What Events Does NASF Host, Such as the Washington Forum?

Updated

NASF hosts the Washington Forum, scheduled for September 21–23, 2026, according to the association's website. The event brings together more than two dozen experts and thought leaders for discussions with leaders from the surface finishing industry, and it includes meetings between finishing industry representatives, lawmakers, and staff on Capitol Hill. If you work in or with the surface finishing industry and want a direct line to policy discussions in Washington, this is the event NASF publicly highlights.

What the Washington Forum Involves

The NASF homepage describes the Washington Forum as combining two elements:

  • Industry discussions — sessions featuring over two dozen experts and thought leaders, focused on the surface finishing industry.
  • Capitol Hill meetings — finishing industry representatives meet with lawmakers and their staff.

That combination distinguishes it from a purely technical conference: part of the value is the legislative access, not just the programming.

Who It Is For

The event is aimed at representatives of the surface finishing industry and related businesses. If your company's interests are affected by regulation, trade, or environmental policy touching surface coatings and finishing, the Hill meetings are the part most directly relevant to you.

Dates and How to Get Details

  • Dates: September 21–23, 2026
  • Details and registration: NASF lists a "Learn More" link for the Washington Forum on its homepage. Start at nasf.org and follow the Washington Forum entry under the events section.

The site does not publish pricing, registration deadlines, or a detailed agenda on the homepage, so those specifics need to be confirmed through the event page or by contacting NASF directly.

Other NASF Events and Engagement Points

The Washington Forum is not the only way to engage. The NASF site also points to:

  • Training and courses — the NASF Foundation is described as the education standard for the finishing industry, with short Math and Chemistry Challenges (eight-question quizzes) as entry points before more advanced courses.
  • Membership — options for Job Shops, Suppliers, Distributors, and more, with a Membership Value Calculator to estimate savings based on the benefits you would use.
  • News and updates — industry news maintained on the site.
  • NASF 1000 — a fundraising effort to sustain government relations work over the next decade, with donations restricted to that purpose.

Practical Notes

If your main goal is policy contact, the Washington Forum is the event NASF explicitly frames around Capitol Hill meetings. If your goal is technical skills, the courses and challenges are the more direct route. For anything involving dates, fees, or registration logistics beyond what is listed, verify with NASF directly rather than relying on secondhand summaries.