October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    5–7 May 2026

    City / country

    Indianapolis, USA

    Venue

    Indiana Convention Center

    Time

    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at American Coatings Show - AC include Aal Chem, AB Specialty Silicones, ACCESS Rudolf Technologies, Ace Glass Incorporated and Acme-Hardesty Company.

    • Aal Chem
    • AB Specialty Silicones
    • ACCESS Rudolf Technologies
    • Ace Glass Incorporated
    • Acme-Hardesty Company

    Event overview

    Overview

    The American Coatings Show and Conference is the premier event for professionals across the paints and coatings value chain.

    It brings together thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors for three high-impact days focused on innovation, sourcing, and technical excellence.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: The American Coatings Show takes place from May 5-7, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, USA.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: This premier event features hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from the coatings industry.
    3. 3Organiser: The event is organised by AC Media, American Coatings Association, and Vincentz Network.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include professionals from R&D, procurement, manufacturing, and sales in the coatings sector.
    5. 5Entry: Registration details and ticket information can be found on the official website.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain access to cutting-edge technologies, networking opportunities, and expert insights that drive the future of the coatings industry. Dates and Venue: The American Coatings Show takes place from May 5-7, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, USA. Scale and Focus: This premier event features hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from the coatings industry. Organiser: The event is organised by AC Media, American Coatings.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will showcase their latest products and technologies, connect with key decision-makers, and enhance their visibility in the coatings market, making it a valuable opportunity for business growth. Scale and Focus: This premier event features hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from the coatings industry. Buyer Authority: Attendees include professionals from R&D, procurement, manufacturing, and sales in the coatings sector. The American Coatings Show is.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Manufacturers of paints and coatings
    Suppliers of raw materials and additives
    Distributors and wholesalers in the coatings industry
    R&D professionals focused on coatings technology
    Procurement specialists in construction and manufacturing
    Sales and marketing professionals in the coatings sector

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Raw materials suppliers
    Additives manufacturers
    Production and testing equipment providers
    Automation and digital technology firms
    Sustainability solution providers
    Consultancy and R&D services

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Binders and solvents for coatings
    Additives for enhanced performance
    Production and testing equipment for coatings
    Environmental protection solutions
    Software and digital tools for the coatings industry
    Training and education resources for coatings professionals

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Indiana Convention Center

    100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA

    Parking: Parking availability and rates should be confirmed on the venue or organiser site before travel.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    :9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
    :9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Register

    Ticket info

    Ticket notes

    Visit the official registration page for detailed ticket information.

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    AC Media

    Website

    American Coatings Association

    Website

    Vincentz Network

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Visitors

    9,000

    Exhibitors

    600

    Growth over time

    Photos

    Next edition outlook

    2028-03-28 – 2028-03-30
    high

    The next edition of the American Coatings Show will take place in Denver, Colorado.

    New location in Denver

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The American Coatings Show and Conference is the premier event for professionals across the paints and coatings value chain. It brings together thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors for three high-impact days focused on innovation, sourcing, and technical excellence. The American Coatings Show is essential for industry professionals to connect, learn about the latest innovations, and explore new business opportunities in the coatings sector. Join us at the American Coatings Show.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Manufacturers of paints and coatings, Suppliers of raw materials and additives, Distributors and wholesalers in the coatings industry, R&D professionals focused on coatings technology. Dates and Venue: The American Coatings Show takes place from May 5-7, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, USA. Scale and Focus: This premier event features hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from the coatings industry. Organiser: The event is organised by AC Media,.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will showcase their latest products and technologies, connect with key decision-makers, and enhance their visibility in the coatings market, making it a valuable opportunity for business growth. Scale and Focus: This premier event features hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees from the coatings industry. Buyer Authority: Attendees include professionals from R&D, procurement, manufacturing, and sales in the coatings sector. The American Coatings Show is.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    North America — United States Midwest, centred on Indianapolis, Indiana

    Why it matters

    Attending American Coatings Show - AC on 2026-05-05 to 2026-05-07 in Indianapolis lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    IND

    Indianapolis International Airport

    Primary gateway with 40+ nonstop routes; the Go Express Travel shuttle and IndyGo Route 8 connect the terminal to downtown hotels and the Indiana Convention Center.

    ~13 miles (21 km)

    to venue

    20–25 min

    by car

    ORD

    Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    Major international hub for long-haul connections; drive via I-65 and I-90 or take a short regional connection into IND.

    ~185 miles (298 km)

    to venue

    ~3 hr 15 min

    by car

    DAY

    Dayton International Airport

    Smaller regional option west of Indianapolis, useful for Ohio-based supplier visits.

