About the symposium
What is the Waterborne Symposium?
The International Waterborne, High-Solids, and Powder Coatings Symposium is an annual coatings conference focused on environmentally friendly coating technologies. It brings together industry professionals, researchers and students for short courses, technical presentations, an exhibit hall and networking. 2027 marks the 54th annual symposium.
Who hosts the Waterborne Symposium?
The symposium is hosted by the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi. Proceeds support scholarships and student development in the school, with over $241,000 in undergraduate scholarships awarded over the last 8 academic years.
Who attends?
Attendees include coatings formulators, R&D scientists and chemists, technical and sales managers, executives, owners of small paint companies, coatings end users and applicators, academics, and students in chemistry, polymers and coatings. Most attendees (75–85%) work in private industry; the rest come from academia and government.
What topics are covered?
The program covers waterborne, high-solids, powder and other sustainable coatings technologies, including formulation, raw materials, additives, pigments, equipment, testing and emerging areas such as UV-cure and smart coatings.
Dates and location
When is the 2027 Waterborne Symposium?
The 54th Waterborne Symposium runs February 7–12, 2027.
Where is the symposium held?
The symposium takes place on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Is there a virtual or online option?
The symposium itself is held in person. If you can't attend, the Online Short Courses offer coatings training you can take from anywhere.
Registration
How do I register?
Register online through the registration page. You can register for the full symposium, individual short courses, or both.
How much does registration cost?
Symposium registration is $899 EB/$999. Short courses, workshops, exhibit booths, etc. are available at an additional cost. Prices are listed during registration. Student discounts are available. Please email for assistance with student discounts: hannele.heusser@usm.edu.
Is there a registration deadline?
Early Bird discounted pricing ends December 2 at Midnight. Online registration closes February 3, 2027. On-site registration is available.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations received by January 1, 2027, are refunded minus a 50% cancellation fee. Some items are non-refundable.
Short courses
What short courses are offered?
The 2027 short courses run February 7–9 and include:
• "Sustainability 8" Certification
• Formulating Science Mobile Laboratory
See About Our Short Courses for details.
Who should take a short course?
The courses suit formulators, chemists, technicians, sales and technical staff, and anyone new to the coatings industry who wants practical, expert-led training.
· Beginner: Fundamentals of Coatings
· Intermediate: Formulating Science Mobile Laboratory
· Advanced: Reformulating to Waterborne Coatings
Do I need to register for the symposium to take a short course?
No. Short courses can be taken separately. This option is available during the registration process.
Do short courses offer certificates or continuing education credit?
Sustainability 8 provides a certificate upon completion.
Are short courses available online?
Yes. The Online Short Courses provide coatings training you can complete from anywhere, any time of year.
Exhibiting and sponsorship
How can my company exhibit?
The Technology Showcase Exhibit Hall is open February 9–11, 2027. See the Exhibit page to reserve a booth, view the floor plan and check the exhibitor schedule. Regular booth/tabletop is $1,500. Premium booth/tabletop is $3,000.
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
Sponsorships include receptions, coffee breaks, the short course breakfast, the keynote speaker, the Student Poster Session, and name badges and pocket schedules. See Sponsorship Opportunities for current options and pricing.
Why sponsor or exhibit?
The symposium puts you in front of coatings formulators, chemists, technical managers and decision-makers, most of whom work in private industry. Sponsorship also supports polymer science students at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Speakers, papers and students
How can I present a technical talk?
See Information for Speakers for presentation guidelines.
Who is speaking in 2027?
The 2027 Speakers page lists confirmed speakers and technical talks, and is updated as presentations are confirmed.
Are there awards for technical papers?
Yes. The symposium recognizes outstanding technical papers each year. See Paper Awards for past winners.
Can students present their research?
Yes. Students present polymer and coatings research to industry leaders at the Interactive Student Poster Session on February 11, 2027. See Student Poster Submissions for guidelines. Abstract submissions for the poster session are due Friday, November 13, 2026.
Travel and lodging
What is the closest airport to Hattiesburg and The University of Southern Mississippi?
The closest airport is Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB), about 30 miles away. Larger airports within driving distance include:
See Transportation for ground transportation options.
Where should I stay?
See Hattiesburg Hotels for hotels near campus.
What is there to do in Hattiesburg?
See Hattiesburg, MS for dining, attractions, and visitor information.
Contact
Who do I contact with questions?
Email info@waterbornesymposium.com or use the Contact Us page.
How do I stay updated?
Follow the symposium on Facebook, Instagram, and X for announcements and speaker news.