From Comic Con to Connected Cars: Behind SAE’s Online Events with Matt Wasowski

In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we welcome Matt Wasowski, the producer of virtual events for SAE International. Matt shares the behind-the-scenes story of SAE’s transition into impactful and accessible online events—developed during the pandemic but continuing strong today. We explore how these events offer real-time industry insights, including timely topics like EV infrastructure and AI in mobility, all while staying free and open to the public. Matt also explains his unique approach to finding global speakers, building engaging programming, and bringing people together from up to 18 different time zones at once. With a background in major events like New York Comic Con, Matt brings a passion for community-building and content curation—plus, he shares a hilarious story involving Mark Hamill. Whether you’re an SAE member or just an engineering enthusiast, you’ll get a better understanding of how SAE’s virtual events are expanding the organization’s global reach and creating meaningful connections in the mobility space. 👉 Subscribe now to SAE Beyond the Competition on your favorite podcast app or watch on the SAE University Programs YouTube channel. Don’t miss future episodes that take you behind the scenes of the engineering competitions and innovations shaping the future!