Event Conference
1 – 3 December 2026 | Amsterdam, The NetherlandsDigitalisation in Coatings Formulation
From Lab Work to Smart Work.
Why you should attend:
Over the three days of the event, opportunities for teamwork, diverse idea exchange, and meaningful discussion are maximised. Get your questions answered by the right expert.
Which programs are shaping the new generation of paints, how data standardisation can be accelerated, and how to streamline the production line. Discover which R&D tools are transforming the market.
Digital passports, sensitive data security, new software solutions, and virtual assistants. Take the opportunity to experience first‑hand the technologies that will be implemented and streamline industry workflows in the coming months.
The European Coatings Show team carefully reviews and selects the most innovative digitalisation‑focused presentations to deliver a high‑quality, highly relevant programme.
Impressions
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, 01 December 2026 — Day 1
| Time | Programme |
| 11:30 | Welcome Reception & Networking Lunch |
| 12:15 | Opening & Keynote |
| 13:15 – 15:15 | Sponsored Talk, Presentations, & Interactive Workshop |
| 15:15 | Refreshment Break |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Conference Sessions & Hackathon |
| from 18:00 | Informal Networking Evening |
Topics of the day
- Chemical Passport
- Data Security
- Innovation & Collaboration
Wednesday, 02 December 2026 — Day 2
| Time | Programme |
| 09:00 | Welcome & Parallel Sessions |
| 11:00 | Sponsored Talk / Workshop |
| 11:30 – 13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:30 – 15:30 | Conference Sessions & Presentations |
| 15:30 | Coffee Break & Connection Hub |
| 16:30 | End of Conference Day |
| from 18:00 | Networking Dinner |
Topics of the day
- AI-Driven Formulation
- Robotics & High-Throughput
- Regulations & Academia
Thursday, 03 December 2026 — Day 3
| Time | Programme |
| 09:30 | Morning Welcome & Keynote |
| 10:15 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Demo Sessions |
| 13:00 | Closing Session & Group Feedback |
| 13:15 – 14:30 | Farewell Lunch |
Topics of the day
- Technology Demonstrations
- Community Exchange
The detailed programme will be published at the end of July 2026.
Already Confirmed Speakers
| Title of Presentation | Speaker |
| From Trial-and-Error to Autonomous Decisions: Is This the Future of Coatings R&D? | Priya Anand, BASF, DE |
| From Data Collection to Knowledge Extraction | Jochen Dreyer, DTU, DK |
| Digitalizing Waterborne Alkyd Coating Development with Active Learning | Joanna Jansflet / Albin Tzortzi, Perstorp, SE |
| From Data Silos to Material Intelligence: Building the Foundation for AI in Paint & Coatings R&D | Charles Jouanique, LabV Intelligent Solutions GmbH, DE |
| Accelerating coating R&D with science–based formulation webapp | Sander van Loon, VLCI, NL |
| Connected Color Management: How Automated (re)Formulation Cuts Waste and Accelerates Development | Rik Mertens, Datacolor, BE |
| Predicting properties: Can we build a model to fasten formulation development? | Jan Schmiter, IMCD, DE |
| From Selection to Solution – How Product Tools Are Accelerating Development | Andrew Shooter, Lubrizol, UK |
| Workshop: Apply predictive sciences HSP and HLD to accelerate coating (re-)formulation | Francesco Staps / Aldo Kranenbarg, BigChem, NL |
| How to motivate employees to actually use AI tools – Common barriers to adoption – and how to overcome them – Bottom-up vs. top-down strategies for rollout | Dominik Zahs, Heinrich Heine Universität, DE |
Further information
-
Speakers
-
Anouk Van Looveren (Country Manager, Dow)
Anouk Van Looveren is Global Marketing Director for Coating Additives at Dow and Country Manager of Dow Belgium. With nearly 15 years in the coatings industry, she has led global marketing, business development, and growth initiatives, driving innovation and strategic transformation across international markets.
Tea Pavlek
Tea Pavlek is Event Manager Europe at Uncountable. With a background in biotech and pharma, she brings over 14 years of experience in software development, digitalization, and R&D data management. She has spent the last decade helping innovation teams adopt and leverage new technologies globally.
Dr. Nicole Borho
Dr. Nicole Borho is Portfolio Sustainability Manager at DAW SE. A coatings standardization expert since 2008, she has also focused on construction product sustainability since 2023. She holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry and brings extensive experience in analytical research and innovation.
Kevin Haibach (Product Developer, DAW)
Kevin Haibach is a Product Developer for Prefab Paints & Plasters at DAW SE. With experience in coatings formulation and product development, he focuses on innovative paint and plaster solutions for the construction market, combining technical expertise with a strong passion for innovation.
Charles Jouanique
Charles Jouanique has been active in the industry for over 13 years. In addition to developing new digital business models, he is also an entrepreneur and a multiple business angel for startups. He is the Co-Founder in charge of Sales & Marketing at LabV, a software company within the NETZSCH Group.
Jan Schmitter (Technical Manager of Coatings, IMCD)
Jan Schmitter is Technical Manager Coatings at IMCD Germany, linking the global technical team with the German Coatings & Construction business. Since joining IMCD in 2015, he has combined technical expertise and market knowledge to support training, technical marketing, and innovation in the coatings industry.
Sander van Loon (CEO, VLCI)
Sander van Loon is CEO and founder of VLCI, a company providing formulation R&D services and digital tools to the global formulation industry. With a background in organic chemistry and coatings R&D at PPG, he specializes in predictive formulation science, high-throughput screening, and accelerating innovation in coatings and chemicals.
