The American Coatings Show (ACS) and its companion American Coatings Conference return May 5–7, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This premier North American event for the paints, coatings, sealants, construction chemicals, and adhesives industries draws thousands of professionals for hands-on exhibits, new product launches, technical sessions, and unmatched networking.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, smart preparation turns a good show into a game-changing one. Below are the top 10 practical steps complete with venue hacks, travel intel, and authentic Indianapolis insider advice to help you arrive confident, stay efficient, and leave with real value.
Attending the American Coatings Show?
Stop by Booth #3188 to connect with our team and enter to win a walking pad!
Because at Crestwood we believe a better workday starts with better tools.
Step Into a Better Workday!
1. Register Early and Secure Your Full-Access Badge
Registration is open now. Don’t wait early birds often snag the best hotel rates and avoid last-minute sell-outs. Decide whether to add the full conference package: it includes pre-conference tutorials, the keynote address, the American Coatings Award presentation, poster session, and networking reception. Register directly through the official site to get immediate confirmation and access to the exhibitor list and floor plan.
2. Book a Skywalk-Connected Hotel Right Now
The Indiana Convention Center is connected to 12 hotels via enclosed skywalks, so you can move between your room, the exhibit floor, and sessions without ever stepping outside. Book through the official ACS housing block for the best rates and shuttle-free convenience. Downtown Indy is safe, clean, and walkable staying connected means more time for business and less time commuting.
3. Nail Your Travel Logistics Before You Leave Home
Indianapolis International Airport is only a 15-minute ride from downtown and has been ranked the #1 airport in North America for 11 straight years. Major highways converge here, making driving an easy option too. Book your flight or rental car early, and use the official visitor site for ground-transportation updates. Pro tip: the airport is efficient plan to land the day before the show starts so you’re rested for Tuesday’s pre-conference tutorials.
4. Map Out Your Conference vs. Exhibit Schedule
The show floor runs Tuesday–Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The conference kicks off earlier with nine pre-conference tutorials on Tuesday morning, followed by full days of technical sessions on innovation, sustainability, formulations, and emerging technologies. Download the Schedule-at-a-Glance PDF and block time now: mornings for high-value sessions, afternoons for the exhibit hall. Prioritize tracks that match your role (R&D, procurement, sales, etc.).
5. Conquer the Exhibit Hall with a Targeted Game Plan
Hundreds of exhibitors will fill more than 138,800 square feet with raw materials, equipment, testing tools, and the latest in biobased and digital solutions. Download the interactive floor plan today, highlight must-visit booths, and schedule 15–20 minute meetings in advance. Focus on suppliers who match your biggest 2026 challenges next-generation formulations, sustainability, or AI-driven processes.
6. Pack Like a Pro (Show Floor + Indy Streets)
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes (you’ll cover serious distance on concrete and Indy’s brick sidewalks).
- Business-casual layers (exhibit hall can be cool; evenings warmer).
- Plenty of business cards, a portable charger, and a small notebook or app for notes.
- Reusable water bottle (hydration stations are plentiful).
- Light jacket or umbrella spring weather in Indy can shift quickly.
Pack for both the professional show and casual city exploration.
7. Build a Networking Strategy That Delivers ROI
The poster session and networking reception, keynote, and even the Fun Run are built-in opportunities to connect. Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch focused on your biggest need or latest project. Set a daily goal, we encourage you research who is attending and curate a list of 10 people to connect with at the event. Plus, you can use the event’s mobile tools to schedule follow-ups on the spot. Indianapolis’s friendly “Hoosier Hospitality” makes conversations easy take advantage of it.
8. Plan Your Indianapolis Downtime with Local Flavor
Indy is far more than a convention city. Stroll the scenic Canal Walk, visit the world’s largest children’s museum, or explore the top-10 zoo all within easy reach. Foodies: Mass Ave, Bottleworks District, and Fountain Square offer 300+ restaurants and breweries perfect for client dinners or team nights. Check visitindy.com for the latest during your stay you may catch spring events like theater performances or outdoor patios opening up. Use the Indy Attraction Pass if you want maximum culture on a budget.
9. Load Your Phone with the Right Apps and Resources
- Official ACS website and any event app (check your registration email).
- visitindy.com for real-time dining, events, and maps.
- Google Maps or the Indy transit app for quick navigation.
- A note-taking or CRM app to log every lead immediately.
Save the Schedule-at-a-Glance PDF offline and bookmark the exhibitor directory.
10. Stop by the Crestwood + Acumatica booth #3188 for your chance to win a walking pad!
Whether you use it at home or at work, your health matters! Come say hello, learn how Crestwood’s industry-specific solutions for batch and formula-driven manufacturing can streamline your coatings operations, and enter to win this practical wellness prize. It’s the perfect way to end your ACS experience on a healthy, productive note.
Ready to make ACS 2026 your most productive event yet? Register, book your room, download the schedule, and start packing. Indianapolis and the entire coatings community are waiting to welcome you. See you on the show floor and at the Crestwood + Acumatica booth!
Connect with the Crestwood Team
Eva James | Senior Account Executive | Crestwood Associates | Connect on Linkedin
Eva brings a strategic, enterprise-level perspective to organizations in the paint and coatings industry. She helps teams navigate complex sales and operational challenges by aligning ERP solutions to support formula management, multi-site visibility, and long-term scalability. Eva focuses on connecting business goals with practical technology strategies, enabling companies to improve decision-making, strengthen cross-functional alignment, and position themselves for sustained growth in a competitive market.
Parnell Anderson | Account Executive | Crestwood Associates | Connect on Linkedin
Parnell works closely with paint and coatings companies to address the day-to-day realities of process manufacturing. He understands the importance of accurate batch production, lot traceability, and managing cost fluctuations tied to raw materials and yield. Parnell takes a hands-on, consultative approach, helping organizations streamline operations, improve efficiency, and implement ERP solutions that create greater visibility and control across production and supply chain processes.
If your team is managing more formulation changes, substitutions, or traceability requirements than before, it may be time to evaluate how your current system is supporting those workflows.
→ See how process manufacturers manage batch consistency and traceability
→ Explore how Acumatica supports process manufacturing ERP workflows
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