SPE ACCE 2026 is now open for papers, sponsors and exhibitors
Composites remain central to solving the technical demands of next-gen transportation and advancing mobility headed into 2026, the central theme to next year’s technical program.
SPE ACCE 2025 co-chairs, David Jack and Mike Siwajek. Source (All Images) | SPE ACC
The SPE Automotive Division announces a call for papers, sponsors and exhibitors with the launch of its 26th annual event, the SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Expo (ACCE). It is scheduled for Sept. 9-10, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan. “Composites: Advancing Mobility” is the 2026 theme.
Papers and presentations at the event will highlight key industry advancements in categories including lightweighting, performance and design improvements, sustainable solutions and more. New technologies in process and targeted for the future will also be featured.
Two paths for contributions to the technical program — peer-reviewed papers with a technical presentation, and a technical presentation only — are available. Those who submit both a paper and a technical presentation on time will be eligible for a “Best Paper Award” to be presented at the conference. Abstracts are due April 24, 2026, and technical content is due June 26, 2026.
“The 2025 ACCE highlighted how composites are accelerating innovation across electric, autonomous and sustainable transportation,” says Dr. Mike Siwajek, vice president of R&D at CSP and ACCE 2026 co-chair. “In 2026, we’re building on that momentum and honing in on advancing mobility — showcasing how composite materials enable the next leap forward in performance, efficiency and design. As the mobility landscape evolves, composites continue to be the driving force behind the solutions that will shape the future of transportation.”
Panel discussion at SPE ACCE 2025 featuring industry leaders.
“Across global mobility programs, we see composite development accelerating in areas such as thermal management, structural integration and sustainable material systems,” adds Sara Simon, global sector manager for composites and thermosets at Netzsch and ACCE 2026 technical program co-chair. “ACCE 2026 will highlight where the industry is truly investing and how these projects are shaping the future landscape of mobility.”
The 2026 ACCE technical program will include technical presentations on current and future industry advances. Before acceptance for a podium presentation, authors must submit either an archival scientific paper conforming to the conference guidelines or a technical presentation ready for archival. The archival papers or presentations are due June 26, 2026. Authors who submit scientific papers will be considered for the conference’s “Best Paper Awards,” which are presented during the event’s opening ceremony and announced through multiple outlets within the SPE.
SPE’s Automotive Division is active in educating, promoting, recognizing and communicating technical accomplishments in all phases of plastics and plastic-based composite developments in the global transportation industry. The SPE Composites Division is dedicated to the growth of composites in multiple industries. Topic areas for both divisions include applications, materials, processing, equipment, tooling, design and development.
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