TIA: Global Tire Expo in Las Vegas nets top attendance figures

A record-setting amount of exhibitors and attendees took part in this year’s Global Tire Expo produced by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and held in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

The combined events drew more than 132,000 people, including 61,000 registered buyers – the highest number ever tallied – from the industry’s wholesaler and manufacturing segments.

“The record attendance in Las Vegas demonstrates that the networking opportunities and educational seminars that TIA stages provide true value to independent tire dealers,” says President Larry Brandt.

TIA also conducted several political action committee (TirePAC) fundraising activities at its annual membership meeting and welcome reception at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

“TirePAC worked hard taking the Silent Auction and PAC Board to the next level and did so this year, selling out all of the PAC Board and doubling the number items sold over last year in the auction,” reports Dr. Roy Littlefield, TIA’s executive vice president.

“Building support in Washington is essential for the tire industry to have the impact to defend the industry and its members’ interests,” notes Randall Groh, chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, “and the generous contributions help us achieve this goal.”

Dan Clark, president of Tire Warehouse, won a first-place prize of $500 from the PAC Board; he donated all of his winnings back to TirePAC so the members can continue onward with their efforts.

For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.