American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists confirmed the speaker lineup and program details for the AATCC Coloration Conference 2026, taking place February 24–25 at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina. The conference will convene textile and color professionals from product development, R&D, testing, quality control, and sustainability to examine the technologies and practices shaping the future of coloration.

The agenda emphasizes sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation in dyeing and finishing. Sessions will address topics ranging from modern dye laboratory design and digital color communication to natural dyes, enzymatic fiber recycling, and waterless coloration systems. Presentations will be delivered by experts from industry, academia, and solution providers, including representatives from WL Gore & Associates, X-Rite, Archroma, Color Solutions International, North Carolina State University, and Deven Supercritical.

Technical content will include discussions on LED and UV color challenges, precision spray dyeing, salt-free reactive dyeing of cellulose, advances in colorfastness testing, and biobased dyes. Panel sessions and updates from the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University will provide a broader context on research, funding initiatives, and workforce development. Attendees will also have access to guided lab tours, including analytical service labs, digital design facilities, and dyeing and finishing pilot labs.

The conference will conclude its first day with a dinner keynote by Dereck Whittenburg, who will speak on success, failure, and resilience. AATCC noted that early registration discounts are available through February 10, 2026, with reduced member rates. The organization said the event is intended to provide both practical insights and strategic perspectives for professionals working to improve performance, sustainability, and innovation in textile coloration.