This year’s FILTCON event — to be held in Pittsburgh, May 12-15, 2026 — will focus on the theme “Energy Transition & Regulatory Compliance.” Accordingly, the conference will spotlight the pivotal role of filtration and separation in clean energy systems and in meeting increasingly complex global standards. Organized by the American Filtration Society (AFS), FILTCON aims to tackle issues while also inspiring and educating attendees with its conference, short courses, networking opportunities and exhibit area showcasing the latest in filtration and separation technologies.
“FILTCON26 is designed to connect cutting-edge filtration science with the real-world challenges shaping energy and sustainability today,” said Wendy Beach, chair of the FILTCON Planning Committee. “We’re bringing together local universities, industry leaders, and experts from prestigious labs like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to explore topics on data centers, critical minerals, water reuse, and emerging DOE and energy grant opportunities. Add in conversations on AI and digitalization in filtration, plus industry field trips, an opening night welcome reception on a river cruise, and a taste of the local Pittsburgh culture and cuisine, and FILTCON becomes as engaging as it is technically rich.”
Keynote Speakers; Educational Opportunities
Two keynote speakers have been announced for the event. The morning of Wednesday, May 13, Professor Rigoberto Advincula from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., will present a talk on “Critical Minerals Separations: AI/ML-Driven Laboratories and DOE Opportunities.” Advincula will highlight advanced materials for manufacturing, as well as experimental methods and applications that use artificial intelligence/machine learning-driven self-driving laboratories for critical mineral and rare-earth element (REE) recovery, among other ideas and funding opportunities.
On Thursday, May 14, Greg Hoverson, vice president and chief technical officer, Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc., Nashville, Tenn., will discuss “Filtration: The Unsung Enabler of the Energy Transition Protecting Efficiency, Compliance, and Reliability in a Changing Energy Landscape.” He will focus on how filtration and separation technologies support every facet of energy evolution, from renewables and hydrogen to advanced fuels and electrification.
During FILTCON, leading filtration and separation experts will host short courses on a variety of topics. Registrants will receive a certificate and earn EUC credit upon completion of a course. Topics include:
- 3D Printing and Membranes;
- Liquid Filtration General Overview;
- Introduction to Filter Media;
- Microfiltration Membrane;
- Polymer Aerogels as Filter Media;
- Introduction to Solid/Liquid Separation;
- Understanding Activated Carbon: Production, Quality, Application;
- Introduction to Liquid Cartridge Filtration;
- Liquid Filter Testing; and
- Ultrafiltration Membrane.
Details on how to register and the dates and times for each course can be found on the FILTCON website.
Other highlights at FILTCON include a Technical Program, opening night networking reception, student poster competition and awards presentation.
The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown will host the event. FILTCON26 attendees can take advantage of a discounted room rate at the hotel and guarantee to be at the heart of the action.
For more information about FiltCon26 including the complete conference agenda and technical program information, visit afssociety.org/filtcon26.
