Guiding STLE’s technical direction
By Rebecca Lintow, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report April 2026
All of STLE’s technical efforts and offerings are led by industry professionals like you.
April is National Volunteer Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the individuals who give their time, expertise and energy to strengthen the organizations and communities they care about. At STLE, our volunteers are the leaders, innovators and driving force behind our technical excellence. This month, I would especially like to highlight one group whose impact is felt particularly this time of year: our Technical Committees.
STLE’s Technical Committees are the guiding force behind over 400 technical sessions offered at the STLE Annual Meeting each year. They identify emerging trends, solicit expert speakers and ensure that the annual meeting’s technical content remains timely, relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of the tribology and lubrication community. Because of their efforts, the STLE community has access to high-quality technical content that advances careers, strengthens organizations and pushes the industry forward.
If you have ever attended a technical session at the STLE Annual Meeting, you have experienced the results of volunteer leadership in action. Technical Committees represent all areas of the tribology and lubrication engineering industry, from aerospace and biotribology to grease and wear. You can find a full list of STLE’s Technical Committees at
www.stle.org/technicalcommittees.
Now, getting involved in a Technical Committee is easier than ever. All Technical Committees will hold open meetings during the STLE Annual Meeting: Innovating Through Tribology & Lubrication this year. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to see how the committees operate, meet new colleagues and explore how your expertise can contribute to the greater STLE community. There is no requirement to make a long-term commitment simply by attending. Whether you have a few hours a year to give or are interested in taking on a larger leadership role, there is a place for you.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to deepen your STLE experience. It expands your professional network, builds leadership skills and offers a firsthand look at how our society delivers value to members around the world. Getting started with a Technical Committee now can pay off in the future—both personally and professionally. Be sure to check out the Volunteer’s Voice column for an inspiring example.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, I extend my sincere thanks to all of our current volunteers. Your dedication ensures that STLE remains a vibrant, forward-thinking organization committed to advancing tribology and lubrication engineering. If you have been considering becoming more involved but aren’t sure how, I encourage you to stop in for a Technical Committee meeting in New Orleans, introduce yourself and explore the possibilities. Our community grows stronger with every new voice at the table.
You can find more information on the Technical Committee meeting schedule at
www.stle.org/annualmeeting. Most meetings are scheduled to begin after the last session of the day in the relevant technical track. I hope New Orleans inspires you to get more involved in your technical area of expertise!
You can reach Certified Association Executive Rebecca Lintow at rlintow@stle.org.