The Waterborne Symposium, hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Polymer Science and Engineering, is a premier event dedicated to advancing the science and technology of surface coatings. Scheduled for February 7–12, 2027, on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this symposium brings together industry professionals, researchers, and students to discuss innovative developments in eco-friendly coatings, including waterborne, high-solids, and powder technologies. Attendees can participate in expert-led short courses, technical presentations, and networking opportunities, all aimed at pushing the boundaries of coating performance and sustainability.
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“It’s all in the Chemistry”
Please join us for our 54th Annual International Waterborne, High-Solids, and Powder Coatings Symposium
Hosted by the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi
Join us February 07–12, 2027, in Hattiesburg, MS, for the 54th Annual Waterborne Symposium!
This internationally recognized event is a premier platform for advancing eco-friendly coating technologies. The symposium showcases research from academia, government, and industry, highlighting groundbreaking developments across all aspects of coatings.
Over five dynamic days, the Waterborne Symposium brings together coatings experts, chemists, industry leaders, business professionals, suppliers, students, and educators. It facilitates networking and fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and technologies. Through educational sessions and technical presentations, attendees gain insights into coating science, theory, production, and marketing, pushing the boundaries of coating performance.
The symposium is a cornerstone of the coatings industry, providing opportunities for professional growth, employee training, and collaboration. It also supports advancing academic programs and student development at The University of Southern Mississippi.
School of Polymer Science and Engineering and the waterborne symposium 2026 Information Book
Mission
To administer the preeminent educational/technical forum in the United States directed to the science and technology of surface coatings and to provide revenue to support and advance students at the School of Polymers and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Over $241,000 in Undergraduate Scholarships have been awarded from Waterborne proceeds over the last 8 academic years. Thank you all for your continued support!
Program Overview
Short Courses: February 07 - 09, 2027
Symposium: Wednesday, February 10 - 12, 2027
Technology Showcase Exhibit Hall: February 09 - 11, 2027
Interactive Student Poster Session: February 11, 2027
Who typically attends Waterborne?
Waterborne attendees typically include coatings formulators, research and development scientists/chemists, technical managers or technical sales managers in coatings or related fields, management or marketing executives, owners of small paint companies, coatings end users, coatings applicators/technicians, academicians, and students in chemistry/polymers/coatings. Most (75-85%) of Waterborne attendees are employed in private industry; the balance is academic or government.