After roamin’ to another host hotel last year, the Tire Industry Association’s (TIA) Tires, Wheels & Equipment Section (TWE) of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is returning to the Roman motif so elaborately executed by Caesars Palace.
Situated in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, complete with a moving skyway sidewalk, fountains galore and all the other luxurious attributes of the iconic Italianate resort, Caesars and the TIA are offering reduced room rates for the Nov. 2-6 event.
TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield reports that the association is “excited about coming back to Caesars. Our members, board and staff all love the property. Its location, facilities and staff are all top-notch, and we have no doubt that everyone who comes to this year’s show will have an enjoyable and productive time.”
According to Littlefield, “We believe that last year’s trend will continue – we expect more ‘decision makers’ in attendance. TWE is still one of the best venues in the world for those in the tire industry to network, see the latest technology in the industry and make important buying decisions.”
He goes on to point out how the TIA “is constantly re-evaluating its TWE activities to ensure that they meet the needs of its members. In that spirit, the decision has been made to eliminate the ‘Breakfast with the President.’” Two events have been scheduled in its place: A Wine & Cheese Social and the Tire Industry Honors; both of which will be held at the hotel on Mon., Nov. 2.
The new wine and cheese gathering, free for all show attendees, starts at 5 p.m. Immediately following from 6 to 7:30 will be the Tire Industry Honors. It will salute the 2009 Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees as the gavel is passed from current TIA President Dan Beach to incoming President Wayne Croswell. Additional award ceremonies will also be presented.
“This event promises to be a more energetic, faster-paced event than the ‘Breakfast,’ and it is hoped that this event will become the venue for the entire tire industry to come together and properly honor those who have made a significant contribution to the tire industry,” Littlefield says. Admission is complimentary, but an RSVP is required by contacting the TIA.
Then, right after these events, the TIA will host its annual Welcome Reception at Rao’s inside Caesars. “This is the tire industry networking event of the week,” exhorts Littlefield, “where attendees can make those important business contacts, exchange ideas and catch up with friends and colleagues as they enjoy some of the finest Italian food, drinks and entertainment on the Strip.” Tickets are $50 per person.
On Wed., Nov. 4 a new international TWE gathering called the “International Roundtable - Best Practices in the Tire Industry & International Review of Industry Regulations” is being presented. “Tire industry attendees from around the world are invited to attend and participate by sharing their best practices,” he notes, covering tire service, retreading and repairing and commercial tire service. The moderator will be Harvey Brodsky, managing director of the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB). “It promises to be an informal, fun-filled and lively exchange of good ideas,” Littlefield says. Admission is free with an RSVP.
On Tues., Nov. 3 the “Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets” session – encompassing “Tires at Two” – will take place, with industry veterans Tom Wright and Dennis Bucher leading a panel of outstanding tire dealers who will provide valuable tips and advice on getting your business on the road to success.
On Wed., Nov. 4 the TIA’s director of automotive development, Sean MacKinnon, will lead a session entitled, “Effectively Communicating TPMS Training/Developments to Techs.” The program will include insight on how the association “has been able to speak to tire technicians across the country on the developments of TPMS in the tire industry.”
And, on Thurs., Nov. 5, MacKinnon and representatives from Tire Pressure Monitoring System repair tool manufacturers will lead the “TPMS Repair Tool Manufacturer Update.”
Sponsorships for this year’s TIA events remain available. Littlefield says this is an especially effective way to support the TIA while promoting a business, product or service.
“We’re very excited about our events at this year’s TWE/SEMA,” he observes, cautioning that a limited amount of discounted Caesars room rates are being offered; potential attendees should register soon.
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.
