AMPP Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum

AMPP Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum

Registration Opening Soon
February 3-4, 2026
Virginia Beach, VA

Driving innovation in marine operations and materials protection

This focused gathering brings together maritime, shipbuilding, and ship-repair professionals dedicated to advancing corrosion control, protective coatings, and workforce excellence. Whether you work in surface preparation, coating application, inspection, QA/QC, facility management, or cathodic protection—or support the performance of ships, ports, and offshore structures—you’ll find the insights shaping the future of maritime operations and asset protection.

Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum

What to expect:

Hear directly from maritime decision-makers

Engage in candid conversations with NAVSEA, Military Sealift Command, major regional shipyards, and leading contractors. Gain firsthand insight into how federal agencies and industry leaders are approaching coating standards, certification requirements, performance expectations, and the evolving needs of maritime readiness.

Stay ahead of innovation and industry trends

Explore the latest developments in marine coatings, surface preparation and application, and corrosion-resistant materials—along with cutting-edge tools and technologies that drive productivity, reliability, and compliance. Learn how innovative corrosion-prevention solutions are being deployed to meet today’s toughest maritime challenges.

Build meaningful industry connections

Connect with asset owners, shipyards, contractors, coating manufacturers, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, and federal partners. This forum offers unmatched opportunities to collaborate, exchange practical insights, and strengthen relationships across the maritime coatings community.

Registration

Participation in the Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum is by application and open at no cost to maritime painting contractors and asset owners. Approved participants will gain access to technical sessions with downloadable presentations, earn up to 10 professional development hours (PDHs), and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities.

Registration opening soon

Application process

Participation in the Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum is by application and open at no cost to maritime contractors and professionals working with marine assets. Approved participants will gain access to technical sessions with downloadable presentations, earn up to 10 professional development hours (PDHs), and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities. 

Featured Opportunity: Four-star maritime coatings partner

Contractor Club

Position your company at the forefront of workforce development, innovation, and operational excellence across the maritime sustainment community. As a Four-Star Maritime Coatings Partner, your organization will be recognized as a key contributor to national fleet readiness while gaining unmatched access to the region’s leading maritime coating contractors.

About the Contractor Club

This exclusive, by-invitation-only PART of the event brings together up to 20 AMPP-selected Maritime Coating Contractors, including:

  • U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command
  • BAE
  • Vanwin Coatings
  • Huntington Ingalls – Newport News Shipbuilding
  • Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Supplier sponsors are invited to join a private networking excursion the day before the forum and will receive dedicated access to contractor executives throughout the two-day event.

Exclusive access for supplier sponsors

Supplier sponsors receive strategic, relationship-driven opportunities that include:

  • Private contractor meetings: Up to two executives from your company will receive scheduled, private appointments with each invited Maritime Coating Contractor—organizations holding key painting contracts across the region. It’s your agenda to drive.
  • Private networking excursion: One executive is invited to participate in a special networking experience with contractors prior to the forum.

  • Engagement with maritime industrial base leaders: Interact with representatives from shipyards, supplier organizations, government agencies, and regulatory bodies through daily keynote sessions, general sessions, and expert panels.

Sponsor recognition & visibility

Your support of this inaugural event includes premium brand exposure:

  • One half-page ad and logo featured in the final program
  • Logo placement on event signage and materials
  • Verbal recognition during opening and closing remarks
  • Optional speaking or panel participation opportunity
  • One piece of company literature displayed at registration (sponsor-provided)
Secure your spot as an exclusive investor for $15,000

Space is limited for supplier participation. To join as a Four-Star Maritime Coatings Partner, please contact sales@ampp.org.

Conference venue

Founders Inn Hotel and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

5641 Indian River Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Located just minutes from the waterfront, The Founders Inn offers elegant guestrooms and a scenic retreat where connections can thrive. Set on 26 acres, the hotel features on-site dining, a full-service spa, and flexible meeting spaces where you’ll explore the latest maritime technical knowledge and connect with fellow maritime professionals.

Free parking is available.

Frequently asked questions

Who should attend the AMPP Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum?

Marine coatings contractors, applicators, inspectors, asset owners, consultants, and corrosion-protection professionals who work on ships, ports, and offshore structures.

What topics will be covered?

Surface preparation, antifouling coatings, marine epoxy systems, corrosion mitigation, and workforce development.

Where is the forum being held?

At the Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Virginia Beach, VA.

What is the registration policy?

Standard Registration Policy: Paid registrations cancelled in writing at least 30 calendar days or more prior to the start of the event will receive a full refund, less a 10% service fee. Paid registrations cancelled in writing 29 to 7 calendar days before the starting date of the event will receive a refund of 50% of the registration fee. No refunds or credit will be issued on cancellation requests received less than 7 calendar days before the event begins. Transfer of registration is permitted one time with an accompanying fee of $100.00 USD. Transfers may not be made less than 7 calendar days before the event begins. This policy supersedes any previously published policy regarding the cancellation process for AMPP Conferences.

All requests for transfer or cancellation must be submitted in writing to customersupport@ampp.org. No refund will be processed if the registrant is a no show.

Right to Deny or Remove: We reserve the right to deny registration or admission to, or remove any party from the Conference, in our sole discretion.

Executive committee

  • Marsha Cale
    New Horizons Regional Education Centers – Executive Director
  • Patrick Cassidy
    Elzly Technology Corporation – Senior Corrosion Consultant and Director of Navy Projects
  • Robert Dahlstrom
    Apellix – CEO
  • Cassandra Frisby
    Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries
  • Federico “Fede” Gambina
    EWI – Business Development/CRP Manager
  • Charles Harvilicz
    Northrop Grumman Newport News – Engineer
  • Kimberly Jordan Dillard
    Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries – Standards Superintendent
  • Scott Kelley
    QED – Director, Production and Workforce Development
  • Patrick Kitchel
    BAE – Paint Dept. Manager II
  • Greg Kleinrichert
    Best-Tec – Vice President
  • Julie LeBeau
    Rapid Prep – Director, Marketing
  • Anthony Manglona
    Tidal Corrosion Services – CCAT Deputy Team Lead, Norfolk Carriers
  • Dane McGraw
    Thomas Industrial Coatings – VP | Director of Business Development
  • Gaspire Nagy
    AMPP – Technical Auditor
  • Arcino “Q” Quiero, Jr.
    Northrop Grumman Newport News – Value Stream Leader
  • Ronald Richards
    QED
  • Tim Richardt
    Hampton Roads Workforce Council – Director, Talent Provider Engagement (Maritime)
  • Jackie Rondeau
    Hampton Roads Workforce Council – Director of Employer Engagement (Maritime)
  • Rick Smith
    CROM – Quality Manager
  • John Snell
    Virginia Digital Maritime Center / Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation, Old Dominion University – Sr. Program Manager for Maritime Trades
  • Wes Stilson
    Norfolk Naval Shipyard – C256 Branch Head
  • Eric Williams
    Vector Corrosion – National Sales Manager (US & CA)
  • Bill Wren
    Tecnico – Assistant Vice President
  • Joyce Wright
    Retired HII – Past Chair, AMPP Global Center