TIA, SEMA to hold Global Tire Expo in November

March 30, 2010

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)  will hold the Global Tire Expo - Powered by TIA, a tire industry-only part of the 2010 SEMA Show, Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nev. The new Expo is open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading and more.

To reinforce the Expo's "tires only" focus, the event will have its own branding, entrance units and color scheme. Tire manufacturers' booths will be placed in the center in order to provide a greater level of prominence.

TIA will work with tiremakers on a one-on-one basis to assist them "with every aspect of exhibiting at the show," say TIA officials.

The Expo also will include an expanded education program, all targeted to the tire market. They will include "TPMS at 10," "Tires at Two," and "Management at Four."

"Every day of the show, each track will feature a session relevant to tire dealers and led by the most knowledgeable tire dealers in the industry. One of the 'Tires at Two' sessions will remain TIA's popular 'Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets.'"

The educational sessions will be located in the sky bridge between the central and south halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. There will be plenty of directional signage to let attendees know where session rooms are located.

In related news, SEMA will place a permament TIA representative on its show committee, plus its Tire & Wheel Council, effective immediately. TIA also will continue to reach out to tire manufacturers in order to better ensure their representation in Expo activities.

"SEMA also is making a special effort to reach out to the tire manufacturers on an individual basis to find new, innovative ways they can reduce the cost of exhibiting at the Expo. All Expo exhibitors are eligible to receive a one-on-one audit of their show plans, which could save exhibitors up to 20% on their show-related spending."

"Today ushers in a new day for the tire industry," says TIA President Wayne Croswell. "With the creation of the Global Tire Expo - Powered by TIA and the fact that it will now unite exhibitors from all sectors of the tire industry in our own tire-focused area, we are optimistic that it will become the premier event in the world for the tire industry."

In late 2009, TIA and SEMA announced a joint effort "in which the two organizations vowed to work closely with one another to provide the tire industry with greater value in the SEMA Show," note TIA officials. "The Global Tire Expo is a result of that collaboration."

SEMA CEO and President Chris Kersting says SEMA "is excited and confident that the 2010 SEMA Show and the Global Tire Expo will be more meaningful and relevant than ever before for tire manufacturers and buyers."

He points out that the SEMA Show has the added benefit of drawing more than 50,000 buyers from around the world, including some who are not in the tire market but are looking to expand their product lines to include tires and tire-related products. "The dedicated floor section and the other new programs will help buyers discover the potential that the tire industry has to offer."

Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president, says with the creation of the Global Tire Expo, "tire manufacturers can rest assured that they will literally have a seat at the table when it comes to all aspects" of the new event.

"Their concerns will receive the timely attention they deserve, and what is even more exciting is the fact that they will no longer just be exhibitors -- they will be true partners in this event."

Tire companies who are interesting in exhibiting at the Global Tire Expo should visit www.semashow.com. Attendee registration will open in April.

TIA officials say the association will continue to work with SEMA on other aspects of the event. "More improvements are expected in the coming months and will be announced as they develop."