AUTOMOTIVE

FORUM & AWARDS 2026

9th Edition

November 10th, 2026
Nord Events Center, Globalworth, Summit Hall  

ABOUT THE EVENT

In the ever-evolving era of mobility, where the road ahead is paved with technological advancements, regulatory changes and shifting consumer expectations, the AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY FORUM & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2026 serves as our collective compass, guiding us through the twists and turns of a rapidly transforming landscape and celebrates the performance of companies, projects and managers in the industry.
The Diplomat-Bucharest & Automotive Today organize the yearly event Automotive Industry Forum & Awards For Excellence on November 10th, 2026, within Nord Events Center, Globalworth, Summit Hall

THE LANDMARK EVENT in the ROMANIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY With a long-standing tradition started seven years ago, Diplomat Media Events developed the Automotive Awards Gala event into a complex platform, featuring the automotive industry’s AUTOMOTIVE CEO FORUM followed by THE AUTOMOTIVE AWARDS GALA to highlight the performance of automotive companies and the enthusiasm for development and innovation of the industry.

PARTNERS

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Strategic Partner

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Partners

Supporting Partners

Media Partners

AGENDA

13:00 - 14:00     Welcome Guests & Networking

14:00 - 14:15      Presentation by PWC

14:15 - 15:45     THE AUTOMOTIVE FORUM | SESSION I  - POLICIES, REGULATIONS, STRATEGY & INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS

How industry leaders navigate current challenges and define strategic directions for automotive production in Romania and Europe? The Romanian automotive industry remains a strategic pillar, with resilience and competitiveness depending on stability, partnerships, and realistic adaptation to European regulations.

15:45 - 16:00    Coffee Break

16:00 - 16:15    Presentation by Verdum

16:15 - 17:30  THE AUTOMOTIVE FORUM | SESSION II - TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRIFICATION & SMART MOBILITY

Technology as the driving force of automotive transformation – from semiconductors and AI to connected mobility and smart manufacturing. The future of automotive is digital, electric, and connected. Romania has the potential to become a regional innovation hub if industry, technology, and education collaborate strategically.

17:30 - 17:45     Presentation by BIO-CIRCLE

17:45 - 18:30     Networking cocktail & Gala dinner

18:30 - 20:00      THE AUTOMOTIVE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA CEREMONY

CEO FORUM

From the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving to the integration of artificial intelligence and smart connectivity, discussions will navigate the intersections of innovation, sustainability, and the seamless fusion of digital and mechanical ingenuity. The forum is not merely a convergence of professionals; it is a melting pot of ideas, a dynamic ecosystem where thought leaders converge to share insights, challenges, and breakthroughs. It's a place where the language of automotive excellence is spoken fluently, and where the collective passion for cars and technology resonates like a powerful engine.

SPEAKERS

MIHAI BORDEANU

Managing Director
Dacia South Eastern Europe | Country Head Romania · Groupe Renault (tbc)

FIRAT ELHÜSEYNİ

President, Site Director,
Ford Otosan Craiova (tbc)

SIMONA ALMAJAN

Country Manager,
NXP Semiconductors

Dr. LIVIU BALAN

Head of Country,
AUMOVIO Romania

DRAGOS GRIGORE

General Manager,
Magna Exteriors Craiova

ALIN IOANES

CEO,
Rombat SA

GÜNTER KRASSER

Vice President and Managing Director,
Infineon Technologies Romania & CO SCS

ADRIAN DOBRE

Founder & CEO,
Klarwin

VICTOR VEVERA

General Director,
ICI Bucharest

GABRIEL TOMESCU

CEO,
BMF Grup

ALEXANDRU BLEMOVICI

Head of Schaeffler Romania & Southeast Europe

ADRIAN SANDU

Secretary General,
Member of the Board ACAROM
(Moderator)

Presentations by

DANIEL ANGHEL

Country Managing Partner,
PwC Romania
FIC VicePresident

MARIUS COSTACHE

CEO,
VERDUM

DANIEL MEREUȚĂ

Founder, CEO
BIO-CIRCLE ROMÂNIA

EXPO

AWARDS GALA

The exquisite Gala event celebrates the performance of professionals of large and medium sized companies across several key categories. These awards are meant to mirror the enthusiasm for development and innovation within the industry while development of individuals is encouraged through creativity of ideas, adaptation and flexibility, planning and pioneering new ways, new thoughts and new ideas. It provides the opportunity to connect, debate and share the hot topics within the specific landscape, and, to celebrate the achievements of the best projects and results.

The Jury

The Jury is independent from the Organizer and The Jury members are chosen among acknowledged representatives of the business community. For each award, the Jury is in charge with the assessing the final nominees. Members of the Jury will be asked to vote for nominees in each category.
The final nominees list constitutes the basis for choosing the winners for each category. Any information provided by the final nominees will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be used for the purpose of designating the Award Winners. The award is given at most of the votes. In case of equal votes, there will be a second round of votes. Members of the Jury are independent from the nominees for which they will have to vote. If otherwise they will withdraw from that specific vote.

