STLE 2026 Annual Meeting

STLE 2026 Annual Meeting
STLE's 80th Annual Meeting & Exhibition features over 500 technical presentations, 11 full day education courses, over 100 exhibitors and sponsors and a variety of networking and social events.

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When
5/17/2026 - 5/21/2026
Where
Hyatt Regency New Orleans New Orleans, LA 70113 UNITED STATES

Program

   

Sunday, 17 May 2026

 
STLE NextGen Fund Donation
The STLE NextGen Fund invites members, industry partners and friends of tribology to help develop the next generation of tribologists and lubrication engineers. Your tax-deductible gift to the fund will support the following programs and initiatives.
Category
Donation
Time
5/17/2026 7:00 AM - 5/22/2026 12:00 PM
7:00 AM

Data Management for AI in Tribology (Beginner To Advanced)
Participants will explore why AI projects often become 90% data wrangling and how good data management is the solution. We will cover methods for managing data, from legacy formats (PDF, Excel) to FAIR principles, and discuss AI applications for both "small" and "large" datasets. Key topics also include data security, local AI deployment, and leveraging public databases for research. Through active sessions, attendees will gain hands-on experience with data visualization, reporting, and the data reshaping necessary for AI modeling. This course is suitable for STLE attendees who want to build a foundational understanding of managing data for research and AI.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Electric Vehicles
This full-day course provides an in-depth exploration of the specialized fluids and complex components critical to modern electric vehicle (EV) performance and longevity. As EV architectures place unique demands on lubricants and coolants—requiring simultaneous thermal management, electrical insulation, and traditional friction reduction—this course connects the essential test methods with the chemical and physical challenges of the EV environment. We begin by examining EV Driveline Components, analyzing the thermal and mechanical stresses on electric motors, gearboxes, and power electronics. The core of the course focuses on E-Fluid Development, detailing the multi-functional requirements and material compatibility necessary for next-generation formulations. Participants will learn specialized Test Methods for Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Fluids, including electrical conductivity, oxidation stability under copper corrosion, and heat transfer effectiveness. A dedicated module addresses critical operational issues such as Foaming and Aeration under high-speed operation. Finally, the course culminates by quantifying the vital role of these fluids in maximizing system Energy Efficiency and extending overall vehicle range.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Hydraulics
This course will provide an overview of hydraulic fluids and their application. Specific sessions will cover the primary types of hydraulic pumps and valves, the importance of fluid cleanliness and filtration, the composition of different hydraulic fluid types, and test methods for evaluating fluid performance and life. The course will also feature an interactive failure analysis workshop.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Metalworking Fluids 125
T MWF 125 will provide participants with an understanding of the fundamentals of the primary health and safety issues with which fluid managers, machine operators, shop stewards and managers must be familiar in order to provide workers with a safe work environment. The first half of the program covers these issues from industrial hygiene, toxicology and microbial health risk perspectives. The second half of the program focuses on recently implemented global harmonized standards (GHS) • particularly on changes to the 2012 revision to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS - 29CFR1910.1200). Course participants will receive an overview of GHS and more detailed explanations of several key elements of HCS: Safety Data Sheet (SDS • replacing the familiar MSDS) formatting and information requirements, classification of chemical mixture risks, and interpretation of the new GHS pictograms.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Synthetics
The Synthetic Fluids course is designed primarily for formulators and users of lubricating materials. This course provides an overview of non-petroleum based lubricants, their comparison to each other and to petroleum oil. Each section covers the chemistry & manufacture, strength and weaknesses, rationale for choice for specific applications and their formulary properties meeting Automotive & Industrial Standards & OEM Specifications.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Advanced Lubrication 301
Advanced Lubrication 301 covers the molecular structures and chemistries of lubricant additive types, their functions and applications. Additives examined will include antioxidants, rust inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, antiwear additives, extreme pressure additives, and friction modifiers. Additionally, viscosity modifiers will be discussed and their applications in modern lubricants will be elucidated.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Basic Lubrication 103
Basic Lubrication 103 is primarily for the person entering the lubrication field who needs a broad introduction to lubricants, lubricant building blocks, and lubricating materials. Tihs course is also for persons not directly involved, but who need a borad overview of lubricants and basic lubricating materials. This course does not require the course taker to have a formal scientific degree or background, although many technical terms and concepts are covered. Experienced people attend the course to be kept up to date on the latest developments, especially in those areas not directly related to their job function or area of expertise. Thus, Basic Lubrication 103 is usually attended by a broad cross section of people such as technical, technical service, sales, marketing, manufacturing, maintenance and managers who in some way are involved in the industry. The Basic course will focus on the fundamentals of lubrication associated with fluid film lubrication and grease as it applies to basic lubricated components such as gears and bearings. Also, the course will review some basics around base stocks, synthetic lubricants and lab testing
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Monday, 18 May 2026

