ACC 2026:
What's on the Agenda
96 presentations and
9 tutorials map the future of coatings
The American Coatings Conference 2026 promises to be a landmark event for the coatings industry, bringing together researchers, formulators, and industry professionals to explore the latest advances in coatings science and technology. The conference program features an impressive lineup of 96 oral presentations organized across 16 thematic sessions, complemented by 9 pre-conference tutorials.
Conference Sessions
The conference spans three days (Tuesday, May 5 through Thursday, May 7, 2026) with sessions covering Functional Coatings, PFAS Alternatives, Architectural Coatings (two sessions), Protective Coatings, Grinding and Dispersing, Waterbased Coatings, Testing and Measurement (two sessions), Digitalisation, Polyurethanes, Industrial Coatings, Automotive and Wood Coatings, Biobased Coatings, Epoxy Coatings, and Coatings Production.
The following are just a few examples of the program’s great variety:
James Rawlins of Reactive Surfaces will present “NonToxic Antimicrobial Coatings for Safer Hospitals and Public Spaces,” addressing healthcare-associated infections through bio-based, non-leaching coating alternatives. The pressing topic of regulatory compliance is addressed by Daniel Hercules of Innovative Chemical Technologies with “Replacement of PFAS-Based Additives in Paints and Coatings,” and Konstantin Kraushaar from TU Bergakademie Freiberg, presenting “A Novel, High-Performance, PFAS-Free Anti-Graffiti Coating Based on Sol-Gel.”
The industry's digital transformation features prominently, with Justin Rios of Lubrizol presenting “Precision in Every Pixel: Computer Vision for Reliable Coatings Analysis” and Partha Majumdar of Dow discussing “Innovating Architectural Coatings Through Descriptor-Based Design.” Sustainability advances are highlighted by Wenjun Wu of Arkema with “Strategies for High Performance, Bio-based Acrylic Interior Paints” and Sudhir Ananthachar of Evonik addressing “Biofuels vs. Corrosion: The Epoxy Curing Agents for Biofuel Era.”
For more information:
View the full program details online or download the program as a PDF
Key Themes
The ACC 2026 program reveals dominant themes shaping the coatings industry: sustainability and PFAS replacement, digital transformation through AI and machine learning, waterborne technology advancement, and the demonstration that regulatory compliance need not sacrifice coating performance. The conference offers an exceptional opportunity for industry professionals to engage with cutting-edge research and gain insights into technologies defining the future of coatings.
Pre-Conference Tutorials
The tutorial program offers both foundational knowledge for newcomers and specialized insights for experienced professionals. Attendees new to the field can benefit from “Coatings 101: An Introduction to Coatings Technology,” and progress to more specialized topics such as “Fundamentals of High-Performance Waterborne Coatings,” and “Polyurethanes: The Building Blocks Explained.” Those interested in coating durability will find value in “The Science of Durable Protective Coatings,” and “Weathering & Durability: A Primer for Newcomers”. The program notably features one session dedicated to digital transformation – “AI & Digital Tools: What They Mean for Coatings,” – reflecting the growing importance of these technologies in coatings development. Rounding out the offerings are “Sustainable & Circular Coatings: Materials, Design, & Reality,” as well as a session on “Radiation Cured Coatings: Chemistry, Formulations, Technology & Applications” and “The Essential Guide to Smart Coatings & Surfaces”.
Lean more about the program at:
american-coatings-show.com/conference/
