2025 ABMA Convention: Strategies for a Shifting Landscape
The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) concluded its 2025 Annual Convention yesterday at the picturesque Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort near Austin, Texas. Running from March 25-27, this year’s event has once again delivered a dynamic blend of business insights, innovation, and networking opportunities for brush industry professionals.
The convention opened Tuesday with a full slate of committee meetings, followed by a lively “Minute to Win It” team-building competition managed by the Hyatt team. The day transitioned into an evening of connections, starting with the Emerging Leaders and New Attendees Reception, followed by a welcome reception for all guests.
Business and Innovation Take Center Stage
Wednesday featured the ABMA Business Session, which offered key updates and announcements that point to the industry’s strong future.
Wooster Brush Company Wins Innovation Award: The session’s highlight was the presentation of the 2025 ABMA Innovation Award to Wooster Brush Company for their groundbreaking Flex & Fit™ Brush Series. This inventive line of paintbrushes, designed with flexible, ergonomic handles, has set a new standard for comfort and adaptability in the paint applicator market. The award recognizes leadership in design, functionality, and industry advancement. See video of the award presentation on our YouTube channel.
Looking Ahead: In major scheduling news, ABMA confirmed:
• The World Brush Expo 2028 will be held in Ghent, Belgium, from May 16-18, co-hosted with the European Brushware Federation (FEIBP).
• The 109th ABMA Convention is set for Puerto Rico, March 24-27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.
• Bonita Springs, Florida, is on the calendar for the 2027 Convention.
Membership and Scholarships
The ABMA reported 98 total members for 2025, noting a three percent decrease from the prior year, primarily due to industry consolidations. Two outstanding students were named recipients of the Kathy K. Parr Memorial Scholarship:
• Joey Ciullo, a freshman studying business and data science at the University of Illinois and the son of Rachel Ciullo from Composite Cutter Technology.
• Bryce Pence, a sophomore finance major at Howard Payne University and son of an employee at Zephyr Mfg.
Keynote Speaker Gene Marks: Navigating Economic Change
Business columnist and speaker Gene Marks delivered a timely keynote, covering strategies for addressing labor shortages, understanding the evolving tariff landscape, and preparing for economic shifts affecting manufacturing in the years ahead.
Final Day: Face to Face and “Trail’s End”
The convention’s final day, Thursday, featured ABMA’s premier networking opportunity — the Face-to-Face meetings. These fast-paced, 15-minute sessions connect manufacturers directly with suppliers, enabling efficient relationship-building and deal-making. This structured matchmaking format is consistently ranked as one of the most valuable elements of the ABMA Convention and this year’s event had 27 supplier tables available for meetings with manufacturers.
After a free afternoon for networking, recreation or exploring the resort’s amenities, the event wrapped up with the “Trail’s End” closing reception — a festive finale that gave attendees one last chance to connect and celebrate a productive and forward-looking gathering.
To learn more about the ABMA, visit www.abma.org.
Day One Photos
