It is an interesting yet challenging time for trade shows. Companies are looking closely at where they should participate, with more shows seemingly popping up. Even in a growth industry like energy curing, where applications are emerging and new companies are entering the market, there is a balancing act.

RadTech North America has held its major conference and trade show every two years for decades, and that show has been on even years. After RadTech 2024 in Orlando, RadTech announced that it was shifting to odd years, starting wth RadTech 2025 in Detroit. RadTech 2025 begins May 18, running through May 21 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Mickey Fortune, associate executive director for RadTech – The Association for UV & EB Technology, discussed the idea behind shifting the schedule, adding that this year’s show fits nicely with the re-industrialization trends currently ongoing in the U.S. He noted that RadTech 2024 was a successful show, but holding it on the same schedule as the American Coatings Show was making it difficult for companies to choose.

“After the success of RadTech 2024, particularly with the surge in interest from industries like coil coating and sustainable packaging, we wanted to build on this momentum,” Fortune observed. “Despite the positive turnout, we received feedback from several exhibitors and attendees expressing that the busy trade show calendar, particularly with overlapping events like the American Coatings Show, made it harder for them to decide where to allocate resources.

“We decided to move our event to an off-year from the American Coatings Show to ease that decision-making process, especially as the number of conferences and trade shows continues to grow,” he added. “This shift makes attending RadTech even more accessible and attractive for our community.”

Fortune said the feedback from attendees and exhibitors has been good, although the current business climate has some challenges.

“So far, the feedback has been positive,” Fortune said. “However, there are understandable concerns about macroeconomic factors, such as tariffs and the weakening dollar, and how these may affect businesses in our sector.

“Given the pause many companies are taking on CapEx investments, it’s an interesting time for a trade show, especially one that often serves as a launching point for newcomers to the UV and EB markets,” he added. “A recent survey we conducted revealed that a majority of our attendees over the past 12 years have been first-timers, eager to learn about UV and EB technology and connect with the supply chain. Notably, we’re seeing an uptick in attendance from potential end users, particularly in industrial sectors, which we see as a strong signal of ongoing industry expansion despite current market conditions.”

The selection of Detroit for this year’s show is a change in pace, and Fortune said it is an ideal one, as industrial use cases are emerging for energy curing.

“With signs of a re-industrialization movement in the U.S., we felt Detroit—home to one of the nation’s most iconic industrial hubs—was the perfect location for RadTech 2025,” Fortune noted. “Detroit’s rich industrial legacy, particularly in the automotive sector, aligns with the innovative spirit we want to highlight at this year’s event. Additionally, Detroit’s central location makes it easily accessible for both our domestic and international attendees, offering excellent travel connectivity.”

Attendees can expect plenty of highlights from RadTech 2025, as RadTech is bringing together a schedule loaded with top speakers, important sessions and insightful presentations.

“RadTech 2025 promises to be a dynamic and forward-thinking event, with three full tracks of technical sessions each day highlighting the latest advancements in UV and EB technology,” Fortune reported. “Attendees can expect to engage in thought-provoking panel discussions on some of the most relevant and emerging topics in the industry, including EB+UV for Coil Coating, UV Curable PSAs for Automotive Applications, and Navigating the Moving Target of Sustainability.

“Additional panels will delve into Water-Based UV Coatings and their role in sustainable finishing, UV+EB Curable Coatings for automotive applications, and strategies for successfully designing, implementing, and maintaining UV processes,” added Fortune. “We’ll also explore innovative solutions for designing labels for circularity and tackle the technical challenge of why photopolymer properties don’t always match the data sheet.

Fortune noted that these sessions will feature a lineup of speakers from industry leaders like PPG, Sherwin-Williams, Henkel, PepsiCo, BASF, and Ford Motor Company, who will share their expertise and facilitate valuable discussions on these critical topics.

“RadTech 2025 is set to be a key event for professionals seeking cutting-edge insights and actionable solutions in the UV and EB sectors,” he said.

There are also new features planned for this year’s conference.

“In addition to our popular North American and European Market Overview presentations, we’re introducing a new feature this year: a comprehensive Outlook on the Global Coatings Industry, presented by The ChemQuest Group,” Fortune said. “We’ll also be unveiling the results of a comparative life cycle assessment of UV/EB/water-based coatings and inks, offering valuable insights into the sustainability and efficiency of different technologies.

Fortune noted that a major highlight this year is a special panel presented by the U.S. Plastics Pact, “Designing Labels for Circularity: Innovations and Solutions for Sustainable Packaging.”

“This panel marks a significant collaboration between RadTech and The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Plastics Pact initiative—an exciting opportunity to engage with some of the most forward-thinking organizations in sustainable packaging,” he observed. “The session will explore how label design can either support or hinder recyclability, the critical role of UV/EB/LED technologies in advancing circular solutions, and strategies to align with future sustainability priorities under the new administration. It’s an essential discussion for anyone involved in the packaging value chain.”

Moving the conference to a new schedule is a challenge, and Fortune said that attendance looks good for RadTech 2025.

“While hosting the event just one year after the last presents unique challenges, we’re encouraged by the strong interest and expect attendance to hold steady with 2024, a promising sign in today’s unpredictable business environment,” he reported. “Despite macroeconomic headwinds impacting many of our members, we’re energized by the opportunity to bring the industry together.

“RadTech 2025 will offer a valuable platform for companies to deepen relationships with existing customers and uncover new growth opportunities,” Fortune concluded. “With an exceptional lineup of speakers and cutting-edge content, we’re confident the event will continue attracting top professionals from the UV and EB industries.”

For more information or to register, please visit https://radtech.org/radtech25/.