Women’s Event Offers Learning, Inspiration and Connection

PF’s Lori Beckman and Katie Smith. Source (All Images) | Products Finishing

What event brings together females who work in the surface finishing industry to network, learn from each other, and support one another in their professional roles and their roles as women living their best lives? The Women in Finishing (WiF) Forum, organized by the Chemical Coaters Association International, of course!The forum’s 2025 edition, the sixth installation, was held May 7-9 at the Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The two-day forum featured a variety of professional development and industry-related sessions geared toward women in the industry, including speakers, networking lunches, dinner and receptions, a team building exercise, leadership panel and round table discussions. The group also visited Surplus Coatings in Kent City, Michigan, for a plant tour of the powder coating recycling facility.

Surplus Coatings facility tour. 

The 80 attendees represented all North American countries for the first time. They traveled from 17 states, as well as Mexico and Canada, and encompassed women employed by industry suppliers/manufacturers and end users.

PF’s executive editor, Lori Beckman, and marketing coordinator, Katie Smith, were also in attendance. They left feeling energized and empowered by the strong encouragement generated by the forum.   

For more information about the Women in Finishing Forum, visit womeninfinishing.org/forum.html. 

WiF encompassed women employed by industry suppliers/manufacturers and end users.