The 2026 R2R USA Conference & Expo is ARC’s flagship annual event, serving the entire roll-to-roll converting ecosystem. The 2026 edition, May 19–21, in Cleveland, Ohio, is expected to be the largest in the event’s history, featuring expanded education and exhibit offerings shaped by industry demand for deeper technical knowledge and business connection opportunities.
The R2R USA Conference & Expo will feature a comprehensive multitrack technical education program designed to serve newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, including:
Keynote presentations: Thought leaders and subject-matter experts will deliver opening and plenary keynotes addressing strategic industry trends, technology adoption, market drivers, and more within roll-to-roll manufacturing.
Technical tracks (seven focus areas): Sessions are organized into specialized tracks with deep relevance to current and emerging challenges:
Battery and energy: Roll-to-roll processes in energy storage applications (e.g., electrode coating, scalable manufacturing).
Coating and laminating: Advances in coating technologies, process control, and quality optimization.
Printing: Innovations in high-speed, high-precision printing on flexible substrates.
Sustainability: Strategies for sustainable manufacturing, material efficiency, and regulatory considerations.
Flexible packaging: Process developments and material solutions for consumer and industrial flexible package markets.
Web handling: Best practices for tension control, alignment, web path optimization, and defect reduction.
Vacuum metallizing and coating: Latest advances in thin-film deposition and functional coatings.
Converting Fundamentals courses: Half-day foundational training sessions designed for engineers and technical professionals new to roll-to-roll processes will also focus on troubleshooting, giving attendees real-life examples of common defects and how to resolve them.
Emerging topics: Sessions will also cover forward-looking themes such as extended producer responsibility and AI in manufacturing workflows.
High-value technical education: Deep, actionable insights across seven core technology tracks, plus fundamentals training.
Exposure to emerging trends: Sessions on sustainability frameworks and AI adoption keep attendees ahead of market shifts.
Market-leading product and technology demos: An expanded exhibit hall showcases state-of-the-art solutions from equipment makers and material suppliers.
Business development and networking: Structured receptions and community events drive partnership and sales opportunities.
Professional recognition: Participation in award programs and community highlights enhances visibility and industry standing.
https://www.rolltoroll.org/2026-r2r-usa
A significantly expanded exhibit floor with larger booth footprints allows vendors to present working equipment, live demonstrations, interactive displays and product launches. This environment provides a practical, hands-on look at the latest technologies shaping roll-to-roll manufacturing and associated supply chains.
Beyond education, R2R USA offers structured networking, starting with a kickoff reception at Pins with small-group activities, mechanical bowling, and classic arcade games, followed by evening receptions and a charity 5K.
For roll-to-roll professionals looking to sharpen technical expertise and build meaningful industry connections, this is the one event of the year you can’t miss. Register today by scanning the code on the previous page or visiting www.rolltoroll.org/2026-r2r-usa. █
