International Tire Exhibition and Conference (ITEC) Developing Most Comprehensive Educational Program in Tire Industry History

    AKRON, OH, April 14, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 2010 International Tire Exhibition and Conference (ITEC) is developing the tire industry's "most comprehensive educational program" ever, according to a Crain Communications executive.

"ITEC 2010 is shaping up to be the most comprehensive educational program the tire industry has ever seen," said Robert Simmons, ITEC executive director, founder of the show and a Crain vice president and group publisher. "The industry has never seen something like this before, and it's only going to get better."

A total of 128 speakers (to date) will be presenting papers on more than 135 subjects at the 2010 International Tire Exhibition and Conference (ITEC) set for Sept. 21-23 at Cleveland's I-X Center.

In addition, there will be four panels, four workshops and two special presentations in the three-day event.

The reason for Simmons' optimism is a "Who's Who?" listing of speakers within and outside of the tire industry. For example, a panel on high performance tires will be moderated by tire and auto racing industry veteran Leo Mehl and include other industry experts such as Michelin's Adam Murphy; Pirelli's Tom Gravalos; Goodyear's Bob Toth; Hankook's Bill Bainbridge and dealers Mark Richter of Falken Tire and Keith Noble of Black's Tire.

Subject matter for the other panels include off-the-road moderated by Jack Fenner of BKT; fleets with Peggy Fisher of TireStamp Corp. as moderator; and a panel discussing the pros and cons of selling used tires.

The special presentations include a discussion on tire liability and one on sharing best practices. In addition, there will be a half-day workshop on how recycling and retreading can bring value to the tire industry.

Other subjects on the program will touch on add-on profit opportunities; a comprehensive agenda on issues related to business management; discussions on the economy and its impact on the tire industry; issues involving dealer sales and service; training; scrap tire disposal; commercial tires; service counter/point-of-sales issues; green issues; using the Internet to sell; automotive service and marketing the business.

On the manufacturing side, as an example, there will be presentations on non-pneumatic tires for military applications; "green" papers on productivity improvements and waste reduction in tire production; environmental claiming strategies for mold fouling; and global trends in development of petroleum free "green" tires. ITEC will also honor the distinguished technology achievement medalist.

"This 2010 show is all about the business of tires," said Simmons. "And the quantity - and especially the quality - of the content shows the potential attendees that this is a solid, tire industry, business event."

For a complete listing of subjects and speakers visit the ITEC Web site (www.itec-tireshow.com).

Goldfinch Communications, Inc., is a public relations/media relations firm specializing in the global tire industry.

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