Kerry Pianoforte: What are some of the highlights of the 2023 Eastern Coatings Show?

Bruce Schimmel: We expect a much larger attendance this year and early registration numbers confirm this. Harrah’s just completed a massive room renovation in all their towers, so we will have newer updated rooms. For the Tuesday night opening reception at their indoor pool, we have tripled the budget and will have multiple stations serving drinks and food and plan to do the same for the meal service on the exhibit show floor. We are really excited about these changes and feel this will be one of the best shows yet.


Kerry Pianoforte: Who should attend the show?

Bruce Schimmel: Anyone involved in the coatings and related industries should attend. This could be technical as well as commercial and salespeople who want to make new contacts. A large regional show like ours is all about value. Attendees get to spend more time talking to the exhibitors. The show is manageable so they can meet with all the exhibitors and cover the entire show floor. Then consider the full registration cost is $595, the cost for the hotel room is only $109 per night and the meals that are included at no additional charge. The show has tremendous value which is what companies want these days.


Kerry Pianoforte: Any events or talks people should not miss?

Bruce Schimmel: Our keynote speaker is Dan Calkins, Chairman and CEO of Benjamin Moore. We will have a Panel Discussion on the Future of the Coatings Industry, a Businesswoman in Coatings networking forum, a golf outing at a local course that has hosted both the PGA and US Open championships. Add to that a show floor with over 125 exhibitors and a technical conference with over 40 technical papers and our entire event is one you should not miss.


Kerry Pianoforte: What is it about Atlantic City that brings you back every two years?

Bruce Schimmel: The location and the value. There is a large percentage of the US coatings industry that is within a five-hour drive. The airport offers direct flights to the Midwest. And I mentioned our hotel rate is $109 and most meals are included. So, attending our show offers tremendous value. Also, Atlantic City has a rich history, incredible restaurants, the famous boardwalk on the ocean. It is such a unique place.


Kerry Pianoforte: Is there still time for exhibitors to get booth space?

Bruce Schimmel: Yes, we still have some room for 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 booths which include registration.


Kerry Pianoforte: Are there sponsorship opportunities still available?

Bruce Schimmel: Yes, of course at this date a number of sponsorships are sold out, but we still have a number of great opportunities for companies to sponsor and raise their brand to the industry.


Kerry Pianoforte: What educational and networking events will be at the show this year?

Bruce Schimmel: Once again, we will offer a short course on coatings by the University of Southern Mississippi. This is included at no additional charge to anyone that registers. Our Opening Reception at Harrah’s indoor pool area will be a wonderful place to network as well as our exhibit show floor receptions.


For more information, please see the Eastern Coatings Show website.