SMART26 is set to become a landmark event for all players in the industrial finishing supply chain – a unique opportunity to share visions, best practices, and look ahead to the future together.
UCIF – he Unione Costruttori Impianti di Finitura, part of Anima Confindustria Meccanica – officially announces the next edition of SMART
– Surface. Manufacturing. Advanced. Research. Trends., the biennial conference dedicated to innovation in industrial finishing. The event will take place on 20th May 2026 at the Centro Congressi Fondazione Cariplo in Milan.
Exactly one year before the event, UCIF unveils the theme of SMART26, addressing today’s most pressing challenges: ‘Sustainability means value creation: how innovation, AI, and digitalisation are driving change.’
The message is clear: just like a generative AI prompt, the theme encourages new ideas, the rethinking of traditional processes, and bold exploration of future directions. The event’s visual identity is equally striking: a vibrant collage blending robotics, nature, and AI, with Michelangelo’s iconic David at the center – a symbol of human culture – set against a bold fuchsia backdrop, far removed from traditional industrial aesthetics.
This visual concept is no coincidence: it reflects UCIF’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary dialogue, experimentation, and continuous transformation.
In anticipation of the event, the SMART portal is already online – a digital hub and reference point for the industrial finishing sector. The platform offers high-quality content, frequent updates, and expert insights, targeting companies, technicians, researchers, and innovators alike.
“Today more than ever, tools like the SMART portal are essential to support a constantly evolving industry. This platform is a valuable resource for companies and professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest trends and tackle future challenges. SMART26 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for the entire industrial finishing supply chain – a unique opportunity to share knowledge, visions, and best practices with a forward-looking perspective,” has stated Daryush Arabnia, President of UCIF.