A keynote address by Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to summit Mount Everest, is one of the special events planned for the upcoming International Tire Expo (ITE).
Sponsored by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the ITE will be held in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market Association show Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Other highlights of this year's schedule include a reception for the tire industry at the Harley Davidson Cafe; the induction of the Tire Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2003; a speech by Tom Dattilo, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s chairman, CEO and president; and speeches by the incoming and outgoing TIA presidents, Steve Disney and Tom Raben.
"We have a terrific lineup of speakers," says TIA Executive Vice President Ross Kogel. "This year we will focus on the achievements of extraordinary people. The accomplishments of Erik Weihenmayer, the Hall of Fame inductees, and TIA volunteers will be honored at these all-industry events."
The three "Special Events" are:
* TIA Gala Reception, Monday, Nov. 4, Harley Davidson Cafe, 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Harley Davidson Cafe is located next door to the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, the host hotel for TIA. Tickets for the TIA Gala Reception are $40.
* TIA Hall of Fame Breakfast, Tuesday, Nov. 5, Aladdin Hotel and Casino, 7:00-9:00 a.m. Weihenmayer is the keynote speaker. The 33-year-old Weihenmayer is on course to become one of the youngest people to climb all of the "Seven Summits" -- the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Tickets for the TIA Annual Meeting and Hall of Fame Breakfast are $30.
* Breakfast with the President, Wednesday, Nov. 6, Aladdin Hotel and Casino, 7:00-9:00 a.m. Tire. Dattilo is the keynote speaker. Tickets for the Breakfast with the President are $30.
Individuals interested in attending the Las Vegas show may receive show registration, hotel reservation and "Special Event" registration forms by calling TIA's FAX-on-demand service at (888) 889-7391, and requesting document 1080.
