What to Expect at the American Coatings Show 2026
The coatings community will gather at the American Coatings Show (ACS) and Conference from May 5–7, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. As the largest coatings industry event in North America, ACS brings together formulators, manufacturers and suppliers to connect, evaluate new technologies and exchange technical insight. The show draws thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors representing the full coatings value chain.
The American Coatings Conference
The American Coatings Conference (ACC) runs concurrently with the show and provides in-depth technical programming for coatings formulators and manufacturers. The 2026 program includes 96 presentations across 16 sessions, along with nine pre-conference tutorials.
Topics include PFAS alternatives, architectural and protective coatings, grinding and dispersing, water-based systems, testing and measurement, polyurethanes and coatings production. Technical presentations will also address antimicrobial coatings, digital tools used in formulation and analysis, and developments in biobased materials and corrosion performance.
Keynote Focus: Digital Design in Coatings
This year’s keynote, presented by Bedri Erdem, chief technology officer at Rust-Oleum Corporation, will examine the growing role of digital tools in coatings development, including advanced analytics, AI and new approaches to polymer design.
The Exhibit Floor
The American Coatings Show features hundreds of exhibitors across more than 138,000 square feet of exhibit space. The show floor includes raw materials such as binders, pigments and additives, along with laboratory and production equipment, testing systems and digital tools.
Product Presentations held throughout the event provide a closer look at new materials and technologies, offering attendees direct insight into recent developments from suppliers. Additional features include the Career Center, where attendees can connect with employers and explore industry opportunities, and the ACS Fun Run, which returns as a networking event.
Pre-Conference Tutorials
Pre-conference tutorials take place ahead of the main program and provide both introductory and advanced technical content. Sessions range from “Coatings 101” to more specialized topics covering waterborne coatings, polyurethanes, durability and weathering. Additional tutorials address sustainability, radiation-cured coatings, smart coatings and the role of AI and digital tools in coatings development.
Plan Your Visit
Show hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The conference runs concurrently each day with extended technical programming.
The PCI team will be on-site at ACS. Be sure to stop by to connect with our team. Visit us at booth 3034!
For more information, including registration and the full conference program, visit:
american-coatings-show.com
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
