Highlights of the Program
2 days business program:
Learn from real-world case studies by industry leaders.
SHOWCASING INNOVATION:
Discover the latest technology and techniques from across the industry.
leaders talk:
Hear from top-level experts about how to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.
MULTIPLE STREAMS:
A business program that is multi-disciplinary, giving you a broad view of the industry.
SMART TECHNOLOGIES:
Explore the latest smart and AI-driven solutions, and see how they can be used in your business.
roundtable discussion:
Join talks with industry peers. Share ideas, make connections, and find new partners.
Program
Day 1 :
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
REGISTRATION AND MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:30 - 09:40
OPENING ADDRESS
09:40 - 10:10
RESERVED PRESENTATION
10:10 - 10:40
SPEED NETWORKING SESSION
- Exchange business cards and get connected in short one-to-one meetings
- Start the conversation to arrange a more formal meeting later on in the conference
- Share your professional background and discuss your biggest business issues - don't forget your business cards!
10:40 - 11:00
MORNING COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
Sponsored By MERIDIAN LIGHTWEIGHT TECHNOLOGIES
11:00 - 11:30
PANEL DISCUSSION ON AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS
11:30 - 11:55
ADVANCES IN DISSIMILAR MATERIAL JOINING
James Cruz
KUKA Robotics Corporation
- Learning how lightweighting trends drive the increasing need for dissimilar material joining
- Understanding various joining methods such as mechanical fastening, adhesives, and welding
- Exploring KUKA’s innovations and new research expanding dissimilar material welding options
11:55 - 12:00
Q&A SESSION ON DISSIMILAR MATERIAL JOINING ADVANCEMENTS
12:00 - 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH AND VISITING THE AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS EXHIBITION
13:30 - 13:55
A HISTORY OF ALUMINUM INNOVATIONS TO ADDRESS AUTOMOTIVE CHALLENGES
John McGuire
Arconic Corporation
- Learning how aluminum continues gaining momentum across ICE, HEV, and EV vehicle designs
- Discovering how lightweight aluminum reduces battery size, costs, environmental impact, and risks
- Exploring the latest aluminum grades improving recycling, scrap opportunities, and performance
13:55 - 14:00
Q&A SESSION ON ALUMINUM INNOVATION TO SOLVE AUTOMOTIVE CHALLENGES
14:00 - 14:25
LIGHTWEIGHTING THROUGH REPLACEMENT OF SMC BY THERMOPLASTICS
Carlos Pereira
SABIC
- Exploring how thermoplastics with high glass fiber content enable further weight reduction
- Comparing material performance, life cycle impact, and processing efficiencies of SMC vs thermoplastics
- Discussing the practical benefits of using existing SMC presses and molds for thermoplastic parts
14:25 - 14:30
Q&A SESSION ON THERMOPLASTIC REPLACEMENT FOR SMC LIGHTWEIGHTING
14:30 - 15:00
AFTERNOON COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
15:00 - 15:25
USING ADVANCED OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES TO DEVELOP A SAFE MICROCAR
Nir Kahn
Dynamic Blue Composites Ltd.
- Applying FEA to strategically optimize composite materials and achieve full-size crash safety
- Designing for scalable mass-production with efficient, low-cost composite processes
- Creating a lightweight vehicle architecture that is cost-effective and adaptable across platforms
15:25 - 15:30
Q&A SESSION ON OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR DEVELOPING A SAFE MICROCAR
15:30 - 15:55
LMPAEK COMPOSITES FOR WEIGHT SAVINGS
Eric Wiita
Victrex
- Exploring how LMPAEK carbon-reinforced tape delivers high strength and temperature resistance
- Understanding its application across aerospace and automotive to boost efficiency and durability
- Discovering new innovations including composite gears, motors, and advanced hybrid production
15:55 - 16:00
Q&A SESSION ON VICTREX LMPAEK COMPOSITES FOR FUTURE WEIGHT SAVINGS
16:00 - 16:25
MAGNESIUM DIECASTING – ENABLING VEHICLE OEMS ON MASS EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS
Jon Weiler
Techman Sales, Inc.
- Exploring how part consolidation is driving lightweighting through mega- and giga-castings
- Learning about emerging applications of magnesium in EVs and versatile vehicle platforms
- Gaining insights into advancements in magnesium alloys, joining techniques, and processing methods
16:25 - 16:30
Q&A SESSION ON MAGNESIUM DIECASTING FOR VEHICLE MASS EFFICIENCY
16:30 - 17:30
NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
Day 2 :
Thursday, September 24, 2026
09:00 - 09:30
MORNING REFRESHMENTS
09:30 - 09:40
OPENING ADDRESS
09:40 - 10:10
RESERVED PRESENTATION
10:10 - 10:35
THE OFTEN UNRECOGNIZED ENABLER FOR LIGHTWEIGHTING – UNDERSTANDING THE PHYSICS
Mark Dingman
Daphnis Structural Solutions
- Reviewing a simple load case to show how understanding physics early supports lightweight solutions and material choices
- Examining an automotive load case to explain how differences between ICE and BEV physics impact lightweighting strategies
- Highlighting why both OEMs and suppliers benefit equally by applying physics comprehension from the start
10:35 - 10:40
Q&A SESSION ON UNRECOGNIZED ENABLERS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
10:40 - 11:00
MORNING COFFEE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT AREA
11:00 - 11:25
ULTRALIGHT ARCHITECTED GRAPHENES AND SYNTACTIC COMPOSITES FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Matthew Bishop
Dickinson Corporation
- Exploring how architected graphene microparticles overcome key limitations of nanocarbons
- Discovering how nonperiodic 3D network structures enhance strength, stiffness, and energy absorption
- Understanding scalable applications of lightweight syntactic composites in automotive components
11:25 - 11:30
Q&A SESSION ON ARCHITECTED GRAPHENES AND AUTOMOTIVE COMPOSITES
11:30 - 12:00
RESERVED PRESENTATION
12:00 - 12:15
FEEDBACK & RAFFLE DRAW
12:15 - 13:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
Become a Speaker & Join the Conversation
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