For more than a decade, the American Coatings Show and Conference has been the leading North American industry event, setting trends for future developments in the industry. In 2026, the event will convene companies and industry professionals once again, offering immediate business opportunities, a complete portfolio of high-grade competitive products, and access to top coatings decision makers. Plan now for the ACS/ACC 2026!
Call for Papers
The American Coatings Association (ACA), in partnership with Vincentz Network (VN), is seeking abstract submissions for research to be presented at the 2026 American Coatings Conference (ACC). This major coatings industry technology forum will take place from 5-7 May, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is held concurrently with the American Coatings Show (ACS).
We invite you to submit a thoughtful abstract about your previously unpublished technical research and pioneering innovations for consideration either as a session presentation (which requires a paper to be submitted beforehand) or as a poster (which does not require a paper). Papers will not be accepted if they have been previously presented or published elsewhere.
The broad areas of interest include the following:
- Adhesives and sealants
- Architectural coatings (interior and exterior)
- Automotive coatings (OEM and refinish)
- Bio-based coatings
- Coatings application technology
- Coatings production technology
- Coatings on plastics
- Digitalization and AI
- Epoxy coatings
- Functional coatings
- Grinding, dispersing and stabilization
- Industrial coatings
- Measurement and testing
- Printing inks and roll-to-roll manufacturing
- Polyurethanes and other crosslinking chemistries
- Protective coatings (marine and corrosion protection)
- Powder coatings
- Radiation-cured coatings
- Water-based coatings
- Wood coatings
It is critical that submitted abstracts, posters, papers and slides for the conference proceedings be non-commercial and focused exclusively on technical/scientific content. The use of trade names must be avoided wherever possible.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The conference organizers select presentations for the 2026 American Coatings Conference based on three key criteria:
- scientific significance;
- novelty; and
- potential technical value to the industry.
The oral presentations will be approximately 25 minutes followed by 5 minutes for discussion All submitted papers will be considered by the conference organizers for possible publication. ACA retains the first right of first refusal on all presentations accepted for the 2026 American Coatings Conference.
AMERICAN COATINGS AWARD
The outstanding paper 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.
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
For all accepted abstracts, the author must register for and attend the ACC or the presentation/poster will be withdrawn. Presenters will be offered free and/or discounted conference registration. Co-authors attending the conference must pay the full conference fee.
Student research is encouraged, and students whose work is accepted will be eligible for travel support from ACA industry sponsors.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
- Submission of title and abstracts: October 2, 2025
- Notification of acceptance to speakers: November 19, 2025
- Submission of full technical papers for the conference proceedings: Febuary 20, 2026
