Membership Memo: July/Aug 2026

Powder Coating is Not Only an Application, It is a Community

Contributed by Chris Beninati 

While I have worked in the paint and coatings industry for much of my career, I decided to make powder coating my primary focus more than a decade ago. To better understand the market and its applications, I joined the Powder Coating Institute (PCI). Since that time, I have attended many of the technical conferences and annual meetings. More recently, I have had the honor of being elected by membership to serve on the PCI board of directors.

If I could offer one piece of advice to newcomers entering the industry it would be to get involved with PCI. If you do, you will quickly discover what I have found to be true: powder coating is not just an application, it is a community. The people involved are passionate about what they do and are incredibly generous with sharing their experience and willingness to help others succeed.

This fall, I have already made plans to attend the first Business Growth Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event represents an exciting evolution from the traditional annual meetings by placing a stronger emphasis on both personal and professional development. It also provides a unique opportunity not only to learn from industry leaders, but to connect with them on a personal level.

Over the years, I have come to know many leaders throughout the powder coating industry. Without exception, I have found them willing to help those in need and committed to advancing and promoting the industry as a whole. Many of the individuals involved with PCI have spent decades working in powder coating and possess an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to share, especially with those just entering the industry or trying to find their way.

Whether you are new to powder coating or a seasoned veteran, attending PCI events and becoming involved at the committee level offers tremendous value. PCI membership provides the opportunity to build relationships with industry leaders while also helping pass along critical knowledge to the next generation.

If you are interested in becoming more involved with PCI, whether you are new to the industry or have experience and knowledge to share, please feel free to reach out.

Chris Beninati is vice president at Elcometer and is a member of PCI’s board of directors.