Industry Gears Up for the 2022 American Coatings Show and Conference
By David Savastano, Contributing Editor | 04.01.22
ACS returns after the 2020 conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After missing out on the 2020 American Coatings Show and Conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 American Coatings Show and Conference returns April 5-7, 2022 at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.
Held in partnership with the American Coatings Association (ACA) and Vincentz Network – the organizer of the European Coatings Show and Conference – the American Coatings Show and Conference (ACS/ACC) will be held over three days.
The conference provides a forum for leading researchers in the industry, featuring scientific papers and speakers. The show is an exhibition featuring the latest products and services for the production of high-grade, sustainable paint and coatings.
Cheryl Matthews, ACA vice president, Events & Expositions, noted that the last major industry tradeshow was more than three years ago.
“These are unprecedented times, and all indications are that we will have a strong showing,” Matthews added. “The people I have spoken with are excited for the opportunity to attend a major in-person event. For the vast majority, this will be the first time many people have traveled or attended anything since pre-COVID. I believe our attendees will be happy to experience three days of unlimited networking, innovation, and numerous educational opportunities.”
Kristina Wilger, director of events for Vincentz Network, noted that the feedback and excitement are truly encouraging.
“We are navigating through times where the climate is constantly changing,” Wilger said. “While there are a few industries that believe a virtual component is sufficient, that is not the feedback I receive from our potential exhibitors and attendees.”
In spite of the uncertainties due to the pandemic, the ACA organizers have created an excellent agenda.
“In this complicated planning cycle, we have managed to create an extremely strong AC Conference with 90+ presenters, 10 pre-conference tutorials, and a strong poster session,” said Matthews.
Matthews said that one of the conference highlights is the presentation of the American Coatings Award. The winner who will receive the prestigious prize recognizing the most outstanding technical presentation will be presented during the Plenary Session.
“Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chris Killian of Eastman, will address ‘The Role of Innovation in the Coatings Industry When Every Color Must be Green,’” Matthews said.
In his address, Dr. Killian will discuss how technological innovation and creativity are leading the coatings industry to carry customers to a more sustainable future. Today, we are seeing energy saving coatings, improved durability and lifetime of coatings, and much more.
“The AC Show and Conference will run concurrently, and the new schedule will allow the Conference participants many additional opportunities to visit the show floor,” Matthews added.
As for the show floor, ACS 2022 will host a Powder Coatings Pavilion for the first time.
“This year we will also introduce the Powder Coatings Pavilion,” said Wilger. “In this designated area on the show floor, attendees can find the latest innovations and newest products related to
powder coatings.
Matthews also reported that there will be a new “Women in Coatings” event on Wednesday evening, April 6 at 5:00 pm.
“This session will provide women at the ACS with a unique networking environment and a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities faced in a male-dominated industry,”
Matthews noted.
American Coatings Conference
As always, the American Coatings Conference (ACC) will be held in conjunction with the ACS. Beginning April 5 at 8:30 am, the three-day conference will feature more than 90 technical papers and posters from paint companies, raw material suppliers, academia and government laboratories. As in the previous conferences, four parallel tracks will be featured.
Also on April 5, the afternoon session include these tracks:
• Session 1: Science Today, Coatings Tomorrow
• Session 2: Sustainability
• Session 3: Measuring and Testing
• Session 4: Automotive Coatings
April 6 features a full day of session, beginning with these four tracks in the morning:
• Session 5: Functional Coatings 1
• Session 6: Architectural Coatings 1
• Session 7: Epoxy Coatings
• Session 8: Water-borne Coatings
April 6’s afternoon session features the following:
• Session 9: Functional Coatings 2
• Session 10: Architectural Coatings 2
• Session 11: Polyurethane Coatings
• Session 12: Tools and Systems
April 7’s morning session closes the conference with these topics:
• Session 13: Biobased Materials
• Session 14: Weathering and Corrosion Testing
• Session 15: Protective Coatings
• Session 16: Radiation Curing
The American Coatings Award will be given to the most outstanding technical presentation at the American Coatings Conference. Selected and sponsored by ACA and Vincentz Network, it is endowed with a $2,500 cash award along.
The winner of the 2022 American Coatings Award 2018 will be presented at the conference Plenary Session on April 5. There will also be a Poster Session and Networking Session at the conclusion of the conference on April 5.
Other Highlights:
• Interactive Online Floor Plan: This can be used to search for specific companies, products, etc., and find booth locations on the show floor.
• Product Presentations: Be the first to learn about new innovations in the coatings industry during live, on-stage talks.
• The Industry Buyers Lounge: This is a designated area for show participants to set up important meetings.
• Online Career Center: Introduced at the 2018 American Coatings Show, the Online Career Center is an opportunity for attendees to search for available positions in the industry.
• The ACS Fun Run: The Fun Run will be held Wednesday, April 6 from 7:15 am-8:30 am. Join an enthusiastic group of runners and walkers who will gather to jump start their day, network, and participate in this fundraising effort.
“We will again hold the popular ACS Fun Run on Wednesday morning, April 6, at White River State Park,” said Matthews. “Participants support a good cause, as proceeds will be used to fund student participation at future AC Conferences.”
Runners can either pre-register online when they register for the show or conference, and pick up their bib, course map and t-shirt at the ACS registration counter, or register on-site at the ACS registration counter at the Indiana Convention Center. Proceeds from the Fun Run are used to fund student participation in the ACC.
• Safety Protocols: The organizers of the ACS have said they will adhere to the guidelines and recommendations from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Indiana state and local governments.
These include:
• Masks are required to be worn at all AC Show and Conference events at the Indiana Convention Center. The only exception will be food and beverage events.
• Wide aisles on the show floor will ensure social distancing and traffic flow.
