American Coatings Show 2026: Attendee Guide
Updated March 7, 2026
North America's leading event for the paint and coatings industry comes to Indianapolis May 5–7, 2026. Here's how to make the most of three days at the Indiana Convention Center — from business dinners to exploring the city when the sessions wrap up.
About the American Coatings Show
The American Coatings Show is the premier North American gathering for the paint and coatings industry, held biennially and drawing manufacturers, raw material suppliers, equipment vendors, and research professionals from around the world. The 2026 edition at the Indiana Convention Center brings together 10,000 attendees across three days of exhibitions, technical conferences, and peer-to-peer networking.
The ACS Technical Conference runs alongside the exhibition, featuring peer-reviewed presentations covering coatings science, raw materials, sustainability, and application technology. Pre-registration is typically required for conference sessions — check the official ACS website for the program schedule.
Hundreds of exhibitors fill the Convention Center halls with raw materials, pigments, resins, additives, testing equipment, and production technology. Arrive early on Day 1 for the least-crowded walkthrough — afternoon floors get congested, especially in high-traffic supplier zones.
Evening receptions and industry association events are scheduled throughout the three days. Many exhibitors also host private dinners at downtown restaurants — which is why restaurant reservations are essential. Check with your key suppliers and partners about hosted events early.
Venue and Getting There
The Indiana Convention Center is at 100 S Capitol Ave, in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It's one of the most accessible convention venues in the country — directly connected to a dozen hotels, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse via the downtown skywalk and tunnel network.
Hotels and the Skywalk
Indianapolis's downtown skywalk and tunnel system is a genuine advantage for convention attendees. Staying in a skywalk-connected hotel means walking from your room to the ICC without ever going outside — no parking hassles, no weather issues, no cab lines between sessions.
JW Marriott, Marriott, Westin, Conrad, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza, and Sheraton are all connected to the Convention Center via the skywalk. For a three-day business conference, the ability to walk to sessions without leaving the building is worth the premium over suburban options.
The ACS official hotel block through the conference site typically opens months before the event and fills before the registration deadline. Book as soon as the block opens, especially if you want a skywalk property. Late bookers end up in suburban hotels 15–20 minutes from the ICC.
See our full Indianapolis Skywalk Guide for a complete map of connected buildings and navigation tips.
Parking
If you're driving in daily rather than staying downtown, pre-booking parking is essential. The Convention Center area has multiple garages, but they fill quickly on event days.
Skywalk-connected and closest to the ICC main entrance. Book in advance via SpotHero or ParkWhiz — walk-up rates are higher and it fills quickly on conference days.
Short surface walk to the ICC entrance. Often has better availability than skywalk-connected garages for mid-morning arrivals.
Covered parking with skywalk access. Good fallback if closer garages are full.
For a complete breakdown of garages, pricing, and tips, see our Indianapolis Parking Guide.
Business Dining in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has a strong steakhouse and upscale dining scene — and the ACS crowd knows it. Business dinners at the best restaurants book up fast once the conference dates are announced. Make reservations before you travel.
127 S Illinois St — two blocks from the ICC. Indianapolis's most famous restaurant, open since 1902. The shrimp cocktail with its extraordinarily hot horseradish sauce is a rite of passage. Reservation-essential during any major downtown event; book as far in advance as possible. One of the country's genuinely great steakhouses.
155 W Washington St — in the heart of downtown. Classic steakhouse format with an extensive wine list. Good for client dinners when St. Elmo is fully booked — same caliber with slightly more availability. Reserve at least two weeks out during the ACS.
123 S Illinois St — directly adjacent to the Convention Center. Upscale American cuisine with a strong cocktail program and a dining room that handles business groups well. More flexible reservation availability than the traditional steakhouses. The wood-fired dishes are a highlight.
A reliable choice for groups — the Weber brand anchors a full-service grill-focused restaurant that handles large tables well. Less formal than St. Elmo's but still appropriate for supplier dinners. Book ahead; it fills during conferences.
Italian-focused restaurant inside the JW Marriott. Convenient for skywalk-hotel guests and solid for working dinners. The proximity makes it easy to continue conversations at the bar after dinner.
More casual option on Georgia Street, the pedestrian corridor between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil. Good for lunch meetings and less formal team dinners. Faster turnaround than the steakhouses — better for midday sessions.
After-Hours Indianapolis in May
May is one of the best months to visit Indianapolis. Temperatures run 65–75°F, the trees are in full leaf, and the outdoor amenities that define the city are at their peak. If you have an evening free from industry events, the city is worth exploring.
A mile-long urban waterway on the western edge of downtown, lined with walking paths, rental pedal boats, and outdoor dining. In May, the Canal is at its best — warm evenings, outdoor seating at the restaurants and bars along the waterway, and a genuinely pleasant after-dinner walk. About a 15-minute walk from the Convention Center or a short rideshare.
An 8-mile protected bike and pedestrian path connecting Indianapolis's neighborhoods. In May, it's a beautiful walk — past Mass Ave's restaurants and galleries, through Fountain Square's nightlife, and along Monument Circle. Ideal for clearing your head between conference days.
Indy's best restaurant and arts corridor, about a 12-minute walk northeast of the Convention Center. Dozens of restaurants, bars, and galleries. Less crowded than the Convention Center corridor in evenings — a better dinner option than fighting for a table on Georgia Street.
A five-minute walk from the Convention Center, Indianapolis's central plaza features the 284-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Outdoor events and live music often appear at the Circle in May. Worth a walk even just to orient yourself to the city's layout.
See our Canal Walk Guide and Massachusetts Avenue Guide for more on both neighborhoods.
Attendee Tips
St. Elmo's, Hyde Park, and Spoke & Steele are fully booked within days of major conference announcements. If a client dinner matters, make the reservation before you finalize your travel itinerary.
The ability to walk between your room, sessions, and dinner without leaving the building system is a real quality-of-life improvement over three busy conference days. The JW Marriott and Westin are consistently well-reviewed for business travelers.
The pedestrian street between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium has fast-casual options that are faster than the ICC food court at peak lunch hour. Walk south from the main entrance to find them.
Three days of exhibition floor walking covers significant distance. The ICC is one of the larger convention facilities in the country — comfortable footwear matters more than usual.
May evenings in Indianapolis are genuinely pleasant — 65–70°F with low humidity. The Canal Walk is a 15-minute walk or short rideshare from the Convention Center and one of the city's most attractive outdoor spaces. A good reset between heavy conference days.
Plan Your Trip
The American Coatings Show runs May 5–7, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis. Register and access the official hotel block at the ACS website. Book accommodations and restaurant reservations as early as possible — downtown Indianapolis fills during major trade shows.