As this issue goes to press the paint and coatings industry is anticipating the 2012 American Coatings Show (ACS), which will be held in its new location in Indianapolis, Ind., from May 8-10 after two previous successful shows in Charlotte, N.C.

ACS has grown into the most popular paint and coatings event in North America. Like its predecessors, ACS 2012 will offer prime networking opportunities and will serve as a showcase for the latest developments in coatings, paints, sealants, construction chemicals and adhesives from the industry’s leading raw materials and equipment suppliers.

The move to Indy is a positive growth indicator for the paint and coatings industry in North America. In 2010, ACS had 328 exhibitors in 68,100 square feet of floor space. As of March 27, it reported 373 exhibitors taking 87,900 square feet of floor space.

In a recent interview with Coatings World, Andrew Doyle, president of the American Coatings Association said the American Coatings Show and Conference had a great run in Charlotte in both 2008 and 2010. “As a matter of fact, the event was so successful in 2010 that we knew we would outgrow the Charlotte Convention Center if the show expanded, which it has,” he said. “That is why we moved the event to the Indiana Convention Center.”

Not only does moving the show and conference to Indy this year offer the additional space the show needs, the city has a lot to offer in addition to a more central location. Also after all the preparations made leading up to Super Bowl XLVI, the city will be in tip-top shape. It should be a fun and exciting trip.

There are skywalks between the convention center and most of the convention hotels, making it more convenient for attendees. The city itself also has a lot to offer visitors within close proximity to the convention center. There are more than 200 restaurants and clubs within walking distance, as well as other attractions.

As this issue will be circulating the show floor in Indy, we’ve featured an ACS 2012 Exhibitor Guide in this issue. If you feel like getting a jump on things, check it out to see what kinds of innovative technology and services select companies will be offering at their booths.

Speaking of innovative technology, Kerry Pianoforte, Coatings World’s associate editor, recently attended the 39th Annual Waterborne Symposium back in mid-February. Hosted annually by the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi, this year’s conference featured 50 presentations on the latest in waterborne technology for the coatings industry. Kerry’s report is featured in this issue.

At the symposium the Shelby F. Thames Best Paper Award was presented to Jens Voepel and Anders Larsson of Ytkemiska Institute, YKI – Institute for Surface Chemistry for “Making Cleaner Surfaces.”

If you were unable to attend the event we’ve also featured in this issue exclusive to Coatings World’s readers the chance the read this award-winning paper in its entirety. We hope you enjoy it and look forward to seeing you in Indy!