The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.
The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.
“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”
Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.
Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.
A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.
The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
