Staying at the top of your game isn’t a matter of luck, even in the world of coatings. It’s more about staying up-to-date with the latest techniques, spotting opportunities, and connecting with the right people. With new products, innovative tools, and new technology coming out all the time, being a true coatings pro means you have to be constantly learning.
So, where do you go to stay ahead of the curve? Industry conferences are the place. They’re a one-stop shop to see what’s new, learn from experts, and make connections that can grow your business. Whether you are a hands-on installer looking to master a new technique or a manufacturer scouting the next big innovation, these five upcoming events deserve a spot on your calendar.
Western Coatings Symposium and Show
- Dates: October 19-22, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Why It Matters: WCS focuses on the technical side of coatings, and it goes deep: it’s well-known for its high-level educational content. It’s kind of ideal for formulators, chemists, and technical representatives. It offers a more focused look at new technologies and products than a general trade show so, if your goal is to network with West Coast professionals and leave with actionable knowledge.
2026 Decorative Concrete Expo
- Dates: February 26-27, 2026
- Location: Canton, Ohio
- Why It Matters: This is a must for anyone who works with decorative concrete and epoxy. Unlike some of the bigger, more technical shows, the Deco-Crete Expo emphasizes real-world, hands-on learning. You can get up close with new products, watch live demonstrations, and pick up tips and tricks from experienced pros. It’s a great place to network with other installers and concrete specialists. Don’t miss the Exclusive Decorative Concrete Smackdown Artistry Competition if you can make it!
AMPP Annual Conference & Expo
- Dates: March 15-19, 2026
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Why It Matters: Looking to expand your expertise into protective and anti-corrosion coatings? AMPP is the place to start. As an epoxy installer, you’ll find lots of information on surface prep, quality control, and industrial coatings. It’s a great chance to learn about techniques and standards that can upgrade your work into high-performance coatings while networking with a community that shares your passion for durability.
American Coatings Show
- Dates: May 5-7, 2026
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Why It Matters: One of the biggest events in North America for the coatings industry, ACS is where science meets industry. If you’re a manufacturer, a product developer, or just a technical coatings geek, this is your event. The show floor is massive, and you’ll find everything from raw materials to advanced testing equipment. With over 90 presentations last year, it’s the place to learn about the science behind the products you use every day.
World of Concrete (WOC)
- Dates: Exhibits: January 20-22, 2026; Education: January 19-22, 2026
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Why It Matters: The Super Bowl of concrete, period. WOC is a huge event that covers the entire concrete, masonry, and coatings industry. It has something for everyone, from installers learning new techniques at live demos to business owners looking for new equipment or product lines. If you have to choose to go only to one conference this year, this is probably the one.
PS: It looks like there are several competitions for concrete and masonry masters. What better way to get to know the latest technology?
Beyond the Exhibit Hall: Why You Should Go
You can browse through brochures, websites, and some video tutorials, but it’s undeniable that showing up to in-person events has an extra value. If you are still doubting whether to show up to any of these events, here are some reasons why attending really pays off:
- Networking and Building Your Circle: You have the opportunity to connect directly with the people influencing the industry. What are the odds of finding a new supplier with a better product? Or a manufacturer looking for installers? Or even a peer with the solution to a recurring problem? My guess: quite high. It might sound cliché, but these connections end up being the most memorable part of events like these.
- Hands-On Education: A lot of these shows provide live training sessions and demos that you just can’t get anywhere else, especially all in one location. You can even ask questions to the people who created the products you use, see new equipment in action, and learn a new application technique.
- Discovering What’s Next: The latest trends and technologies are usually unveiled in these events. You’ll probably come across new materials, new tools, and new ideas that can improve your productivity or even enable you to offer new services to your clients. Hopping early on the train of a new technology can give you quite an advantage over your competitors.
- Recharging Your Passion: Being on the job day after day can get a little repetitive; it happens to the best of us. But showing up to a conference can reignite that spark, that passion for your work. Talking shop, seeing what others are doing, and learning something new are great ways to snap out of the daily routine.
Attending one of these conferences is a strategic move that allows you to invest in your career and personal development. They give you direct ways to see what’s new and to learn from the best of the best in the business. Now, which of these events will you add to your calendar?