Daniel Anghel

Country Managing Partner,
PwC Romania,
FIC VicePresident

Bogdan Barbu

Tax Partner,
Deloitte Romania

Alexandru Mitroi

Senior Adviser
Invest Romania

Alin Negrescu

Tax Partner, Head of Automotive & Industrial Markets,
KPMG Romania

Adrian Vasile

Head of Audit & Financial Advisory,
Forvis Mazars

Sebastian Metz

General Manager,
AHK Romania

Colin C. Lovering

Founder,
Lovering & Partners

Andrei Mihai Craciun

Head of Digital Transformation and Data Analysis Department,
West University of Timisoara

AWARDS CATEGORIES

COMPANY AWARDS

These awards recognize companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, operational excellence, and measurable impact within the automotive industry.
Evaluation Criteria: Business Performance, Innovation, Operational Excellence, Customer Value, Industry Impact

Recognizes companies delivering innovative automotive technologies, software, or digital solutions that drive efficiency, connectivity, safety, and business performance across the industry.

Honors strategic collaborations that have generated measurable results, accelerated industry development, and created long-term value through effective cooperation

Recognizes suppliers delivering outstanding quality, innovation, operational performance, and value to OEM customers.

Celebrates companies demonstrating technical expertise, reliability, innovation, and strong contribution to the automotive supply chain.

Recognizes organizations that excel in employee engagement, talent development, workplace culture, diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing.

Honors an automotive company that has achieved exceptional business performance, innovation, growth, and industry leadership

Recognizes organizations demonstrating outstanding commitment to safety through innovative practices, strong safety performance, and a proactive safety culture.

Celebrates HR teams and organizations that have successfully developed talent, enhanced employee experience, and implemented impactful HR initiatives

Recognizes excellence in supply chain management through efficiency, resilience, digitalization, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Honors companies providing exceptional aftermarket products, services, customer support, and innovative solutions for the automotive market.

INITIATIVE AWARDS

These awards celebrate projects, programs, and initiatives that have delivered measurable results, introduced innovation, and contributed to the advancement of the automotive industry and society.
Evaluation Criteria: Relevance, Innovation, Execution, Collaboration, Impact

Recognizes groundbreaking products, technologies, processes, or solutions that demonstrate originality, successful implementation, and measurable impact.

Honors projects, technologies, infrastructure, and services that contribute to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable mobility solutions.

Recognizes successful digital transformation initiatives leveraging technologies such as AI, automation, Industry 4.0, IoT, data analytics, or smart manufacturing to improve business and operational performance.

Celebrates initiatives that support education, skills development, workforce readiness, and future talent development within the automotive sector. 

Recognizes partnerships and joint initiatives that have delivered exceptional results through collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment.

Honors strategic investments in facilities, technologies, manufacturing, infrastructure, or capabilities that have generated significant business or industry impact.

Recognizes initiatives that integrate environmental, social, and governance principles while delivering measurable sustainability outcomes.

Celebrates initiatives that create positive change in local communities through engagement, social responsibility, and long-term impact.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

These awards recognize outstanding professionals whose leadership, expertise, and achievements have contributed significantly to their organizations and the wider automotive industry.
Evaluation Criteria: Leadership, Professional Achievement, Innovation, Influence, Industry Contribution

Recognizes an exceptional leader who has demonstrated strategic vision, business success, innovation, and a significant impact on both organization and industry.

Honors an HR professional who has excelled in talent management, employee engagement, organizational culture, and workforce development.

Recognizes a leader who has demonstrated excellence in Environment, Health & Safety through innovation, compliance, risk reduction, and cultural transformation.

Celebrates an individual whose career achievements, leadership, and long-term commitment have made a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS

Click below to send your nominations ! You will have to fill one form for each nomination.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS !

NOMINATIONS AND JUDGING PROCEDURES & TIMELINE
Nominations must be submitted online via the online Application forms.

17 March  - Nominations entries. Companies and individuals can submit their nomination choices on the online forms.

8 October - Deadline for all nominations. The voting procedure for THE AWARDS CEREMONY will be closed after this date and late entries will not be considered for AUTOMOTIVE FORUM & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA, 2026 edition. 

10 October - All brands and candidate options entered in the competition will be submitted to Jury. 

10 November - The WINNERS’ announcement and Awarding Ceremony during The Gala Dinner

SELECTION PROCESS
The panel of jury members will consider and score the nominations that are submitted by the due date and meet all eligibility requirements for the AUTOMOTIVE FORUM & AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE GALA, 2026 edition.
The Awarded Finalists & Winners will be announced and celebrated at The Gala Dinner on November 10th.

REGISTRATION

ONSITE

250
+VAT
The fee includes participation in conference session, award ceremony, coffee break, gala dinner.

    Onsite Participation Registration Form



    Cancellation Policy

    1. Cancellation 31 calendar days or more prior to the event date – The full amount of the participation fee paid shall be refunded.
    2. Cancellation between 16 and 30 calendar days prior to the event date – Seventy percent (70%) of the participation fee paid shall be refunded.
    3. Cancellation between 8 and 15 calendar days prior to the event date – Fifty percent (50%) of the participation fee paid shall be refunded.
    4. Cancellation less than 7 calendar days prior to the event date – No refund of the participation fee shall be made. 


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    Venue

    Nord Events Center, Globalworth,
    Summit Hall
    Str George Constantinescu 4B,
    București 020339

    Address

    47-57 Drumul Gura Ariesului Str. Tronson 1, 11th Floor, Ap. 82
    Sector 3, Bucharest

    Contacts

    Email: office@thediplomat.ro
    Phone: +40 722 523 535