Modena is located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, one of the most dynamic and internationally recognized industrial areas in Europe. The city lies at the centre of the renowned Motor Valley, a unique ecosystem where tradition, engineering excellence, innovation, and advanced manufacturing converge. This area is world-famous for its automotive heritage, hosting the factories and headquarters of iconic Italian sports car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Maserati.
Here is where the history of two- and four-wheel mobility was written, and where its future is now being shaped. The Emilia-Romagna Motor Valley is currently playing a key role in the transition toward sustainable mobility, with a strong focus on electrification, energy efficiency, advanced power electronics, and intelligent electric drive systems. In this context, electric drives are becoming increasingly central to the development of reliable, safe, and efficient mobility solutions.
This makes Modena a particularly meaningful venue for SLED 2027. The topics addressed by the conference are closely connected to the technological challenges faced by modern transportation and industrial systems. Sensorless control solutions are increasingly important for robust and cost-effective electric drives, while fault-tolerant strategies and safety-recovery techniques are becoming essential for the reliable operation of electric traction systems. At the same time, the ability to estimate degradation, remaining useful life, and state of health of batteries, converters, and drive components is a key enabler for improving reliability, predictive maintenance, and sustainability in next-generation electric drive systems.
Innovation in the region is further supported by a strong academic and research network, including world-class universities and the Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna – MUNER, created to educate new generations of engineers and support the transportation electrification revolution. The SLED 2027 edition will therefore provide an excellent opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, establish new collaborations, and connect with both the scientific community and one of the most advanced industrial ecosystems in the field of mobility.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Beyond its technological and industrial relevance, Modena and the surrounding area offer an outstanding cultural and historical environment. The city is home to remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower, and Piazza Grande. Participants will also have the opportunity to discover the rich artistic, architectural, and culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna, as well as to visit museums and production sites linked to the legendary Italian supercar tradition.
Thanks to its strategic location, Modena also provides easy access to some of Italy's most fascinating cities, including Bologna, Ferrara, Venice, Verona, Florence, and Milan. This combination of scientific excellence, industrial innovation, cultural heritage, and unique travel opportunities will make SLED 2027 a memorable and inspiring event for all participants.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Modena
- BOLOGNA - Porticoes, towers
Walk the UNESCO porticoes to Piazza Maggiore and the medieval towers.
"The perfect espresso-powered evening escape."
By car approx 45 mins | By train approx 25 mins - FERRARA - The Renaissance by bicycle
Ride from the Este Castle along intact walls and ideal-city streets.
"See the Renaissance at bicycle speed."
By car approx 80 mins | By train approx 60 mins
Iconic City Extensions
- PADUA - UNESCO Giotto frescoes + Saint Anthony
By car approx 1h:40mins | By train approx 1h:50mins - VENICE - UNESCO lagoon, St Mark’s + Grand Canal
By car approx 2h:10mins | By train approx 2h - MILAN - Duomo, UNESCO Last Supper + design
By car approx 2h | By train approx 1h:20mins
After SLED: sea, thrills and open air
- RIMINI + RICCIONE - Adriatic reset - Long beaches, Roman Rimini, beach sports and Riccione nightlife. Close the laptop; catch the sunset.
By car approx 1h:45mins | By train approx 1h:25mins (Rimini) - AQUAFAN + MIRABILANDIA - Big-day fun - Water slides and record rides
By car approx 1h:45mins | By train approx 2h - APPENNINES - Falls + thermal waters - Dardagna Falls, UNESCO Biosphere landscapes and Porretta Terme. Trade screen time for mountain time.
By car approx 1h:30mins | By train approx 2h:15mins
Motor Valley: six icons from Modena
- Enzo Ferrari - Modena - Birthplace + design
By walk approx 20mins - Ferrari Museum - Maranello - F1, trophies + simulators
By car approx 25mins | By bus approx 30mins - Lamborghini Museum - Miura to hybrid supercars
By car approx 25mins | By bus approx 40mins - Ducati Museum - Racing bikes + factory
By car approx 35mins | By bus + train approx 90mins - Pagani Museum - Zonda, Huayra + atelier
By car approx 20mins | By bus + train approx 35mins - Panini - Maserati Collection - Trident rarities
By car approx 15mins | By bus + walk approx 50mins
