8th E&E Congress: Innovation, Sustainability, and Resilience in the Asphalt and Bitumen Industry

From 19 to 21 June 2024, the 8th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress (E&E Congress), organized every four years by the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) and the European Association for Bitumen (Eurobitume), took place in Budapest. The venue of the congress was Millenáris Park, a major event venue in Budapest, which used to be an industrial area. The entire site is a reconstructed former Ganz factory complex, and visitors can still see parts of the machinery.

The overarching theme for 2024 was based on three keywords: “Resilience – Sustainability – Innovation.” The congress offered a rich technical programme including technical presentations, workshops, and poster sessions. Attendees learned about the latest research and technological advances in the field. 
The exhibition area provided space for more than 50 exhibitors to showcase their products, services and innovations. The main themes of the congress were improving the longevity and performance of asphalt surfaces, implementing environmentally friendly technologies, and new technologies that are pushing
the boundaries of the industry.

There was also an “Association Lounge,” where attendees could visit the booths of industry associations. This zone included a “LinkedIn spot,” where attendees could take a professional photo and get valuable advice on how to properly use LinkedIn for professional development.

In addition to the professional programme, the congress offered a rich social programme. The social events were designed to complement the congress experience and provide opportunities for networking. Attendees were able to enjoy a 90-minute tour of Budapest from the Colonia 6 ship, from which they were able to enjoy fantastic views of Budapest. The Exhibition Opening and a Welcome Coffee took place on Wednesday 19 June 2024 at Millenáris, as well as a Welcome Reception. The opening of the congress was enriched by a speech by János Lázár, Hungarian Minister of Construction and Investment. On Thursday, 20 June, the Congress Dinner was held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Heroes’ Square in Budapest, offering an opportunity for further networking.

Sports lovers were not forgotten at the congress. On Thursday 20 June, they could join the RUN FOR FUN #RUNNERSLOVEASPHALT event, where they had the chance to win a T-shirt and warm up before the start of the scientific programme.

More than 700 participants came to the congress. Thanks to all participants, organizers, and sponsors for their support and contribution to the success of this important professional event. We would also like to thank the project manager Romana Klukova and her team for organizing the whole congress.