What’s learned in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is offering educational sessions packed with take-home, practical advice at the first-ever Global Tire Expo - Powered by TIA. The expo will be held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nev., as part of the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
More than 135 educational seminars will be available to Global Tire Expo attendees, including 70 free sessions that address general business and management issues.
Of major importance to tire dealers are the business management, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and popular Tires at Two sessions presented by TIA specifically for those in the tire industry.
TPMS at 10:
Tuesday, Nov. 2: TPMS service and maintenance. This session will cover “key service principles for all types of tire pressure monitoring systems and the importance of having quick access to parts numbers and relearn procedures,” say TIA officials. “There will be a TPMS overview of every major domestic and import manufacturer.”
Wednesday, Nov. 3: TPMS scan tool panel. This panel will feature the top technical experts from each of the major TPMS scan tool suppliers “who will provide attendees with a quick glimpse of the functions that their respective tools can deliver and then participate in a question-and-answer session following their presentations.”
Thursday, Nov. 4: Turning TPMS into a profit center. This discussion will cover the steps that companies can take from the sales counter all the way to the service bay to ensure that TPMS does not become a burden.
[PAGEBREAK]
Tires at 2:
Tuesday, Nov. 2: Successful tire dealers share their secrets. This popular session will feature a panel comprised of some of the industry’s most successful and profitable tire dealers.
They will discuss employee compensation, marketing, customer retention and other hot subjects. They also will provide some additional insight into a specific aspect of their business that is the key to their success.
Wednesday, Nov. 3: Strong selling in a weak economy. The economic challenges facing the retail tire and auto service industry will be discussed and essential success factors and proven sales and customer service strategies will be given to help you succeed in today’s weak market.
Thursday, Nov. 4: Establishing a wheel torque program. This session will discuss the latest torque technology in addition to recalibration requirements for all types of torque control devices.
Management at 4:
Tuesday, Nov. 2: Drugs and alcohol in the workplace — Are you at risk? This session will help attendees understand the steps needed to establish a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
Wednesday, Nov. 3: Mastering management. Led by ContactPoint, an industry leader in customer service sales training, this session will help attendees understand how to communicate more effectively within a business setting, engage in customer service and put their business ahead of their competitors.
Thursday, Nov. 4: Effective marketing and profitable sales growth in the fleet/commercial tire segment. Thanks to new programs available through national partners, dealers now have the ability to grow fleet sales without the historical issues of cash flow, bad debt and collection costs. Attendees will learn how they can tap into the lucrative fleet market, say TIA officials.
[PAGEBREAK]
Special events
TIA will hold several special events at the show — a Wine & Cheese Social, Tire Industry Honors and a Welcome Reception. The events will take place at Paris Hotel (the association’s host hotel) on Monday, Nov. 1.
The Wine & Cheese Social will start at 5 p.m. Admission to this event is complimentary for all TIA members and show attendees.
Immediately following the Wine & Cheese Social from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. will be Tire Industry Honors. This event will honor this year’s Tire Industry Hall of Fame recipients and the torch will be passed from the current TIA president, Wayne Croswell, to the incoming president, Mike Berra.
Admission to this event is complimentary to all TIA members and show attendees; however, an RSVP is required.
Immediately following these events from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. will be TIA’s annual Welcome Reception. Tickets are $50 per person.
