About
The American Coatings Conference brings industry professionals together to expand their knowledge of the latest technology trends for the coatings industry.
The Conference program features hand-picked presentations by international experts across 16 topical sessions. With the ability to customize session schedule across learning tracks, attendees can concentrate and grow their coatings knowledge!
Sharpen your skills by attending the pre-conference tutorials, gain valuable insight during in-depth conference sessions, and network with peers at this vital industry event.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Pre-Conference Tutorials
- Coatings 101: An Introduction to Coatings Technology (extended class)
- Fundamentals of High-Performance Waterborne Coatings
- From FAIR Data to Formulation Intelligence: A Primer on Digital Labs and AI
- The Science of Durable Protective Coatings
- Polyurethanes: The Building Blocks Explained
- Radiation Cured Coatings: Chemistry, Formulations, Technology & Applications
- Weathering and Durability: A Primer for Newcomers
- The Essential Guide to Smart Coatings & Surfaces
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Keynote Address
Dr. Bedri Erdem, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Rust-Oleum Corporation and RPM Consumer Group, will officially open the conference with a keynote address titled, “Reimagining Chemistry as the Catalyst: Driving Innovation, Sustainability, Performance to Fuel Growth in the Coatings Industry.”
His keynote will challenge attendees to rethink possibilities, innovate differently, and embrace partnerships that unlock the next era of performance, discovery, and sustainability in the materials and coatings sector.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
American Coatings Award
The prestigious American Coatings Award recognizes the most outstanding technical presentation at the American Coatings Conference (ACC). Selected and sponsored by ACA and Vincentz Network, the award is an attractive sculpture accompanied by a $2,500 cash prize.
Wednesday May 6, 2026 • 7:15 am – 8:15 am
ACS Fun Run
Take the opportunity to energize first thing in the morning by participating in the ACS Fun Run! More than 300 attendees gathered for this exhilarating event in 2022 and 2024.
Don’t miss out in 2026!
Proceeds fund student participation at future AC Conferences.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Poster Session and Networking Reception
Join us for a Poster Session and Networking Reception. This dedicated Poster & Networking Session will provide student attendees an opportunity to showcase their research and findings and discuss their work with other conference attendees in a welcoming and sociable setting.
Schedule At a Glance
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday, May 7, 2026 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Pre-Conference Tutorials 1-5
- Coatings 101: An Introduction to Coatings Technology (extended class)
- Fundamentals of High-Performance Waterborne Coatings
- AI & Digital Tools: What They Mean for Coatings
- The Science of Durable Protective Coatings
- Introduction to Functional Films
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Pre-Conference Tutorials 6-9
-
Polyurethanes: The Building Blocks Explained
-
AI and Digitalization: Putting Digital Tools to Work in Coatings
-
Weathering and Durability: A Primer for Newcomers
-
The Essential Guide to Smart Coatings & Surfaces
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
- Networking Luncheon
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Plenary Session
- Welcome Address, Keynote Presentation and Awards
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
-
Session 1: Functional Coatings
-
Session 2: PFAS Alternatives
-
Session 3: Architectural Coatings I
-
Session 4: Protective Coatings I
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
-
Poster Session and Networking Reception
Wednesday May 6, 2026
7:15 am – 8:15 am
-
Fun Run to support student participation
8:30 am – 12:15 pm
-
Session 5: Architectural Coatings II
-
Session 6: Grinding and Dispersing
-
Session 7: Water-based Coatings
-
Session 8: Testing and Measurement I
12:15 pm – 2:15 pm
-
Networking Luncheon on the Show Floor
2:15 pm – 6:00 pm
-
Session 9: Digitalization
-
Session 10: Testing and Measurement II
-
Session 11: Polyurethanes
-
Session 12: Industrial Coatings
Thursday, May 7, 2026
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
-
Session 13: Automotive and Wood Coatings
-
Session 14: Biobased Coatings
-
Session 15: Epoxy Coatings
-
Session 16: Coatings Production
Conference Contacts
Jan Johannes
Senior Event Manager Trade Shows
Vincentz Network
T: +49 511 9910 286
M: +49 151 40 26 07 84