• All conference rooms will be set to provide social distancing
Show Dates/Times
Tuesday, April 5th | 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6th | 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 7th | 9:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
Held in partnership with the American Coatings Association (ACA) and Vincentz Network – the organizer of the European Coatings Show and Conference – the American Coatings Show and Conference (ACS/ACC) will be held over three days.
The conference provides a forum for leading researchers in the industry, featuring scientific papers and speakers. The show is an exhibition featuring the latest products and services for the production of high-grade, sustainable paint and coatings.
Cheryl Matthews, ACA vice president, Events & Expositions, noted that the last major industry tradeshow was more than three years ago.
“These are unprecedented times, and all indications are that we will have a strong showing,” Matthews added. “The people I have spoken with are excited for the opportunity to attend a major in-person event. For the vast majority, this will be the first time many people have traveled or attended anything since pre-COVID. I believe our attendees will be happy to experience three days of unlimited networking, innovation, and numerous educational opportunities.”
Kristina Wilger, director of events for Vincentz Network, noted that the feedback and excitement are truly encouraging.
“We are navigating through times where the climate is constantly changing,” Wilger said. “While there are a few industries that believe a virtual component is sufficient, that is not the feedback I receive from our potential exhibitors and attendees.”
In spite of the uncertainties due to the pandemic, the ACA organizers have created an excellent agenda.
“In this complicated planning cycle, we have managed to create an extremely strong AC Conference with 90+ presenters, 10 pre-conference tutorials, and a strong poster session,” said Matthews.
Matthews said that one of the conference highlights is the presentation of the American Coatings Award. The winner who will receive the prestigious prize recognizing the most outstanding technical presentation will be presented during the Plenary Session.
“Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chris Killian of Eastman, will address ‘The Role of Innovation in the Coatings Industry When Every Color Must be Green,’” Matthews said.
In his address, Dr. Killian will discuss how technological innovation and creativity are leading the coatings industry to carry customers to a more sustainable future. Today, we are seeing energy saving coatings, improved durability and lifetime of coatings, and much more.
“The AC Show and Conference will run concurrently, and the new schedule will allow the Conference participants many additional opportunities to visit the show floor,” Matthews added.
As for the show floor, ACS 2022 will host a Powder Coatings Pavilion for the first time.
“This year we will also introduce the Powder Coatings Pavilion,” said Wilger. “In this designated area on the show floor, attendees can find the latest innovations and newest products related to
powder coatings.
Matthews also reported that there will be a new “Women in Coatings” event on Wednesday evening, April 6 at 5:00 pm.
“This session will provide women at the ACS with a unique networking environment and a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities faced in a male-dominated industry,”
Matthews noted.
American Coatings Conference
As always, the American Coatings Conference (ACC) will be held in conjunction with the ACS. Beginning April 5 at 8:30 am, the three-day conference will feature more than 90 technical papers and posters from paint companies, raw material suppliers, academia and government laboratories. As in the previous conferences, four parallel tracks will be featured.
Also on April 5, the afternoon session include these tracks:
• Session 1: Science Today, Coatings Tomorrow
• Session 2: Sustainability
• Session 3: Measuring and Testing
• Session 4: Automotive Coatings
April 6 features a full day of session, beginning with these four tracks in the morning:
• Session 5: Functional Coatings 1
• Session 6: Architectural Coatings 1
• Session 7: Epoxy Coatings
• Session 8: Water-borne Coatings
April 6’s afternoon session features the following:
• Session 9: Functional Coatings 2
• Session 10: Architectural Coatings 2
• Session 11: Polyurethane Coatings
• Session 12: Tools and Systems
April 7’s morning session closes the conference with these topics:
• Session 13: Biobased Materials
• Session 14: Weathering and Corrosion Testing
• Session 15: Protective Coatings
• Session 16: Radiation Curing
The American Coatings Award will be given to the most outstanding technical presentation at the American Coatings Conference. Selected and sponsored by ACA and Vincentz Network, it is endowed with a $2,500 cash award along.
The winner of the 2022 American Coatings Award 2018 will be presented at the conference Plenary Session on April 5. There will also be a Poster Session and Networking Session at the conclusion of the conference on April 5.
Other Highlights:
• Interactive Online Floor Plan: This can be used to search for specific companies, products, etc., and find booth locations on the show floor.
• Product Presentations: Be the first to learn about new innovations in the coatings industry during live, on-stage talks.
• The Industry Buyers Lounge: This is a designated area for show participants to set up important meetings.
• Online Career Center: Introduced at the 2018 American Coatings Show, the Online Career Center is an opportunity for attendees to search for available positions in the industry.
• The ACS Fun Run: The Fun Run will be held Wednesday, April 6 from 7:15 am-8:30 am. Join an enthusiastic group of runners and walkers who will gather to jump start their day, network, and participate in this fundraising effort.
“We will again hold the popular ACS Fun Run on Wednesday morning, April 6, at White River State Park,” said Matthews. “Participants support a good cause, as proceeds will be used to fund student participation at future AC Conferences.”
Runners can either pre-register online when they register for the show or conference, and pick up their bib, course map and t-shirt at the ACS registration counter, or register on-site at the ACS registration counter at the Indiana Convention Center. Proceeds from the Fun Run are used to fund student participation in the ACC.
• Safety Protocols: The organizers of the ACS have said they will adhere to the guidelines and recommendations from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Indiana state and local governments.
These include:
• Masks are required to be worn at all AC Show and Conference events at the Indiana Convention Center. The only exception will be food and beverage events.
• Wide aisles on the show floor will ensure social distancing and traffic flow.
• All conference rooms will be set to provide social distancing
Show Dates/Times
Tuesday, April 5th | 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6th | 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 7th | 9:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
