The Friction Materials Standards Institute (FMSI) has announced its 2026 Brake Weekend lineup. The event will take place May 29 through June 1, 2026, in Naples, Florida. Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey will deliver the keynote address.
Highlights
- Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association, will keynote and moderate a tribute to three brake industry icons.
- Sunday’s general session includes presentations from S&P Global and Nisshinbo Automotive on industry trends and technical topics.
- Registration is open to non-members for the first time, along with sponsorship opportunities for outside companies and media.
- Networking features include a golf outing, supplier tabletop exhibits, and direct access to top industry decision-makers.
Hanvey to Keynote and Moderate Industry Tribute
Hanvey will also host a special tribute panel honoring three longtime brake industry leaders. The honorees are Roy Link, Chairman and CEO of Link Engineering Company; Dino Crescentini, Co-Founder of Dynamic Friction Company; and Dan Sandberg, Retired CEO of Brembo North America.
FMSI President Frank Oliveto called the lineup exceptional. “Bill will also host and moderate a very special tribute to three brake industry icons,” Oliveto said. “It doesn’t get much better than this!”
Sunday General Session Agenda
The event’s general session on Sunday will feature several focused presentations:
- Scott Houston, S&P Global — a review of current events and emerging trends across the brake industry.
- Razi Sheikh, Vice President, Nisshinbo Automotive — a technical presentation. Sheikh holds ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Lead Auditor credentials (IATF 16949 / ISO 14001).
- Frank Oliveto, FMSI President — a closing overview of FMSI’s current initiatives, new collaborations, and forward-looking priorities.
Open Registration Marks a First
Brake Weekend has traditionally been limited to FMSI members and invited supply partners. However, the 2026 edition marks a departure. FMSI is opening registration and sponsorship to non-member companies and media for the first time.
Space is limited, and FMSI expects the event to fill quickly. The weekend begins with a golf outing, followed by supplier tabletop exhibits designed for direct networking. Additional sessions and activities round out the schedule.
Interested parties should contact the FMSI office directly at [email protected] for registration, sponsorship, or general inquiries.
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