TIA announces plans for SEMA Show events

July 24, 2009

A new Wine & Cheese Social and "Tire Industry Honors" event will highlight Tire Industry Association (TIA) events at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-6.

To better meet the needs of its members, the association reports it is eliminating its “Breakfast with the President" function and replacing it with the Wine & Cheese Social and "Tire Industry Honors," both of which will take place at Caesars Palace on Monday, Nov. 2.

The Wine & Cheese Social will start at 5 p.m. Immediately following the social from 6 – 7:30 p.m. will be Tire Industry Honors – a new event that will honor this year’s Tire Industry Hall of Fame recipients. Modern Tire Dealer also will be honoring the outgoing TIA president, Dan Beach, as he passes the torch to the incoming president, Wayne Croswell.

"This event promises to be a more energetic, faster-paced event than the Breakfast, and it is hoped that this event will become the venue for the entire tire industry to come together and properly honor those who have made a significant contribution to the tire industry," reports TIA.

Admission to this event is complementary to all show attendees; however, an RSVP is required.

Following these events, TIA will host its annual Welcome Reception at Rao’s at Caesars. This industry networking event allows show attendees time to make business contacts, exchange ideas and "catch up with friends and colleagues as they enjoy some of the finest Italian food, drinks, and entertainment on the strip," says TIA.Tickets are $50 per person.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, a new international event will take place at TIA's Tires, Wheels & Equipment (TWE) section of the show.

“International Roundtable – Best Practices in the Tire Industry & International Review of Industry Regulations” is where tire industry attendees from around the world are invited to share their best practices on the following categories: tire service, retreading and repairing and commercial tire service.

The "informal, fun-filled" event will offer a "lively exchange of good ideas," says TIA, and will feature Harvey Brodsky, managing director of the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), as the moderator.

TIA will again be offering its popular "Tires at Two” seminars. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, TIA will present its “Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets” session, featuring industry veterans Tom Wright and Dennis Bucher leading a panel of tire dealers who will offer valuable tips and advice on getting your business on the road to success.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, TIA’s Director of Automotive Development, Sean MacKinnon, will lead a session entitled, “Effectively Communicating Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Training/Developments to Techs.” The session will include insight on how TIA has been able to speak to tire technicians across the country on the developments of TPMS in the tire industry.

And on Thursday, Nov. 5, MacKinnon and representatives from some of the world’s top TPMS repair tool manufacturers will lead a session entitled, “TPMS Repair Tool Manufacturer Update.” The session will be an in-depth look at the latest TPMS tools and how they can benefit tire techs.

“We’re very excited about our events at this year’s TWE/SEMA,” says TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We believe that last year’s trend will continue – we expect more ‘decision makers’ in attendance. TWE is still one of the best venues in the world for those in the tire industry to network, see the latest technology in the industry and make important buying decisions.

“We’re also excited about coming back to Caesars. Our members, board and staff all love the property; its location, facilities and staff are all top-notch, and we have no doubt that everyone who comes to this year’s show will have an enjoyable and productive time.”

For reservations and additional information, go to the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org, or call (800) 876-8372,  ext. 104.