2026 Qualicoat Congress in Munich — 40 Years of Qualicoat

The 2026 Qualicoat Congress will focus, among other things, on architectural projects featuring coated aluminum, technical and regulatory developments, sustainability, and quality assurance. Two anniversaries provide a special backdrop: 40 years of Qualicoat and 30 years of Qualideco. Licensees and certified users of these two established quality marks, general licensees, as well as experts from the fields of architecture, construction, and the aluminum industry—along with other interested parties—will gather from around the world for this special occasion. At the heart of it all is the Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminum (VOA), which, as the German general licensee, is particularly pleased to welcome the Qualicoat community to Germany. The congress’s motto is “Inspired by Architecture, Trusted by Professionals.” In keeping with this theme, Qualicoat is deliberately broadening its focus beyond its own quality network. Presentations from the fields of architecture and planning, as well as from system integrators, coaters, and technical experts, will offer diverse perspectives on the entire value chain and provide new impetus for the industry.

Qualicoat Congress 2026 with Three Thematic Blocks

Three thematic blocks structure the technical program on November 20 at the Sofitel München Bayerpost: “Architecture, Design, and Projects,” “System Houses and Project Delivery,” and “Technical, Regulatory, and Legislative Developments.” The program thus covers a wide range of topics, from applications and projects in architecture and construction to quality and sustainability, as well as current technical and legal requirements. Confirmed speakers include Werner Frosch (Henning Larsen GmbH, architectural firm), Philipp Bauer and Stefan Erb (HPP Architekten GmbH), Dr. Theresa Villinger and Marc Holz (Ift Rosenheim GmbH/IFO Institut für Oberflächentechnik GmbH), Dr. Christoph Gamer (SurTec Deutschland GmbH), Sencan Kizilkaya (Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings B.V.), Paul Voss (European Aluminium), Bernard Gilmont (European Association for Surface Treatment on Aluminum, or ESTAL for short), Lars van den Berg (Novastruct), Prof. Iris De Graeve (Free University of Brussels), and Ahmed Talaat (Union Coatings and Chemical Industries, Egypt – Quali Middle East Association, or QMEA for short). The international scope of the conference is thus already evident in the lineup of speakers. The official language of the conference is English; simultaneous interpretation into French, Spanish, Italian, and German will be provided. An accompanying trade exhibition also offers companies the opportunity to present their products and solutions to an international audience of industry professionals.

VOA Invites Member Companies and Interested Parties

The anniversary program will kick off festively on November 19 with a highlight tour of the Allianz Arena, followed by a reception and a gala dinner. In an extraordinary atmosphere, the evening offers an opportunity to celebrate both anniversaries together, strengthen industry ties, and forge new connections. VOA Managing Director Kathrin Lämmermann emphasizes: “As the German general licensee, we are particularly pleased that Qualicoat is celebrating its 40th anniversary and Qualideco’s 30th anniversary with a conference in Munich. The conference will provide professional insights, strengthen the network, and at the same time broaden perspectives on architecture, planning, and the construction industry.” The VOA invites its member companies in particular—but also all interested parties—to take advantage of this opportunity for professional exchange and to attend the 2026 Qualicoat Conference in Munich.