OEMs are reshaping their powertrain strategies, expanding their focus on ICE-based solutions that incorporate mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid technologies. This shift is redefining expectations for fuel systems, combustion performance, and vehicle integration as manufacturers optimize efficiency and capability across a diverse range of drivetrains.
ITB’s 2026 conference will address how these changes are influencing fuel storage, delivery, materials, and system engineering across the supply chain. The program brings together experts to discuss new technical demands, evolving standards, and innovations driving the next generation of combustion and hybrid vehicles.
Join us to explore where fuel-based powertrains are headed—and learn how your organization can stay at the forefront of these developments. View the program agenda and secure your seat today.
Looking to promote your company and increase your visibility? Take part as a sponsor, and/or exhibitor and position your company in front of a highly targeted audience of OEMs, Tier suppliers, and technical decision-makers actively shaping the future of fuel systems and mobility. Build relationships, schedule customer meetings, showcase your latest technologies, and strengthen your brand through heightened exposure.
Questions? Contact Bryan Eldredge, Program Director at beldredge@itbgroup.com or Phone: +1 (248) 380-6310.
CONFERENCE AGENDA - October 29, 2026
7:30 a.m. |
Registration, Networking, and Continental Breakfast
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8:50 a.m. |
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr. Joel Kopinsky, Managing Director and Co-founder - The ITB Group
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Competing Pathways to Net Zero Mobility
9:00 a.m. |
ICE? BEV? PHEV? Reading the Policy Signals: What the Regulatory Environment Actually Means for Powertrain Investment Decisions
Matthew Roling, Clinical Professor & Executive Director, Abrams Climate Academy - Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
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Engineering Materials for Tomorrow's Fuel Systems
9:30 a.m. |
Multi-Layer-Tubing Solutions Based on Long-Chain-Polyamides for Innovative and Cost-Effective Fuel Carrying Systems
David Schmitz, Segment Manager Automotive & Mobility, Long-Chain Polyamides - Evonik
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9:50 a.m. |
Sustainable Product Realization in Automotive Systems: A Case Study
Prashant Bhokardole, Staff Engineer - Phinia
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10:10 a.m. |
Rilperm® Multi-Layer Tubing Systems for LWO Fuel Lines Cosimo Carfagna, Senior Business Development Engineer, Transportation - Arkema
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10:30 a.m. |
Coffee and Conversations Break
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Evaporative Emissions: Regulations, Technologies & Testing
11:10 a.m. |
California Evaporative Emission Standards
Jason Gordon, Air Resources Engineer - California Air Resources Board (CARB)
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11:30 a.m. |
Impact of a 100% Renewable 2nd Generation Gasoline on Evaporative Emissions
Johan Bruyninx, Senior Technical Manager Fuel Systems - IDIADA
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11:50 a.m. |
Advanced Passive Venting for High Pressure Fuel Tank Systems
Lawrence Mukaronda, Executive Director, Fluid Systems - Gentherm
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12:10 p.m. |
Evaporative Emissions Future
Jason Andrzejewski, Global Technical Specialist Evaporative Emissions - General Motors
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12:30 p.m. |
Lunch
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Engineering Fuel Storage for the Energy Transition
1:40 p.m. |
Hydrogen Tanks : The Tubeless Revolution of Type V!
Bertrand Florentz, President - BFLC&A (Technical Advisor to COVESS)
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2:05 p.m. |
Thermodynamic Modeling of Fast Filling and Emptying in Type IV Hydrogen Storage Tanks
Zohir Benrabah, Research Officer - Forming & Blow-Moulding Scientist - National Research Council Canada (NRCC)
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2:30 p.m. |
The Sound of Silence: Fuel Tank Solutions for Quiet PHEV and REEV Architectures
Dr. Bernhardt Lüddecke, Director Validation Global - Kautex Textron
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2:55 p.m. |
Technological Progress of Pressurized Tank Systems for Enhanced Integration and Economic Performance
Romulo Kos Erbano, Engineering Director, Fuel Tanks & Delivery Systems, Americas - TI Automotive
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3:20 p.m. |
Coffee and Conversations Break
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Low-Carbon Fuels: From Innovation to Implementation
3:45 p.m. |
Biodiesel Industry & Policy Update: The Trend Toward Higher Blends
Jennifer Weaver, President and CEO - JenMotion Consulting
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4:05 p.m. |
Beyond the Mandate: Building a Practical, Scalable Path to Cleaner Transportation
Todd Mouw, EVP, Sales, Marketing & Service - ROUSH CleanTech
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4:25 p.m. |
Renewable Diesel is Here to Stay: Market Trends, Future Outlook, and Key Considerations for OEMs
Matt Leuck, Technical Manager of Renewable Diesel - Neste
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4:45 p.m. |
Comparison of Engine-Out and Tailpipe Emissions for RD100 and B30 Versus ULSD
Rahul Mital, Shailesh Lopes, and Sarah Funk - General Motors
Alex Bruce, Patrick Bannon, and Mojghan Naseri - Johnson Matthey
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5:10 p.m. |
Closing Remarks
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Conference Chairperson
Dr. Joel Kopinsky
Managing Director - The ITB Group
Dr. Kopinsky (Ph.D. Chemical Engineering and MBA) is responsible for The ITB Group’s consulting assignments in energy storage, vehicle emissions, plastic engine parts and glazing systems. Over the past 25 years he has completed a variety of strategic and technical feasibility consulting projects for leading suppliers, OEMs and investment banks in North America, Europe and Asia. In addition, he has completed numerous multiclient reports concerned with energy storage, glazing and powertrain technologies. In the 1980’s, Dr. Kopinsky worked at the General Motors Research Labs followed by the completion of his MBA at Columbia University. On the side, Dr. Kopinsky is an avid clarinetist and long-haul hiker.