Dr Ori Yudilevich (Chief Product Officer, MaterialsZone)
Dr Ori Yudilevich is an accomplished expert with a PhD in mathematics, bringing a strong background in software development, data science, and DevOps, with experience across various companies and industries.
Rik Mertens (Application Manager, Datacolor)
For over 30 years, Rik has been an integral part of Datacolor. As our Subject Matter Expert for the paint and coatings industry and the applications specialist for all Datacolor software, he knows the ins and outs of managing color throughout the supply chain. Rik works with global key accounts in the PCS industry to define and implement color management solutions tailored to their needs. He also works closely with product managers and R&D to update and improve Datacolor software.
Dominik Zahs
Dominik Zahs is a PhD candidate in Business Administration at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, researching the impact of generative AI in the workplace. With an academic background in digital management and international study experience, he combines expertise in business, digital work, and emerging technologies.
Andrew Shooter (Global Technology Manager, Lubrizol Performance Coatings)
Senior technical leader ultimately accountable for new product development in coatings, inks and composite markets.
People leader, experienced managing chemical synthesis, applications and process technology teams. Customer focused support for strategic growth accounts especially in Asia (Japan)
Jochen Dreyer (Associate Professor, DTU)
Jochen A.H. Dreyer is Associate Professor at DTU and a researcher at the Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST). His work focuses on digitalization in coatings research, including data integration, automated formulation optimization, and digital infrastructures that accelerate innovation and data-driven development.
Dr. Priya Anand (Product Development Manager, BASF)
Dr. Priya Anand leads BASF’s Digital Material Profiling Lab, driving high-throughput formulation screening and digitalization in Industrial Coatings and Additives. With expertise in AI, machine learning, and data-driven R&D, she develops digital solutions that accelerate innovation and enable smarter formulation development.
Zane Brough (Global Paints & Coatings Specialist, Labman Automation)
Zane Brough is the Global Paints & Coatings Specialist at Labman Automation, where he helps drive innovation and automation solutions for the paints and coatings industry worldwide. With a strong background in project leadership and advanced automation technologies, he works closely with industry partners to develop cutting-edge laboratory and formulation automation systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and product development processes.
Francesco Staps (Director Business Development, Big Chemistry)
Francesco Staps works at the intersection of technology and business development, helping organizations turn innovation into sustainable growth. With experience across home care, personal care, water treatment, paints & coatings, and construction materials, he specializes in combining technology, market insights, and business strategy to create value.
Aldo Kranenbarg (Business Development, Big Chemistry)
Aldo Kranenbarg is a Business Developer at Big Chemistry with over 20 years of experience in innovation, product development, and commercialization. He specializes in translating technical expertise into market success and has extensive experience across specialty chemicals, bio-based products, cosmetics, fragrances, textiles, and consumer care.
-
Audience
-
Attendance at this conference is important for experts from
- R&D
- laboratory
- marketing
- production
- general management
Participant structure:
At the EC Conferences you will meet exactly the right people for your network!
Industry Sector: Over 40% of attendees are coatings manufacturers and 20% are from academia and research.
Department: 75 % of attendees either operate in research and development or work in laboratories.
-
Venue
-
Mercure Amsterdam City Hotel
Joan Muyskenweg 10, 1096 CJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
A room block for conference participants is available. You will receive further information with your confirmation.
The Mercure Hotel Amsterdam is beautifully located on the river, with easy access to the Arena, Ziggo Dome, the Zuid-As business district, and Amsterdam city center. Ample parking is available (for a fee), ideal for business and leisure travelers! The city center can be reached in just 10 minutes by public transport.
-
Fees & Services
-
1.550 € Early Bird Fee (incl. On-Demand Package) – valid until 22.09.2026 1.850 € Standard Fee (incl. On-Demand Package) 1.350 € Group ticket price per person for 3 or more people, non-refundable 350 € Speaker Fee (industry speakers) 0 € Speaker Fee (academia speakers) 1.550 € Early Bird On-Demand Package – valid until 22.09.2026 1.850 € On-Demand Package You don’t have time on the day of the event? Then our on-demand package is just right for you.
You will receive access to the recording and
presentations for 4 weeks after the conference.0 € Students (full-time students up to the age of 25) Stated conference fees are net prices. The On-Demand Package is included in the Early Bird and Standard conference fee.
The fee includes:
- Digital proceedings
- List of delegates
- Networking dinner
- Lunch & Coffee Breaks
Hotel accommodation is not included in the registration fee.
Students who fail to turn up without notifying the organizer will be liable to pay penalty of 200€.
The booking is binding for you and will be charged even if you do not attend without cancelling in advance. For further information on our cancellation policy, please click here.
-
Call for Speakers
-
We invite industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders to submit their proposals for our upcoming conference.
This is your opportunity to present cutting-edge innovations, forward-thinking solutions, and practical insights to a highly targeted professional audience.
Selected speakers are asked to contribute a service fee of €350, which includes full conference participation, catering throughout the event, and access to all evening networking activities. Please note that accommodation is not included and must be arranged individually.
We look forward to receiving your submission and shaping the future of the industry together.
Yeray López Arauco
-
Sponsorship Opportunities
-
Interested in reaching out to this high-class audience of industry experts? Then contact us for further information on your sponsorship opportunities!
Anette Pennartz
Registration
For regular on-site participation please chose the ticket category “Early bird” or “Standard”.
The “On Demand Package” does not include on-site participation, but only access to the recordings and presentations for 4 weeks after the conference.
Self-Service of your Event Registration
Manage your registration after having registered for this event. Make changes such as participant changes, invoice address corrections, adding an order / reference number, or make cancellations:
