ACI Convention 2026: ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention

The ACI Convention 2026, officially known as the ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention, is set to be one of the most important global gatherings for the cleaning products, chemicals, and ingredients supply chain. Each year, this event brings together manufacturers, formulators, chemical suppliers, distributors, and industry decision-makers to discuss innovation, regulations, and the future of cleaning chemistry.

For companies involved in raw materials, specialty chemicals, and formulation support—such as RawSource—the ACI Convention is a strategic opportunity to align sourcing, innovation, and market direction.

This guide covers everything you need to know about ACI Convention 2026, including dates, location, expected attendance, exhibition details, technical chemistry topics, and how RawSource supports the cleaning and chemical industry.

Overview of ACI Convention 2026

The ACI Convention is organized by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), a leading trade association representing companies that produce cleaning products, ingredients, and related technologies. The event focuses on business development, technical education, regulatory updates, and supply-chain collaboration.

Key Event Details

• Event Name: ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention
• Common Name: ACI Convention 2026
• Dates: February 2–6, 2026
• Location: Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Florida

The 2026 convention marks a new chapter for ACI, with the move to Orlando reflecting continued growth in attendance and demand for larger meeting and exhibition spaces.

Save the Dates: Future ACI Conventions

ACI has confirmed future convention dates, allowing companies to plan long-term attendance, sponsorships, and sourcing strategies:

• February 8 – 12, 2027
  Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL
  
• February 7 – 11, 2028
  Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL
  
• January 29 – February 2, 2029
  Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL
  
• February 4 – 8, 2030
  Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL

This multi-year commitment highlights ACI’s focus on consistency, scale, and structured industry engagement.

How Many People Attend the ACI Convention?

The ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention consistently attracts a high-value audience of industry leaders rather than mass foot traffic. In recent years:

• Attendance has exceeded 1,000 professionals
• Participants represent manufacturers, chemical producers, ingredient suppliers, distributors, and service providers
• Attendees come from dozens of countries, making the event truly global

For ACI Convention 2026, similar or higher attendance is expected due to expanded venue capacity and increased interest in supply-chain resilience, sustainability, and formulation innovation.

Exhibition Booths and Business Meetings

Unlike traditional trade shows, the ACI Convention emphasizes structured business meetings and supplier engagement rather than large open expo halls.

What to Expect:

• Supplier booths and exhibitor tables
• Private meeting rooms for pre-scheduled discussions
• Technical presentations and networking receptions
• Dedicated spaces for formulation and supply-chain discussions

This format makes the ACI Convention especially valuable for companies focused on bulk chemicals, specialty ingredients, and long-term partnerships, rather than one-off transactions.

Key Chemistry and Technical Trends Shaping ACI Convention 2026

The ACI Convention is deeply rooted in applied chemistry and real-world formulation challenges. Technical discussions typically focus on performance, compliance, and scalability.

1. Surfactants and Cleaning Performance

Surfactants remain the backbone of cleaning formulations. Key topics include:

• Anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, and cationic surfactants
• Foam control and detergency optimization
• Mildness vs. performance trade-offs
• Compatibility with enzymes and fragrances

2. Builders, Chelants, and Water Conditioning

Hard-water performance continues to drive innovation:

• Chelating agents and sequestrants
• Scale inhibition
• Residue control in laundry and dish applications
• Stability across different water chemistries

3. Solvents and Hydrotropes

Formulators are increasingly focused on:

• Low-VOC and low-odor solvents
• Safer solvent alternatives
• Solubilization of fragrances and actives
• Performance consistency under regulatory constraints

4. Enzymes and Bio-Based Ingredients

Enzymes play a growing role in:

• Stain removal
• Low-temperature cleaning
• Sustainable formulation strategies

Key challenges include enzyme stability, shelf life, and compatibility with preservatives.

5. Preservation and Product Stability

Microbial control and product longevity are major technical concerns:

• Preservative efficacy
• Packaging compatibility
• Viscosity stability
• Color and fragrance stability over time

6. Sustainability and Regulatory Alignment

Sustainability discussions at the ACI Convention often reference high-authority frameworks such as the U.S. EPA Safer Choice program, which provides guidance on ingredient safety, performance, and transparency.

How RawSource Supports the Industry at ACI Convention 2026

As a global chemical supply partner, RawSource aligns closely with the technical and commercial priorities discussed at the ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention.

RawSource Capabilities Relevant to ACI Attendees

1. Bulk and Specialty Chemical Supply

RawSource supports manufacturers with:

• Consistent access to bulk raw materials
• Specialty chemicals used in cleaning formulations
• Strategic sourcing for hard-to-find or discontinued ingredients

2. Supply-Chain Continuity and Risk Mitigation

Supply disruptions are a recurring theme at ACI. RawSource helps customers:

• Identify alternative sources
• Secure second-supply options
• Manage lead times and logistics

3. Formulation and Manufacturing Support

Beyond sourcing, RawSource works with partners on:

• Custom formulations
• Ingredient substitutions
• Performance optimization under regulatory constraints

4. Multi-Industry Expertise

RawSource serves multiple industries—including cleaning, industrial, coatings, and specialty manufacturing—allowing cross-industry innovation and problem-solving.

Why the ACI Convention Matters for the Cleaning Supply Chain

The ACI Convention 2026 is not just a networking event—it is where:

• Ingredient trends become formulation strategies
• Regulatory changes are translated into action
• Supply-chain partnerships are formed or strengthened

For procurement teams, R&D leaders, and operations managers, the convention offers a rare opportunity to align technical requirements with commercial realities in one place.

Preparing for ACI Convention 2026

To maximize value from the ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention:

Before the Event

• Identify key ingredients and sourcing challenges
• Prepare formulation constraints (pH, VOC limits, stability needs)
• Schedule meetings in advance

During the Event

• Focus on high-value, pre-planned discussions
• Explore alternative sourcing options
• Discuss long-term supply agreements

After the Event

• Follow up with suppliers and partners
• Evaluate formulation opportunities
• Implement sourcing and formulation improvements

Final Thoughts

The ACI Convention 2026 continues the tradition of being the most influential annual event for the cleaning products and chemical ingredients industry. With over a thousand industry professionals, deep technical discussions, and a focus on real-world supply-chain challenges, the ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention plays a critical role in shaping the future of cleaning chemistry.

For companies seeking reliable chemical sourcing, formulation support, and industry insight, RawSource is well-positioned to support the conversations and solutions that emerge from ACI Convention 2026.