New tyre trade show launched in US

ERJ staff report (BD)
 
Akron, Ohio -- ERJ publisher Crain Communications Inc., with support of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), is planning a tyre industry trade show and educational conference Sept. 21-23, 2010, in Cleveland aimed at independent dealers, wholesalers, retreaders and recyclers.

The aftermarket trade show/conference will be part of Crain's existing International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC), a biennial event geared toward the world's tyre manufacturing industry that's been held eight times since 1994 in Akron.

The 2010 event will move to Cleveland's International Exposition Center (IX Center) to accommodate the expanded show/conference, according to Bob Simmons, ITEC executive director and a Crain vice president.

By combining the new aftermarket trade show/conference with ITEC's traditional manufacturing-oriented activities, Crain hopes to create a single event that will “encompass all aspects of the tyre industry” from birth to death to rebirth, he said.

The event already has drawn the support of Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., Toyo Tire USA Inc., Pirelli Tire North America Inc. and tire equipment supplier VMI Americas-the first four corporate sponsors of ITEC 2010.

TIA, working closely with the editors of ERJ sister paper, Tire Business, will organise the aftermarket educational program, which will cover topics such as improving customer service, cross-marketing opportunities, small business management, state-of-the-art retailing, marketing groups, automotive service, etc., said Simmons.

“ITEC 2010 brings our collective industry of tyre professionals, from technology and manufacturing to dealers and distribution channels, together in a serious, working tire show environment that will educate and motivate all participants with a content-rich conference program, world-class exhibit and networking opportunities…,” he said.

“We see this as an opportunity to better educate our membership base,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield, “and anytime we get the chance to be involved in educating, we'll take it.

“In addition, this will be an oppurtunity to work more closely with the manufacturers,” he added, noting the reputation ITEC has as a show and conference for manufacturers.