AAC Announces Dates, Location and Call for Papers for 35th Aluminum Anodizing Conference & Expo
April 2, 2026; Libertyville, IL – The Aluminum Anodizers Council (AAC) has announced that the 35th Annual Anodizing Conference & Exposition will take place on October 6 through 8, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH.
With the theme “Staying in Step with Change: Strategic Solutions for Anodizing Challenges,”the conference will focus on the challenges and solutions for achieving a high-quality anodic finish, as well as other anodizing-related content. The Anodizing Conference is a weeklong educational experience starting on Monday, October 5, with preconference classes, followed by the Conference kicking off officially with the Welcome Reception on Tuesday, a General Session, and Focus Sessions on Wednesday, and concluding on Thursday, October 8, with the closing General Session. The Anodizing Exposition is a two-day marketplace for anodizing suppliers to share their latest innovations, products and services on Tuesday evening through Thursday morning, open during receptions, meals, and coffee breaks.
“This year, attendees can expect a revised format and refreshed agenda designed to create more opportunities for learning, discussion, and meaningful industry connection. Developed for anodizers, by anodizers, the program is being shaped to deliver relevant content, practical takeaways, and conversations that matter to the people doing the work every day,” said AAC Chairman Jon Ledin, General Manager of AaCron, Inc. in Minneapolis, MN.
The preconference education includes classes on Monday and Tuesday, October 5 and 6. On Monday, Part 1 of the Anodizing Essentials class is conducted in the afternoon. On Tuesday, Part 2 of the Anodizing Essentials class will be conducted in the morning, and the Advanced Anodizing class will be conducted in the afternoon. Designed to increase the knowledge and ability of anyone involved in operating an anodizing line, Anodizing Essentials details the foundation of quality anodizing taking the learner through the entire process – beginning with the metallurgical properties of aluminum alloys commonly anodized through to the final rinse and sealing processes. The Advanced Anodizing class delivers anodizing concepts discussed in scientific terms which are directly tied to the engineering processes of decorative and hard anodizing. Specific attention is paid to pulse anodizing and anodizing difficult alloys manufactured by way of cast and wrought processes.
Registration opens in June. Stay tuned to anodizing.org for additional updates as the program continues to take shape.
The Call for Papers for the 35th Aluminum Anodizing Conference is now open. Professionals that have a case study, insights, best practices or technical topic that could benefit the industry are invited to submit an abstract at members.anodizing.org/call4papers.
