The conversations shaping the industry
By Rebecca Lintow, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report March 2026
Share your insights and learn from other experts with new interactive programming at the 2026 STLE Annual Meeting.
Last May, STLE unveiled a new identity for our signature event: the STLE Annual Meeting: Innovating Through Tribology & Lubrication. As we plan for the first annual meeting guided by this vision, we look forward to sharing that the name isn’t the only thing that is new. In fact, the 2026 program is full of exciting new opportunities to engage with the global tribology and lubrication community on the newest and most in-demand topics impacting the industry today. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
1. Join representatives from OEMs as they share their biggest lubrication challenges during our interactive OEM Panel Discussion. Audience participation is encouraged, so come ready with your questions about performance, sustainability and innovation in OEM lubrication.
2. Explore marine lubrication with the new Power Generation, Hydraulics and Ocean Tribology track, plus the keynote address, “Marine Engine Lubrication with Alternative Fuels,” presented by TotalEnergies Lubmarine. New Orleans is the ideal location for deep dive into ocean applications, especially as large marine engines play a key role in powering global trade. Today, they are evolving as demands for greater efficiency and stricter environmental standards lead to a shift toward alternative fuels. What are the lubrication challenges, and how can you turn them into opportunities for innovation and business growth? Find out when you join us May 17-21!
3. Contribute to the development of commonly accepted data practices during the interactive special program Tribology Data Hub – Designing the Next Steps. This town hall style session will present the key outcomes from the monthly meetings of the Tribology Data Hub volunteers, along with the newly assembled position paper. Participants will be invited to help shape the community’s vision for developing commonly accepted data practices and will have space to ask questions or contribute their own perspectives.
4. Learn about the innovative ways industry and research are collaborating in Europe and worldwide with special technical sessions co-sponsored by Forschungsvereinigung Antriebstechnik e.V. (FVA), Germany’s premier collaborative research association focused on drivetrain engineering. By orchestrating interdisciplinary projects and facilitating the exchange of knowledge between industry and academia, FVA delivers practical solutions, establishes standards and accelerates the adoption of advanced technologies. These sessions offer valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration between German and American experts in tribology and lubrication engineering.
5. Make new connections with even more ways to network, including morning wellness sessions, certification meet and greets, open technical committee meetings and more! The 2026 program is packed with new ways to connect, learn and achieve—plus all the signature programming you’ve always enjoyed, like the technical sessions and networking reception.
You can find more information on the special events, technical program and full schedule for the 2026 STLE Annual Meeting: Innovating Through Tribology & Lubrication at
www.stle.org/annualmeeting. I hope to see you in New Orleans, May 17-21, for what is sure to be the best annual meeting yet!
You can reach Certified Association Executive Rebecca Lintow at rlintow@stle.org.