Published 06/16/2026

Investing Wisely in the Industry's Future

From the NASF Awards Ceremony and 40 Under 40 honorees to candid conversations about capital investments and workforce pipelines, here's what defined this year's SUR/FIN surface finishing event.

Scott Francis

Editor-In-Chief, Gardner Business Media

The surface finishing industry gathered in Rosemont, Illinois, in early June for SUR/FIN 2026, and by nearly every measure, it was a strong showing. Nearly 1,900 attendees filled the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for three days of technical education, networking and innovation, with 168 exhibiting companies and more than 70 educational and technical sessions covering everything from PFAS treatment and wastewater technologies to AI, aerospace finishing and workforce development.

Several conversations on the show floor revolved around investments — and more specifically, how to make them wisely. With new tax incentives and bonus depreciation provisions promised by the current administration for manufacturers investing in new equipment, there was considerable buzz about new capital investments. While a certain amount of excitement is understandable, it’s a good time for a reminder to be careful and measured when considering new equipment. As Remington Schieffer, vice president at American CRS Equipment, expressed in an interview at the show, enthusiasm for tax incentives can sometimes outrun strategic thinking.

“It might not be the best use of funds just because it’s got a tax incentive,” Schieffer cautioned. “There might be something more meaningful that will help future-proof your plant or bring it ahead of the curve on legislation that's coming.”

It’s a refreshingly candid perspective from someone who sells rectifiers for a living. Schieffer’s advice: talk to vendors, yes — but talk to many vendors. Bring in experienced consultants who can look at the whole picture, from bussing and anode baskets to chemical protection and operator training. Make sure the investment is heading in the right direction before you write the check.

You can hear more from Schieffer in the corresponding On the Line podcast interview and accompanying column in the upcoming PF July issue. It’s a conversation worth your time.

PF also recognized 40 Under 40 award recipients at SUR/FIN 2026.

Another major theme at SUR/FIN — workforce education — is one the finishing industry has been grappling with for years, and it’s encouraging to see it continue to command attention on the main stage and in the breakout sessions. The pipeline of skilled finishing professionals doesn’t fill itself, and the work being done by companies, associations and educators to change that deserves both recognition and continued urgency.

Speaking of recognition, PF was proud to celebrate several of our own honorees in coordination with the NASF Awards Ceremony. This year’s Top Shops in the Plating & Anodizing category were highlighted at the show, and you’ll find the complete list of qualifying Tops shops revealed in this Top Shops Insider column. PF also celebrated its 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, recognizing the emerging leaders shaping this industry’s future, as well as its Champions of the Industry Awards, which honored individuals whose contributions to surface finishing span decades. Vince Noonan of Sheffield Platers and the NASF Foundation, and Curtis Goad of Goad Co. were recognized and we were grateful to celebrate them alongside so many of their peers.

The NASF Awards Ceremony itself was a highlight of the week, with honors going to a distinguished group of industry contributors including the following:

Scientific Achievement Award — Elizabeth Podlaha-Murphy, Clarkson University
Award of Merit
- Brett Larick, Columbia Chemical Corp.
- Patrick Deland, Technic Inc.
- Lon Thrasher, Palm Commodities International LLC
- Tula Puja, Accu-Labs Inc.
August P. Munning Award — Brad Majoy, Pavco Inc.
Taormina Award — Mitch Marsh, Marsh Plating

All told, SUR/FIN 2026 reinforced what makes this industry great: a community that shows up — to learn, to mentor, to celebrate its own and to face challenges head-on. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, to NASF for a great show, and thanks to everyone who stopped by the PF booth to share in the conversation.