The Great Lakes Coating Conference (GLCC), a new biennial event organized by regional coating associations, will debut June 10-12, 2025, in Ann Arbor, MI, bringing together industry professionals from across the nation.
The event, located in the heart of the Great Lakes region, promises a dynamic lineup of educational opportunities, networking events, and technical presentations aimed at advancing the coatings industry. “Some of the best coatings in the world are developed here,” organizers say.
Supporting the Industry Through Collaboration
One of the key aspects of the GLCC is its commitment to giving back to the industry. Organizers say 100% of the profits from the event will be reinvested into the coatings industry through the nonprofit coating associations organizing the conference. These organizations, which are run by volunteers in the industry, provide scholarships, host educational and networking events, and connect raw materials suppliers to formulators to progress knowledge in the industry.
The associations and societies organizing the GLCC include:
• Cleveland Coatings Society
• Chicago Society for Coating Technology
• Chicago Paint & Coatings Association
• Detroit Society for Coatings Technology
With support from
• Canadian Paint and Coatings Association
• Northwestern Society for Coatings Technology
• Wisconsin Paints and Coatings Association
• Pittsburgh Society for Coatings Technology
The GLCC organizers say the conference aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry leaders, and researchers, fostering a space for knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
For those new to the industry and non-chemists, including those in sales and procurement, the GLCC will host individual short courses to provide foundational knowledge of the coatings industry. These courses offer an excellent opportunity for those looking to expand their understanding of the materials, chemistry, and processes involved in coatings development.
Networking Activities
Participants will also have ample opportunities to network with leading formulators and suppliers, with meeting spaces available for reservation on the GLCC website.
Evening and extra events will be organized to promote engagement and camaraderie among attendees, giving them a chance to connect outside of the conference sessions. These include an evening reception, a golf outing, games and activities at BIG, university lab tours with equipment demonstrations, and the Ford Rouge factory tour.
Flexible Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities
To ensure the conference is accessible to a wide audience, GLCC will soon be rolling out economical registration options ranging from full conference attendance to one-day passes and short-course only options. Sponsors will also have opportunities to secure packages for multiple attendees for just one price.
For the most up-to-date information about the GLCC, visit greatlakescoatingsconference.com.