    ~110 miles (177 km)

    to venue

    ~1 hr 50 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Downtown Indianapolis / near Market Street, short walk or taxi to the Indiana Convention Center

    USD 100–150 / night

    Limited-select-service and older downtown properties can drop to this band outside race weekends; book early for May. Confirm before travel.

    Mid-range
    Downtown, skywalk-connected to the Indiana Convention Center (e.g., Hyatt Regency, Westin, Marriott Downtown)

    USD 200–320 / night

    Typical ACS dates rate; skywalk access avoids weather. Confirm before travel.

    Premium
    Downtown, skywalk-connected to the Indiana Convention Center (e.g., JW Marriott Indianapolis)

    USD 320–480 / night

    Highest-demand flagship properties; rates spike during major city events. Confirm before travel.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 12–15 one-way; USD 22–25 round trip
    Best forGo Express Travel airport shuttle: IND terminal → downtown hotels

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 1.75 single ride; USD 4 day pass
    Best forIndyGo Route 8 (Washington Street) to downtown / convention center

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 1.75 single ride; USD 4 day pass
    Best forIndyGo Red Line bus rapid transit along College Avenue to downtown

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 30–45 one-way taxi; rideshare similar
    Best forIND airport → Indiana Convention Center (downtown), 20–25 min via I-70

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 120–200 one-way taxi/rideshare or rental car; confirm before travel
    Best forCVG or SDF airport → downtown Indianapolis (intercity)

    walk

    Estimated costFree
    Best forDowntown hotels → Indiana Convention Center via enclosed skywalk

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forIndianapolis International Airport (IND) to Indiana Convention Center

    20–25 min; Primary gateway with 40+ nonstop routes; the Go Express Travel shuttle and IndyGo Route 8 connect the terminal to downtown hotels and the Indiana Convention Center.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forCincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Indiana Convention Center

    ~1 hr 50 min; Alternative for Ohio and Kentucky routings; rental car or intercity shuttle is required for the final leg to downtown Indianapolis.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser

    Weather

    Indianapolis in early May is mild and changeable, with daytime highs of 72–76°F (22–24°C) and overnight lows of 52–56°F (11–13°C). May averages roughly 4.7 inches of rain and brief afternoon thunderstorms are common, so a light rain jacket or compact umbrella is worth carrying. Evenings cool quickly after a warm day, so bring a light sweater for the skywalk restaurants and conference receptions.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    Plan on 18–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–3 per bag for hotel bell staff; rideshare and taxi apps prompt for a gratuity.

    Business dress

    Business casual dominates the show floor — collared shirts, slacks or smart jeans — with business professional for supplier meetings and technical conference sessions.

    Networking style

    US coatings professionals are direct and informal; a firm handshake, first-name introductions and punctuality for scheduled meetings are expected.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: IND

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Indianapolis; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need a US B-1 business visa, applied for at a US embassy or consulate, with a USD 185 fee and processing that typically takes several weeks to several months. Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries can instead use ESTA (USD 21, valid two years) for business visits of up to 90 days. Apply at least 8–12 weeks before travel and bring a show invitation or registration confirmation to the interview.

    Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Downtown Indianapolis / near Market Street, short walk or taxi to the Indiana Convention Center · Downtown, skywalk-connected to the Indiana Convention Center (e.g., Hyatt Regency, Westin, Marriott Downtown) · Downtown, skywalk-connected to the Indiana Convention Center (e.g., JW Marriott Indianapolis)

    budget

    USD 100-150/night

    mid range

    USD 200-320/night

    premium

    USD 320-480/night

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Indianapolis International Airport (IND): 20–25 min; Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): ~1 hr 50 min; Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF): ~1 hr 50 min; Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): ~3 hr 15 min. Allow road or rail time to Indiana Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Indiana Convention Center: Downtown Indianapolis / near Market Street, short walk or taxi to the Indiana Convention Center: Downtown Indianapolis / near Market Street, short walk or taxi to the Indiana Convention Center; Downtown, skywalk-connected to the Indiana Convention Center (e.g., Hyatt Regency, Westin, Marriott Downtown): Downtown, skywalk-connected to the Indiana Convention Center (e.g., Hyatt Regency, Westin, Marriott Downtown); Downtown, skywalk-connected to the I

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Indianapolis; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: IndyGo runs the local bus network with USD 1.75 single fares and a USD 4 day pass; the Red Line bus rapid transit connects Broad Ripple, downtown and the university district. Route 8 follows Washington Street past the Indiana Convention Center. The Go Express Travel shuttle links Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to downtown hotels every 30–60 minutes, and the airport sits 20–25 minutes from the venue via I-70.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Indiana Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May 2026

    Temperature: Daytime highs 72–76°F (22–24°C); overnight lows 52–56°F (11–13°C)

    Seasonality: May is one of Indianapolis's wetter months, averaging about 4.7 inches of rain with frequent short afternoon thunderstorms; mornings are often clear.

