TIA Announces Educational Sessions for 2013 Global Tire Expo – Powered by TIA

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced the educational sessions for the Global Tire Expo – Powered by TIA at the SEMA Show which runs Tuesday, November 5 through Friday, November 8, 2013 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

TPMS at 10

Understanding and Managing the Risks of Servicing TPMS

Speakers: Representatives from Dill Air Controls, ATEQ Corporation, Bartec USA, OTC/SPX, Continental, Schrader International, Group 31, Alligator, Pacific, TRW, Myers Tire Supply, Revolution Supply, Orange Electronic, Standard Motor Products, Tire Industry Association

With more and more vehicles equipped with TPMS entering service bays today and in the future, many questions regarding liability, service, and profitability are posed to today’s tire dealers. We have assembled a panel of industry experts to guide attendees through the world of TPMS and how it relates to their everyday operation.

Truck Tires at 10

Shoulder Repairs in the Field

Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Senior Vice President of Training

After years of debate and study, the industry has finally approved a procedure for repairing punctures up to 3/8 inch in the shoulder of truck tires with standard plug and patch materials. The Reinforced Shoulder Repair (RSR) uses the same basic procedures for regular puncture repairs, but there are some differences related to repair unit selection and placement. This seminar will introduce the concept of the RSR and explain the parameters for properly installing these repairs in the field.

Tires at 2

Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets

Speakers: TBA

Every year, two of the industry’s leading trade publications recognize a tire dealer for their accomplishments. Tire Business has the Humanitarian Award, which is focused on a dealer who makes significant charitable contributions to their community. Tire Review issues the Top Shop Award to a dealer who demonstrates a continued effort to be the best at everything in their respective market. This year’s winners will each give a brief description of their companies and then offer some insight on what they think has made them successful. Following the presentations, the winners will participate in a question and answer session that always includes valuable information.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

TPMS at 10

TPMS Troubleshooting

Speakers: Sean MacKinnon, TIA Director of Automotive Training Development

Matt White, TIA Director of Automotive Tire Service

Other industry experts TBA

TIA’s Matthew White and Sean MacKinnon will be joined by several industry representatives to cover the TPMS problems and fixes of the past year, as well as what’s in store for the future of TPMS service.

Truck Tires at 10

Monitoring Tire Pressure on Trucks

Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Senior Vice President of Training

With rising fuel and tire costs, the return on investment (ROI) for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is more attractive than ever. Fleets are starting to recognize the savings that come from properly inflated tires, so they are turning to different types of technology to monitor the pressure. This seminar will cover the most popular systems on the market, describe how they operate, and outline the specific service procedures for each system.

Tires at 2

Understanding Tire Buyers in the Information Age

Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Senior Vice President of Training

Over the past few years, interest regarding the habits of tire buyers has become higher than ever because more and more consumers are doing their own research before talking to a retailer. Between the government’s proposed new labeling regulations, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and the increasing level of technology associated with low rolling resistance and run-flat tires, motorists who are in need of tires are bombarded with more information than ever before making a purchasing decision. This seminar will update attendees on the status of the new tire labeling and TPMS regulations and will also look at several studies to help provide insight into the decision-making process for different types of consumers.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Understanding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) – 2pm

Speaker: Roy Littlefield, TIA Executive Vice President

When health care reform (“ObamaCare”) was signed into law on March 23, 2010, there were a lot of questions from the business community. Fast-forward three years and there are even more questions. Dr. Roy Littlefield has been representing the tire industry on Capitol Hill for more than 30 years and he will provide attendees with an overview of the legislation, what it means for the tire industry, and how dealers can comply with the completely new set of regulations. PPACA continues to be a hot topic for business owners/managers and this seminar is certain to answer a lot of questions.