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Biennial Western Coatings Symposium and Show

Western Coatings Symposium and Show: A Hub for Innovation, Education, and Industry Connection

Every two years, the coatings industry in Western North America comes together for one of its most anticipated events the Western Coatings Symposium and Show (WCS). The 37th Biennial WCS promises to uphold a proud tradition of innovation, education, and professional networking in the coatings sector.

Held in a vibrant setting and supported by industry leaders like Azelis and IMCD, the WCS brings together technical professionals, researchers, suppliers, and manufacturers to explore the evolving world of coatings and surface technologies. From specialized technical sessions to a lively exhibition floor, this event offers a complete experience for anyone working in or around the coatings industry.

A Grand Kickoff: The Sunday Night Welcome Reception

The 37th Western Coatings Symposium begins on a high note with the Sunday Night Welcome Reception a casual yet crucial opportunity for early networking and reconnection. This gathering sets the tone for the entire event, offering a relaxed atmosphere where attendees can meet industry peers, discuss expectations for the week, and ease into the conference vibe.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Azelis and IMCD, this event continues to be a highlight of the symposium. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a regular, the Welcome Reception offers the perfect opportunity to make new contacts and establish relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

What Makes WCS Unique in the Coatings Industry

Unlike global-scale conferences, the Western Coatings Symposium and Show focuses on serving professionals from the Western United States and Canada, while still welcoming attendees from across North America and beyond. This regional focus gives the event a unique flavor — intimate, targeted, and highly relevant to the specific challenges and innovations in this part of the world.

Key Features That Set WCS Apart:

Three-Day Technical Program
A robust lineup of presentations focused on formulation advancements, sustainability, material innovations, application technologies, and performance testing.

Two-Day Tabletop Exhibition
A compact and efficient way for vendors, suppliers, and service providers to showcase new products and technologies to a technically savvy audience.

Networking Opportunities
From coffee breaks to structured mixers, the event encourages collaboration and connection at every stage.

Focus on Education and Advancement
Ideal for formulators, R&D professionals, production specialists, and managers looking to stay current on technical trends and best practices.

A Deep Dive into the Technical Program

One of the most anticipated elements of the WCS is its three-day technical conference, designed specifically for chemists, engineers, and other professionals engaged in the science behind coatings. Presenters come from across the academic, commercial, and industrial research spectrum to share the latest findings and forward-thinking solutions.

Topics generally include, but are not limited to:

Waterborne and solventborne coatings technology

Raw material innovations (binders, additives, pigments)

Advances in UV/EB curing

Environmental compliance and regulatory updates

Durability, weatherability, and corrosion protection

Smart and functional coatings

This technical program is especially valuable for R&D staff, as it provides actionable insights and real-world case studies that can be applied directly to product development and process improvement.

Compact, Focused, and Productive: The Tabletop Exhibition

Unlike massive trade shows with sprawling booths, the WCS tabletop exhibition is designed for accessibility and focused interactions. Over two days, exhibitors present their latest innovations in a simplified format that prioritizes direct communication over flashy displays.

Attendees benefit from:

One-on-one access to technical experts

Sample materials and live demos

Information-rich literature and product briefings

Face-to-face interaction with regional suppliers and global vendors

This format keeps the emphasis on meaningful conversations and product education rather than overwhelming attendees with excessive scale.

Education, Networking, and Community

Beyond the technical sessions and exhibits, the WCS is a community-driven event. It’s a place where industry veterans share insights with young professionals, and where long-standing partnerships are renewed alongside new business connections.

Additional highlights of the event include:

Sponsored networking lunches and breaks

Informal meetups and after-hours gatherings

Recognition of industry achievements and contributions

Open dialogue on the challenges facing the coatings sector today

By fostering a sense of community, the symposium supports professional growth and reinforces the value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.

Who Should Attend the Western Coatings Symposium?

The WCS attracts a wide array of professionals connected to coatings, raw materials, manufacturing, and application technologies. It’s a must-attend event for:

Formulators seeking to learn about new materials and performance enhancers

Manufacturing and process engineers looking for production improvements

Technical sales and support staff focused on staying ahead of industry trends

Academic researchers and students engaging with applied science

Business leaders and product managers developing the next generation of coatings solutions

Whether you're seeking innovation, partnership, or simply to stay updated with industry advancements, this symposium is tailored to support your goals.

Why the Western Coatings Symposium Remains Essential

With its rich history, targeted focus, and educational strength, the Western Coatings Symposium and Show continues to be a vital platform for the coatings industry. It balances regional relevance with global insight and offers a space where technical knowledge meets business opportunity.

As the industry evolves with growing attention to sustainability, digital transformation, and regulatory shifts, events like WCS become even more important. They provide the space and structure for progress to happen not just in theory, but in practice.

Whether you're a returning attendee or joining for the first time, the 37th Biennial Western Coatings Symposium promises to be an experience that informs, connects, and inspires.