    Packing: Pack light layers, a compact umbrella or rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for the downtown skywalk system and long hours on the show floor.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Wednesday, 6 May 2026 (Day 2)

    The middle day of the three-day run carries the heaviest exhibitor staffing and the fullest slate of American Coatings Conference sessions, so most raw-material, additive and equipment teams are fully on-site and you can compress the widest range of technical meetings and product demonstrations into a single day.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · 08:30–10:00

    Badge pickup at the Indiana Convention Center and an orientation walk of the show floor covering raw materials, additives, pigments and resin suppliers.

    Day 1 · 10:00–17:00

    Booked supplier meetings with pigment, additive and resin producers, interleaved with American Coatings Conference technical papers on formulation and sustainability.

    Day 2 · 09:00–12:00

    Deep-dive demonstrations of dispensing, milling, testing and production equipment; benchmark competitor formulations and gather technical data sheets.

    Day 2 · 13:00–17:00

    Follow-up commercial negotiations, sample collection, and evening networking in the skywalk-connected hotel bars and downtown restaurants.

    Side trips

    2

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Museum

     

     

     

    Broad Ripple Village

     

     

     

    Networking spots

    3

    Show floor supplier meeting zones

     

     

     

    American Coatings Conference session rooms

     

     

     

    Downtown skywalk hotel bars and restaurants

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$200.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    Estimated total$350.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    international_visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)

    USD 21 / per person

    confirmed

    visa_fee

    international_visitor · US B-1 business visa

    USD 185 / per person

    confirmed

    hotel

    visitor · mid-range downtown

    USD 200–300 / per night

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · premium downtown

    USD 320–480 / per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · meals and incidentals

    USD 60–90 / per day

    estimate

    booth_space

    exhibitor · standard inline booth

    USD 3000–4500 / per 100 sq ft booth

    estimate

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your team sources coatings raw materials, pigments, additives or production equipment and wants hands-on technical comparison plus conference content in one trip.

    Best for

    Formulators, R&D chemists, and procurement or sourcing managers from coatings, adhesives, sealants and ink manufacturers who need to compare raw materials, additives, pigments and processing equipment face to face.

    Min. budget

    $900.00

    Timeline

    2–4 weeks, with downtown hotel rooms booked 8–12 weeks out because early May is peak convention season in Indianapolis.

    Risks

    Downtown Indianapolis hotel rates rise sharply across the early-May show window.

    International visitors need 8–12 weeks of B-1 visa or ESTA lead time before travel.

    exhibit

    North American coatings formulators are a core buyer segment and you can commit booth plus multi-person travel budget for a two-year sales cycle payoff.

    Best for

    Raw material suppliers, additive and pigment producers, equipment makers and technical service providers targeting North American coatings formulators for lead generation and specification-level conversations.

    Min. budget

    $4,500.00

    Timeline

    6–9 months to secure space, build the booth, and schedule freight, rigging and staff travel.

    Risks

    Booth space and skywalk-connected hotel blocks sell out early for the biennial edition.

    Freight, customs and rigging timelines for machinery or live demos need advance planning.

    skip

    Your products or services do not serve coatings formulators, or your buying decisions are already committed for the cycle.

    Best for

    Companies outside the coatings, adhesives, sealants and inks value chain, or teams already locked into long-term supplier agreements with no active sourcing or specification need.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Not applicable.

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from American Coatings Show - AC
    Official imagery from American Coatings Show - AC
    Host venue exterior — American Coatings Show - AC
    Host venue exterior — American Coatings Show - AC

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Coatings
    Materials applied to surfaces to protect, decorate, or enhance functionality.
    2
    Additives
    Substances added to coatings to improve performance or modify properties.
    3
    R&D
    Research and Development; the process of innovating and improving products.
    4
    Sustainability
    Practices that meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.
    5
    Networking
    Building relationships and connections with industry professionals.
    6
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
    7
    Innovation
    The introduction of new ideas, products, or methods.
    8
    Market Intelligence
    Information relevant to a company's market, including competitors and trends.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • American Coatings Show
    • American Coatings Show 2026
    • American Coatings Show Indianapolis
    • AC Show 2026
    • American Coatings Show AC Indianapolis
    • coatings industry conference USA
    • coatings conference Indianapolis 2026
    • coatings additives and binders expo
    • coatings production and testing equipment show
    • coatings industry trade fair North America

    10 more alternate names hidden

    Trust footer

    Sources

    1

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    American Coatings Show

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