The ICMCTF is internationally recognized as a vibrant technical conference that integrates fundamental and applied research focused on thin film deposition, characterization, and advanced surface modification techniques. ICMCTF is the premier international meeting in the field promoting global exchange of information among scientists, technologists, and manufacturers. The conference draws 800 attendees each year with multiple oral technical sessions. The poster session is well attended and is a major component of the technical program. Additional elements of the conference program include a two day exhibition of the latest equipment, materials and services used for the deposition, monitoring and characterization of coatings and thin films. Short courses and tutorials are offered.

The conference is organized in different technical symposia to address experimental, theoretical, and manufacturing issues associated with development of new coating materials and processes, dynamics of film growth, development of functional coatings, and evolving approaches to scale-up for commercial applications. The eight concurrent symposia A through H on vacuum processing techniques address the topics described by the symposium titles shown below. There will be special topical symposia (TS1 – TS3) on atomistics of thin film growth, on coatings for fuel cell applications, and on bio-engineered surfaces and coatings.