Preview: SAE Readies New Connect2Car Conference for Fusion of Auto, Tech Sectors

April 25, 2017

Bill Visnic

SAE's most recent Connect2Car conference took place during CES 2017 show in Las Vegas.

Calling its upcoming Connect2Car Executive Leadership Forum “the perfect opportunity for automotive and technology executives to discover, collaborate, and engage with peers from around the globe," SAE International will for the first time use an invitation-only format to bring together automotive chief technology officers, high-level tech-sector executives and tech-company and startup principals June 6-7 at the Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose, CA.

San Jose, CA's Dolce Hayes Mansion, site of the Connect2Car Executive Leadership Forum (image: Dolce Hayes Mansion).

The Connect2Car Executive Leadership forum features high-level keynotes and an innovative technical program to heighten the dialogue of the most critical and controversial issues currently shaping the convergence of automotive and technical development. Incisive panel discussions and exclusive networking round out the two-day conference intended to provide a unique environment to collectively meet, collaborate and exchange ideas at the highest level and with a minimum of distraction. There is no media coverage of or participation in the event.

“Here is a singular opportunity for C-level execs—especially those working in electronics, technology insertion, systems integration, software development and aftermarket systems—to acquire valuable technical knowledge and the latest information on emerging and applied technologies for the automotive industry,” SAE said in describing the new Connect2Car program that is an evolution of prior Connect2Car and SAE Convergence conferences.

With the invitation-only format, the Connect2Car Executive Leadership Forum seeks to create an intimate and interactive environment that encourages robust discussion around such topics such as new business models for connectivity, OEM leadership strategies and analysis of the latest plans and tactics for technology insertion. Attendees also will be able to share experiences and implementation solutions and obtain the latest intelligence regarding leading-edge technologies and innovations.

On June 6, the Connect2Car Executive Leadership Forum program includes panel discussions on:

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Enabling V2V Technology

The June 7 agenda includes the continuation of the Enabling V2V Technology panel and a two-part panel session on Fundamental Validation of Automated Vehicles.

“Unlike other automotive technology events, this one emphasizes the practical application of the many new developments emerging on mobility’s cutting edge. Featuring an interactive environment that invites robust discussion, the C2C Executive Leadership Forum is a meeting of the best minds in the business, where participants have the opportunity to engage with each other, pool research and resources, and work together to develop the next generation of technology integration for the connected car,” the conference description indicates.

Partners for the Connect2Car Executive Leadership Forum are General Motors, Delphi and IBM. Although the Forum is an invitation-only event, pre-registration for consideration with any applicable discounts or incentives is considered until May 19, with SAE reserving the right to cancel any registration for a full refund.