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Two Conferences, One Mission
This fall, Polyurea Magazine traveled to both the CPI Polyurethanes Technical Conference and the PDA Annual Conference, covering two of the most influential gatherings shaping the future of coatings, elastomers, and material science.
While each event serves a distinct audience, both share one theme: the industry is evolving fast, and polyurea continues to stand at the center of that progress.
Our editors walked the exhibit floors, sat in on technical sessions, and connected with researchers, applicators, and innovators to uncover what’s next for polyurea, polyurethane, and hybrid systems alike.
Insights from the CPI Polyurethanes Technical Conference
Held October 6–8, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, the CPI conference brought together hundreds of experts from around the world. Hosted by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry, the event focused on chemistry innovation, sustainability, and the regulatory forces reshaping how coatings are developed and applied.
Among the key highlights this year was a panel on decarbonization, where manufacturers discussed real strategies for reducing carbon emissions in polyurethane and elastomer production. The sessions connected directly with polyurea professionals who face similar challenges balancing performance, durability, and environmental responsibility.
The conference also expanded its Professional Development Program, introducing virtual modules on AI-assisted formulation design and bio-based raw materials. These topics hint at how data science is becoming more relevant to spray coating technologies — helping engineers predict cure times, adhesion properties, and weathering performance before materials even reach the field.
Perhaps one of the most energizing parts of CPI was its Innovation Award ceremony. Among the finalists were Algenesis Labs for its biodegradable Soleic® platform and ICP Group for its HFO-based HandiFoam® E84 system. These products reflect the shift toward sustainability and performance that parallels the direction of modern polyurea systems.
CPI also hosted its first Women in Polyurethanes Luncheon, highlighting the growing number of female leaders in research, application, and manufacturing. For us, it was a reminder that progress in material science depends as much on inclusion as it does on innovation.
The PDA Conference: Polyurea at Its Core
A few days later, we were in Kansas City, Missouri, for the Polyurea Development Association’s 25th Anniversary Conference.
If CPI is where new chemistry is born, PDA is where that chemistry meets the real world.
From live demonstrations to technical papers, the PDA conference showcased what’s possible when theory meets field experience.
Contractors, equipment suppliers, and chemists gathered to explore everything from high-build spray techniques to robotic application systems — yes, robots are now officially part of the conversation in polyurea.
Sessions on automated proportioning and spray control drew packed audiences. These discussions showed how digital monitoring and AI-based calibration tools could soon redefine coating consistency, especially on large infrastructure projects.
Hands-on demos at the Crowne Plaza’s exhibit area were another major draw. Attendees watched spray operators apply coatings under varying humidity and temperature conditions, highlighting how real-time adjustments in pressure and material balance affect finish quality. It was a practical lesson in why training remains the backbone of this industry.
To celebrate its milestone anniversary, PDA also gave attendees a chance to win equipment that reflects the spirit of innovation — from a Graco P2 spray gun to a FLIR thermal camera, both valuable tools for ensuring coating accuracy and adhesion validation.
Networking was at its best this year. Conversations extended beyond technical topics to include mentorship, safety, and career development — capped off with a classic Kansas City barbecue that felt more like a reunion than a conference dinner.
What We Learned from Both
Traveling from St. Louis to Kansas City, one theme became clear: polyurea’s influence continues to expand far beyond its origins.
At CPI, polyurea was discussed as part of the greater movement toward sustainability, digital process control, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. At PDA, it stood as the centerpiece — the technology being refined, tested, and trusted in the field every day.
Together, these two conferences form a full circle of innovation: from research and formulation to application and performance.
The conversations we had, the people we met, and the ideas exchanged will shape the stories and case studies you’ll see in Polyurea Magazine throughout the coming year.
Looking Ahead
Polyurea Magazine’s goal is not only to report on where the industry stands, but also to connect the dots between chemistry, application, and real-world performance.
As sustainability, AI, and automation become integral to the coatings landscape, we’ll continue to explore what those shifts mean for applicators, specifiers, and manufacturers.
For now, one thing is certain: whether it’s a conference floor or a job site, the energy around polyurea has never been stronger.
About the Author
Polyurea Magazine is the leading digital publication for the global polyurea and protective coatings industry. We provide expert interviews, case studies, and insights into the materials shaping tomorrow’s infrastructure, defense, and industrial sectors.
