The MPMA Playbook 2026

Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance’s (MPMA) Gear Technology magazine publishes its State of the Gear Industry survey results annually in the January/February issue, and this year’s provides great insights into the current market and where industry leaders see 2026. Our Senior Editor, Aaron Fagan, does a great job outlining what the industry is saying, and it’s clear important market drivers are impacting the power transmission industry: Tariff uncertainty, moderate capital expenditures planned, suppliers needing to address both ICE and EV customers simultaneously, and continued industry consolidation.

As PT Leaders, we are facing many challenges, and here is a plan—leveraging MPMA programs—to turn them into opportunities—let’s call it the MPMA Playbook 2026:

CHECK IN WITH INDUSTRY—To understand where things are going, one of the best and simplest ways is to attend MPMA’s Annual Meeting. This three-day event, being held April 23–25 at the Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte, FL, will bring together 200+ CEOs, owners, and presidents covering the entire supply chain. We will have respected economists, demographers, industry experts, and members discussing the top trends impacting the supply chain, and it’s a perfect way to gain quick insights from your peer group.
JOIN OUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS—This May, MPMA will host its second DC fly-in—this two-day event will allow members to express their thoughts and perspectives on tariffs, trade, and other business issues facing our sector, directly to both the Senate and House leaders who create the laws, and the Administration Officials who enact them.
PARTICIPATE ON OUR TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEES—You need to keep up on air mobility trends? Join our newly created emerging technology committee, focused on the up-and-coming eVTOL market. Want to ensure wind-energy solutuons are built to last? Join our MPMA technical working group that will address open engineering issues impacting the growth of the wind market.
GEEK OUT ON GEARS AND MORE—Attend the Fall Technical Meeting, where we will host a joint meeting with MPMA and the Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineers. More than 50 presentations covering all facets of gearing and bearing technology development will be shared amongst 150+ design and applied engineers. No better way to make sure your team keeps up with the latest and greatest than our FTM. This is where you start addressing ICE and EV challenges, based on technical need.
JOIN MPMA’s PULSE SURVEY PROGRAM WITH WIPFLI—We are partnering with Wipfli in 2026 to publish three Pulse Surveys. These detailed reports consolidate data shared by members from MPMA, Precision Metalforming Association, Forging Industry Association, Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, and many others, to provide an in-depth overview of the current market and industry responses. Participants get a unique report that offers insights into how their data compares with the overall market.
MPMA walks into its 110th year ready to serve the industry with practical, affordable, technically focused programming, made by members, and executed by a dedicated 20-person staff.