Call for Papers

The American Coatings Association (ACA), in partnership with Vincentz Network (VN), is calling for abstracts for research to be presented at the American Coatings Conference 2022 (ACC). This major technology forum for the coatings industry, which will take place April 5-7, 2022 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, is held concurrently with the American Coatings Show (ACS).

With the theme, “Strong and Resilient: Innovation in Coatings Technology,” the conference will highlight recent industry-driven advances, focusing on the newest breakthroughs and scientific research crucial to support continued advances by the coatings industry and its expanding customer base.

The ACC is a record-setting gathering of leading experts from paint companies, raw material suppliers, academia, and government laboratories and is attended by industry representatives from around the world. Research scientists are encouraged to support global information exchange by presenting their work at this recognized, world-class technical and scientific forum.

You are kindly invited to submit abstracts detailing your previously unpublished, high-level technical research results for consideration for presentation at the conference. Selection of papers and posters for the ACC is highly competitive. Interested researchers must ensure that their submitted abstracts convey the scientific significance of their work and clear advances over any prior presentations or publications. The ACC showcases only new, innovative work and research. Topics may include advances in any coating category or raw material, novel formulations, laboratory and analytical methods, processing technologies and equipment, and environmental/health/sustainability benefits.

Innovations on coatings to be applied to new or alternative substrates (i.e., light-weighting), optimized aesthetics, expanded functionality, and novel application (and curing) equipment utility are especially welcome.

In addition, organizers of the ACC are interested in thoughtful analysis of research and development, or innovation management challenges faced by industry professionals, including continuing education and professional advancement. ACC especially would like to include research centered around such innovations arising from the global pandemic.

The conference organizers select proposed presentations for the ACC based on three key criteria:

• Scientific advancement
• Novelty
• Potential value added to the industry

Selection is based solely on the content of the abstract submitted, so a clear and detailed description of the work aligned with these criteria is essential. Again, prospective authors are strongly encouraged to clearly state the research’s unique contribution in their abstracts, as it aligns with the listed criteria.

Student research is encouraged. Students whose work is accepted for the ACC will be eligible for travel support by ACA and industry sponsors. The ACC features a highly publicized poster session. This casual venue is favored by many participants due to its intimate, conversation-promoting atmosphere. Applicants may request that their abstract be considered solely for presentation in the poster session.

For abstracts that are not “poster only,” acceptance will require the author(s) to submit a final paper for a designated session or forum. All submitted final papers will be considered by the conference organizers for possible publication. ACA retains right of first refusal on all presentations accepted for the ACC. Papers will not be accepted if they have been previously presented or published elsewhere.

It is critical that submitted abstracts, presentations and papers for the conference proceedings be non-commercial and focused exclusively on the technical/scientific content. The use of trade names must be avoided wherever possible.

American Coatings Award

The most outstanding paper presented at the ACC will be honored with the American Coatings Award. Sponsored by ACA and VN, the recipient of this prestigious award will receive $2,500 and an attractive sculpture.

Notice to Academic Faculty and Students

The ACC organizers recognize that the above deadlines often preclude the submission of abstracts for ongoing research projects by faculty and students due to the academic calendar. To accommodate academic/student research, such authors (only) are encouraged to submit an abstract clearly designated as “incomplete” or “tentative,” which will allow consideration of pending scientific contributions that may add value to the conference program.

Conference Attendance

For all accepted abstracts, the author must register for and attend the ACC or the presentation/poster will be withdrawn. The oral presentations will be 20-25 minutes followed by 5-10 minutes for discussion. Presenters will be offered free and/or discounted conference registration. Co-authors attending the conference must pay the full conference fee.

Suggested Topics for Desired Technical Sessions

High-level technical papers are being solicited across a broad spectrum of topics. ACC organizers are interested in fostering submissions based on the very real research needs and interests of the likely attendees, including coatings technicians, quality assurance and control specialists, product development professionals, research directors, and chief technical officers. Submitters are invited to select a number of these suggested topics that may help profile their research and assist readers in creating focused sessions, and these include:

Additional General Information

The ACC seeks to showcase new and innovative research results and developments which are of relevance to the expected audience of industry professionals. Accordingly, it is important to submit a short, significant, and conclusive abstract to the conference organizers, outlining the technical/scientific/innovative/novel content of the eventual work to be presented.

As stated previously, abstracts will be selected for the ACC based on their novelty, scientific and technical value, and practical relevance. Please note that it is critical that submitted abstracts, as well as the eventual presentations and papers for the conference proceedings be non-commercial in style and focused exclusively on the technical/scientific content. The use of trade names must be avoided wherever possible.  Abstracts will not be accepted if they have been previously presented or published elsewhere. Abstracts must make clear that significant advances from previous published work are contained.

All submissions will be treated with the strictest confidence and will only be disclosed if selected in the final program. If accepted, the oral presentation time will be 20 – 25 minutes in length followed by 5 – 10 minutes for discussion. Presenters will be offered free and/or discounted conference registration options. Co-authors attending the conference must pay the full conference fees.

Questions? Please contact

American Coatings Association (ACA)
Scott Braithwaite
sbraithwaite@paint.org
(202) 805-4907

Vincentz Network (VN)
Bettina Hoffmann
Bettina.Hoffmann@vincentz.net
+49 511 9910-271