Recap: SAMPE Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025

The SAMPE 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition, held May 19–22 in Indianapolis, Indiana, brought together professionals across materials science and engineering for another year of cutting-edge innovation, knowledge sharing, and industry connection. Once again, SAMPE delivered a powerful mix of technical sessions, keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.

Copps Industries at SAMPE 2025

Copps Industries was proud to participate in this year’s conference, connecting with leaders in composites and advanced materials. We debuted our new and improved booth, showcasing our specialized epoxy solutions for a wide range of industrial markets—from mining to marine to aerospace. The exhibit hall buzzed with energy, offering valuable opportunities to engage with current and future partners and explore how our solutions can meet evolving industry needs.

Keynote: Pushing Boundaries—On Earth and Beyond

This year’s keynote address, “Beyond Gravity: Forging the Future in Space,” by Jennifer Buchli, NASA’s ISS Program Chief Scientist, offered an inspiring look at how materials innovation is shaping space exploration. Buchli detailed how experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station are redefining what’s possible in additive manufacturing, durability testing, and future materials—all with meaningful applications both in orbit and here on Earth.

Themes of Evolution and Next-Generation Solutions

The conference featured several sessions and panels reflecting key themes of advancement in the industry and next-generation solutions. Some of those sessions included:

• Toughness in Composites: Industry experts examined the challenge of toughness in fiber-reinforced composites. Presenters explored solutions like improved fiber-matrix adhesion, optimized orientation, and particulate additions—strategies that align with our own work at Copps in enhancing material durability and extending product lifespan.
• Digital Tools in Material Science: Tutorials on artificial intelligence and other digitalization techniques stood out as a future-focused highlight. Participants gained hands-on experience with AI-powered software and learned how digital tools are transforming the development, testing, and production of new materials to reduce trial and error and accelerate time-to-market.
• High-Performance in Automotive and Motorsports: Advanced materials for automotive and racing applications took center stage in panel discussions exploring lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, and the use of AI in material selection and design. For an added experience, attendees toured the Dallara IndyCar Factory and Purdue’s Sports Engineering Center, witnessing carbon fiber layups, autoclave curing, and real-world feedback systems in action.
• FAA Research on Next-Gen Materials: The FAA’s Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials (JAMS) presented collaborative research on crashworthiness, durability, test methods, and more. Their work shone a spotlight on the importance of certification and standardization as advanced materials become more deeply integrated into transport systems.

More Than a Conference: Education, Innovation, and Connection

With over 200 exhibitors and 60+ product categories, the SAMPE 2025 Exhibit Hall remained a focal point of the event. Live demos, new product rollouts, and the exchange of ideas made the expo floor a dynamic place for insight and community.

In addition to technical sessions, SAMPE offered educational programming spanning ITAR-governed topics, sustainability, and process optimization. Networking events also gave attendees a chance to connect, ranging from student competitions to professional development sessions.

Copps Industries: Continuing the Conversation

Many of this year’s themes resonate with our mission at Copps. As a trusted supplier of epoxy solutions, we’re committed to helping customers meet today’s toughest challenges with products that perform, endure, and adapt.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of the SAMPE 2025 experience and excited to apply what we’ve learned as we continue pushing the boundaries of materials innovation. Reach out and we’ll help you find the best solution to meet your needs in any industry.