Big Changes Coming for MPMA’s 2026 Fall Technical Meeting

For over 40 years, MPMA (as AGMA) has hosted an annual technical conference, called the Fall Technical Meeting (FTM). It is the perfect forum in which to share new research and to disperse knowledge for the benefit of the gear and bearing manufacturing industries at a global level. These industries are faced with emerging trends and innovations that are challenging engineers to stay on course with cutting-edge technology to keep design, quality, materials, manufacturing, and analysis efficient. It is imperative that researchers and engineers communicate ideas with fellow experts in the field.

The 2026 FTM will take place October 5–7 at the Hilton Rosemont–Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. At the FTM, authors and presenters provide information on topics relevant to the gear and bearing industry. These may include subject matter related to: design and analysis; manufacturing and quality; materials, metallurgy, and heat treatment; operation, maintenance, and efficiency; and bearing or gear failure. Abstracts will be reviewed by members of the TDEC and chairs of the Emerging Technology Committees. Each presentation will have a Q&A portion for those gathered to exchange their ideas. Topics presented must be on relevant technical subjects that are original to the audience.

This year, we are excited to announce some big changes for FTM.

Dual-track format

In 2026, the FTM will expand into a dual-track format for the first time. The first track will maintain the traditional structure—featuring highly technical papers and presentations on new technologies, all peer-reviewed and indexed in Scopus.

The new second track will consist of presentation-only sessions focused on cutting-edge developments, innovative company solutions to market challenges such as case studies or technological advancements in manufacturing or inspection, and emerging technologies poised to influence the future of the bearing and gear industries.

Gears and bearings

Because the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) and the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) merged to form the Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) in 2025, MPMA is now the organizer of the Fall Technical Meeting – so both gear and bearing submissions are encouraged at this event. We are currently looking for abstracts to be included in the presentation-only second track.

Co-hosting with STLE

Another change for this year’s FTM is that MPMA will be co-hosting with the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). STLE is the premier technical society serving the needs of more than 15,000 individuals and 200 companies and organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector. STLE has professional education, certification programs, publications, and events that allow members to stay ahead in the technology and science of the field.

One session in the presentation track will be dedicated to STLE-curated content. Attendees can expect presentations in alignment with the STLE trends report, based on the following topics: AI and Digitalization; Manufacturing; Thermal Management; Decarbonization; and Megalibrary.

STLE members and those in the tribology and lubrication industry are also encouraged to submit abstracts related to gearing and bearings for the presentation-only track. And, because networking is a main driver for many engineers to attend FTM, this will be a unique opportunity to network with tribologists and lubrication engineers, in addition to your fellow gear and bearing engineers.

We highly encourage you to submit a presentation abstract for this year’s new take on the classic FTM. The presentation abstract deadline is March 27, 2026. Please see out website at agma.org/event/2026-fall-technical-meeting/ for more details, or email FTM@motionpower.org with any questions.