The 2026 American Coatings Show (ACS) was declared a success with a total of 542 exhibitors, over 136,600 square feet of exhibit space and over 8,000 total participants from 63 countries, concluding on May 7 in Indianapolis. 

“Building on more than a decade of success for this award-winning industry event that has become a major platform for companies to showcase products and conduct business, we were so pleased with the turnout and feedback from attendees who value the learning and networking experiences the event brings,” says Jennifer Dugas, senior vice president of events & engagement for the American Coatings Association. “Whether it’s information obtained at the product presentations or coatings research presented at the conference, we are grateful and proud to bring this valuable event back for industry and look forward to another successful event in 2028.”

The concurrent American Coatings Conference (ACC) was also a success, with nearly 900 attendees, 96 selected presentations and learning opportunities covering 16 topical sessions. During the ACC, Dr. Bedri Erdem, chief technology officer at Rust-Oleum Corporation and RPM Consumer Group, delivered a keynote address. The 2026 American Coatings Award was presented to Dr. Ioanna Tzortzi, associate specialist in the coating solutions business unit at Perstorp, and her coauthors, for the conference’s most outstanding paper.

“The industry experienced three days full of networking opportunities at the leading North American coatings event,” says Matthias Janz, director of trade shows at Vincentz Network. “Exhibitors and attendees were very excited to make connections and enhance their industry knowledge. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and many new faces at our next American Coatings Show and Conference, March 28-30, 2028 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.”