Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers - STLE 2027
Event Date
May 2–6, 2027
Location
Chicago, IL
Expected Exhibitors
100
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the flagship technical event of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, and the 2027 edition marks the 81st gathering under the theme "Innovating Through Tribology and Lubrication." It brings together the global tribology and lubrication community for a week of research presentations, professional education, and industry networking in Chicago.
The meeting is a premier tribology and lubrication conference featuring more than 400 technical presentations across 26 tracks, 9 industry-specific education courses, and an exhibition of 100+ companies showcasing the latest tribology solutions. Attendees connect with 1,600+ industry professionals from corporate, government, and academic institutions from around the globe.
Engineers, scientists, researchers, students, and commercial suppliers attend to catch up on the lubricant industry's newest products, services, and technologies. Many attendees report that they have saved thousands of dollars and solved complex lubricant-related problems by making a connection at the trade show, making it a valuable event for both technical learning and business development.
Show Highlights
Signature features of the 2027 program include:
- 400+ technical presentations delivered across 26 technical tracks, covering the breadth of tribology and lubrication research.
- 9 industry-specific education courses for professional development, coordinated by STLE education staff.
- An exhibition of 100+ companies showcasing lubricant additives, base oils, metalworking fluids, synthetic lubricants, condition monitoring and testing, and related products and services.
- The Commercial Marketing Forum (CMF), where suppliers present technical and product-focused talks.
- The Robert Erck Presentation Competition, a student poster competition highlighting early-career and student research.
- Networking opportunities including Exhibitor Appreciation Hours held during exhibit days.
Attendance
The organizer projects 1,600+ industry professionals attending the 2027 meeting, drawn from corporate, government, and academic institutions worldwide.
Booth Pricing
Exhibit booth pricing published for 2027 is as follows:
- Standard 10-by-10-foot booth: $3,275 for corporate members; $3,675 for non-members.
- SuperSized 20-by-20-foot booth: $17,922 for corporate members; $18,322 for non-members (special package rates apply).
Standard booth sizes are 10-by-10 feet, plus six 20-by-20-foot SuperSized booths are available. For booth reservations and sponsorship, exhibitors can contact STLE national sales manager Tracy Nicholas VanEe at (630) 632-1883.
Registration
Registration and participation details are managed through the STLE Annual Meeting website. Key program deadlines for 2027 include:
- October 1, 2026 — deadline for podium (technical) presentation abstracts, submitted via the STLE abstract portal.
- March 1, 2027 — deadline for the Robert Erck Presentation Competition (student posters) and the Commercial Marketing Forum.
- April 8, 2027 — deadline to book a hotel room at the special conference rate.
Exhibitors reserve space via the online exhibit booth application. International attendees can request an invitation letter for visa purposes by contacting STLE conference staff.
History
The 2027 event is the 81st STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition, reflecting a long-running tradition as the field's leading annual technical event for tribologists and lubrication engineers. It is organized by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, headquartered in the Chicago area, and each year rotates among major U.S. cities. The 2027 edition returns to Chicago under the theme "Innovating Through Tribology and Lubrication."
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 STLE Annual Meeting held?
The 81st STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition takes place May 2-6, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, located at 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois.
Who should attend the STLE Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for tribologists, lubrication engineers, scientists, researchers, students, and suppliers from corporate, government, and academic institutions worldwide. Organizers expect more than 1,600 industry professionals to attend.
What does the technical program include?
The 2027 program features more than 400 technical presentations across 26 tracks, 9 industry-specific education courses, and an exhibition of over 100 companies. Additional features include the Commercial Marketing Forum and the Robert Erck student poster competition.
How much does an exhibit booth cost?
A standard 10-by-10-foot booth costs $3,275 for corporate members and $3,675 for non-members. A SuperSized 20-by-20-foot booth costs $17,922 for corporate members and $18,322 for non-members.
How do I book a hotel room and what is the rate?
Rooms should be booked through the official STLE/Hyatt link at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, with conference rates starting at $279 per night plus taxes. Reservations at the special event rate must be made by April 8, 2027.
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