US tire show ITEC to be held virtually 

Akron, Ohio – The International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC), scheduled to be held in Akron this summer, will switch to a virtual format due to health concerns and travel restrictions caused by Covid-19, organisers have announced.

In its new format, ITEC 2020 Virtual Edition (#ITEC2020) will take place 8-18 Sep and will include live conference sessions every weekday for nine days, said ERJ publisher Crain Communications 10 June.  The show was originally set to be held 15-17 Sept.

The event’s keynote speaker is Brian Goldstine, president of mobility solutions and fleet management at Bridgestone Americas.  Other prominent presenters include speakers from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., ExxonMobil and Kumho Petrochemical. 

In addition, “Ask the Expert” livestreams Q&As with exhibitors will take place everyday, the organisers said.

A “matchmaking service” will run at ITEC virtual, creating networking venues for participants and easy opportunities to connect buyers and sellers. 

Each attendee will be given recommended matches based on their registration profiles and be able to search for additional matches using category and keyword filters. Attendees will also be able to chat and to request and accept video call meet ups via the application.
 
“The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown unprecedented challenges to every individual and organisation throughout the world,” said Debbie Hershfield, ITEC show director. 

“Nevertheless, we are delighted to be able to offer the tire manufacturing industry a virtual event to share all the latest knowledge and innovation,” she added.