Brake Colloquium & Exhibition - SAE 2026
Event Date
September 20–23, 2026
Location
Palm Desert, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Brake Colloquium & Exhibition (BRAKE), organized by SAE International, is North America's premier technical gathering dedicated to brake and friction technology. The event remains North America's premier gathering for brake technology professionals. The 2026 edition marks the 44th annual meeting and is scheduled for Palm Desert, California.
The conference brings together engineers, researchers, and suppliers from across the mobility industry. The SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition has officially opened its call for presentations for the 44th annual event, inviting industry experts from research institutions, academia, and the commercial sector to submit technical manuscripts and presentations. The program's dual-track format – created for engineers by engineers – covers the entirety of brake componentry and focuses on the latest technologies and strategies for ADAS and safety systems in both ICE and electric propulsion vehicles, with presentations and panels led by high-level experts, standards developers, and solution providers from OEMs and Tier I & II suppliers.
Attendees benefit from technical sessions, an exhibit hall, and networking events. The scope covers braking advancements for ICE, electric, and hybrid vehicles across light, heavy-duty, and commercial sectors, making it essential for anyone advancing brake safety and performance.
Show Highlights
- Dual-track technical program: Covers the entirety of brake componentry with a focus on ADAS and safety systems in both ICE and electric propulsion vehicles.
- Broad braking science scope: Submissions cover a broad spectrum of braking science for both OEM and aftermarket applications, with topics relevant to passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles, railways, and motorcycles.
- Key topic areas: Materials & manufacturing advances in friction materials, disc and drum design, shims and greases; and EV & hybrid adaptation, including regenerative systems and energy efficiency impacts.
- NVH and performance sessions: Sessions on noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), fundamental mechanisms of friction, and testing and measurement.
- Exhibit hall and networking: The event features an exhibition, networking breaks, and receptions alongside the technical sessions.
- Publication opportunity: High-quality papers may be published in the SAE International Journal of Advances and Current Practices in Mobility.
Attendance
The event draws industry experts from research institutions, academia, OEMs, and Tier I & II suppliers. Third-party listings for the 2025 (43rd) edition in Grand Rapids reported approximately 700 attendees, though SAE International has not published official figures for the 2026 event.
Registration
Registration is handled through the official SAE International event website at sae.org/events/brake. Prospective presenters must submit abstracts online. Industry experts are invited to submit abstracts on braking advancements by February 16, 2026. Abstracts must be submitted online and assigned to only one session; written-only submissions are not accepted, as all authors must present their work in person, and previously published papers are not eligible.
For prior editions, SAE applied registration deadlines after which on-site pricing took effect, and cancellations had to be submitted in writing before a stated cutoff, with a processing fee assessed for refunds. No children under the age of 16 are permitted. Attendees should check the official site for current 2026 pass types, pricing, and deadlines.
History
The Brake Colloquium & Exhibition is a long-standing SAE International event with a history spanning more than four decades. At the 43rd Annual Brake Colloquium & Exhibition, the event served as a gateway to the forefront of braking technology and innovation, with a rich history spanning over four decades bringing together the brightest minds in the braking industry. Leading the industry for 40 years, the SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition (BRAKE) has been the forum for industry experts to learn about advancements in braking.
The 2025 (43rd annual) edition was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the 2026 event marks the 44th annual colloquium, moving to Palm Desert, California.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 Brake Colloquium & Exhibition held?
The 44th annual SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition takes place September 20-23, 2026, in Palm Desert, California. The listed venue is the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
Who should attend the Brake Colloquium & Exhibition?
The event is designed for brake and friction technology professionals, including engineers, researchers from academia and research institutions, standards developers, and solution providers from OEMs and Tier I & II suppliers. It covers braking for ICE, electric, hybrid, light, heavy-duty, and commercial vehicles.
What topics does the program cover?
The dual-track technical program spans the full range of brake componentry, including friction materials and manufacturing, disc and drum design, NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), and braking advancements for electric and hybrid vehicles such as regenerative systems. It also addresses ADAS and vehicle safety systems.
How do I submit a presentation or abstract?
Abstracts must be submitted online through the SAE event website by February 16, 2026, and each abstract is assigned to only one session. Written-only submissions are not accepted, as all authors must present in person, and previously published papers are not eligible.
What is the nearest airport and how do I get to the venue?
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest airport, about 12 miles from the resort, roughly a 20-minute drive. Renting a car, taxis, and rideshare services are all common ways to reach the venue.
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