September 10, 2009
Show of shows!
TIA gears up for Tires, Wheels & Equipment experience
By: Lori L. Mavrigian
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) kicks off Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in Las Vegas. Comprised of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, which includes the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Tires, Wheels & Equipment (TWE) section, and the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), AAIW will include more than 4,000 U.S. and international exhibits. The AAIW expects more than 100,000 attendees who will get a chance to preview more than 7,500 new products.
“With the economy showing signs of recovery, smart businesspeople will take advantage of extraordinary opportunities like the SEMA Show to prepare for the future,” says Roy Littlefield, TIA’s executive vice president.
“Many of our members who attended last year’s show have told us that they were able to get a tremendous amount of business accomplished, and we fully expect that trend to continue with this year’s show.”
The SEMA Show will be held in the Las Vegas Convention Center. It will have 11 miles of aisles showcasing products for niches including, light truck, street rod, wheel/tire, restoration, on-board technology, street performance, off-road, restyling, racing, mobile electronics and import/sport compact performance.
AAPEX will be held in the Sands Expo Center, and is geared toward the do-it-yourself retail aftermarket and the “professionally installed” aftermarket. AAPEX will cover more than one million square feet of space with parts, accessories and service equipment.
Special show sections include machine shop; paint, body and equipment; tool and equipment; medium and heavy-duty truck; SUV; vehicle technology; mobile electronics/e-commerce and auto international.
For more information or to register for the show, see these Web sites: www.tireindustry.org, www.semashow.com, www.aapexshow.com and www.aaiwshow.com.
You also can call TIA at (800) 876-8372, ext. 104.
For qualified buyers before Oct. 9, the registration fee is $25 online and $50 via FAX or mail.
TIA’s host hotel is Caesars Palace. Be sure to mention you are with TIA when placing your reservation to receive a discounted rate.
Tires, Wheels & Equipment
TIA once again will be offering its popular “Tires at Two” seminars, which feature a panel discussion by top independent tire dealers and updates on the latest tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) equipment. The seminars will be held in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall. Here’s the schedule.
TUESDAY, NOV. 3 — 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
“Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets”
TIA will be offering you a glimpse into the lives of several successful tire dealers as they share their secrets on business success. You’ll get tips and advice on getting your business on the road to success. This session will feature a panel of top tire dealers who have volunteered to participate in the seminar and answer questions on business practices. Each panel participant has been in business more than 20 years, TIA notes. The seminar will be hosted this year by Tom Wright and Dennis Bucher.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4 — 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
“Effectively Communicating TPMS Training/Developments to Techs” (sponsored by Bartec USA).
TIA’s Director of Automotive Training Development, Sean MacKinnon, will discuss developments of tire pressure monitoring systems. This seminar will focus on how this technology can be communicated effectively to tire technicians and also provide a comprehensive snapshot of where TPMS is, and where it is heading, TIA reports. Attendees also will gain insight on training techniques and other TPMS information.
THURSDAY, NOV. 5 — 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
“TPMS Repair Tool Manufacturer Update” (sponsored by Bartec USA).
Manufacturers of TPMS diagnostic and learn tools will show you what their products can do, and how they can make your shops more productive and profitable.
In addition to its seminars, TIA will be hosting special events, including the new “Tire Industry Honors” function created to honor influential industry members.
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