Corrosion occurs when metal reacts with environmental elements such as moisture, oxygen, salt, chemicals, or pollutants. Over time, this electrochemical process weakens materials and can lead to deterioration or failure if left untreated.

How do engineers detect corrosion before failure occurs?

Corrosion professionals use visual inspections, ultrasonic testing, remote sensors, drones and robotics, thickness measurements, corrosion monitoring systems, and AI-assisted predictive analysis to identify problems before they become failures.

Why are coatings important for asset protection?

Protective coatings act as a barrier between a substrate and harsh environments. Modern coating systems help reduce maintenance frequency, improve durability, and extend the operational lifespan of infrastructure and equipment.

What is asset integrity management?

Asset integrity management combines engineering, inspection data, corrosion control, maintenance planning, and risk management to keep infrastructure safe, reliable, and operational throughout its lifecycle.

How is technology changing the corrosion industry?

Artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance software, robotics, autonomous inspection tools, digital twins, smart coatings and sensors, and advanced data analytics are helping organizations make faster decisions and optimize maintenance planning.

What certifications are valuable in the corrosion industry?

Industry certifications in coatings inspection, cathodic protection, corrosion technology, asset integrity management, protective coatings application, and pipeline integrity can support career advancement and help organizations maintain technical quality standards.

What is the future of corrosion prevention?

The future of corrosion prevention is increasingly focused on smarter infrastructure, sustainability, digital technologies, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle optimization. Corrosion professionals will continue to play a central role in safer and more resilient infrastructure systems.

EXPLORE MORE CORROSION INSIGHTS

Continue exploring AMPP resources connected to this month’s topics, technical stories, standards, education, and asset protection insights.

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