 
Annual Meeting Networking Reception
This social function is open to all attendees, guests and exhibitors. Tickets are not required to attend, but an accurate count assists us in planning the event. Please indicate how many guests you will bring.
Category
Social
Time
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
5:30 PM

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

 
Yoga & Pilates Wellness Sessions (Tues-Wed)
Tribology, the science of movement, and wellness share a common goal: enhancing performance. Like lubrication reduces friction, yoga and Pilates improve mobility, balance, and strength, creating smoother motion in both machines and bodies.

Kickstart your day with refreshing yoga and Pilates sessions at STLE’s 2026 Annual Meeting. This wellness event is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and contribute to the STLE NextGen Fund.

This discounted selection is for both 1-hour Tuesday Yoga and 1-hour Wednesday Pilates. Registration Fee: $50.

All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the STLE NextGen Fund.
Category
Social
Time
5/19/2026 6:00 AM - 5/20/2026 7:00 AM
6:00 AM

Yoga Session - Tuesday Morning Only
Kickstart your day with a refreshing yoga session at STLE’s 2026 Annual Meeting.

Registration Fee: $30 for a 1-hour session of yoga.

All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the STLE NextGen Fund.
Category
Social
Time
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
6:00 AM

President's Luncheon and Business Meeting
Tickets must be printed in advance, and will be printed with your badge. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING, SEATING IS LIMITED. Seating available from 11:50 am - 12:15 pm.
Category
Lunch
Time
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:00 PM

Guest Luncheon Ticket
BRINGING A GUEST? Purchase a ticket to the Presidential Luncheon for your guest, if you plan on joining us for this event. Tickets must be printed in advance, and will be attached to your badge. Seating available from 11:50 am - 12:15 pm.
Category
Lunch
Time
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

 
Pilates Session - Wednesday Morning Only
Kickstart your day with a refreshing Pilates session at STLE’s 2026 Annual Meeting.

Registration Fee: $30 for a 1-hour session of Pilates.

All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the STLE NextGen Fund.
Category
Social
Time
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
6:00 AM

Metalworking Fluids 240
This course is in response to many students of our other MWF courses who asked for a course on how to formulate. It will begin with some universal formulating basics, such as experimental design, order of additions for ingredients, and considerations when scaling up from beakers to large blending tanks. Also covered will be base stocks, performance additives, emulsifier selection, HLB, qualification tests, optimization for stability both in the drum and in use, bioresistance, microbicide selection and use, and recalcitrant functional additives. Our instructors will then discuss formulating for disposability and for global distribution. A panel discussion with all instructors will complete the course. While several example formulations will be presented throughout the sessions, this course will NOT be providing specific ready-to-use commercial formulations.
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

Advanced Lubrication 302
This year, the newly enhanced Advanced Lubrication 302 takes place offsite at Tulane University—just a short bus ride from the Annual Meeting venue. This immersive course delivers a deep dive into lubrication regimes, wear mechanisms, and lubricant failure analysis, paired with hands-on experimentation in a fully equipped tribology lab. Led by renowned industry experts, the program is designed for advanced practitioners eager to master the physics, materials science, and chemistry behind tribological contacts. Through interactive small-group sessions, participants will investigate real-world failure modes in gears, bearings, and combustion engines, engaging directly with leading specialists. Practical case studies will reinforce failure analysis techniques, ensuring participants leave with actionable insights that bridge theory and application. *Corporate membership free education courses are not able to be used for this course*
Category
Course
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM

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Ala-Carte Registration for
STLE's Annual Meeting
& Exhibition 
 If you are at the event working an exhibit booth or only wish to attend a single education course or technical session, this is the option for you. 
 This ala-carte registration will allow those with limited availability to register for a single course, spend one day visiting technical sessions and social functions on that day.  

 *If you are attending more than one day or education course, you should register for the full event as the bundled pricing is discounted and will save you money.