Associations will not combine shows, say TANA, ITRA

Oct. 30, 2001

The Tire Association of North America (TANA) and International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) will not combine trade shows, at least in the near future.

At the press conference announcing that the two associations were merging (see previous item), Joe Kilcoyne, vice president of sales and marketing for Bandamatic System Inc., said suppliers were interested in having a combined show, and asked TANA President Nick Hodel if this was on the agenda.

"We've discussed that and will discuss that further, but for now, I would have to say no," said Hodel, citing contractual obligations as one obstacle. It will be board-member driven, he added.

Tom Raben, president of ITRA, indicated the ITRA World Tire Expo serves a purpose. "As it stands right now, we're planning to preserve that show."

ITRA's next World Tire Expo will be held at the Kentucky Convention Bureau in downtown Louisville, Ky., March 27-29, 2003.