The inaugural North American Tire & Retread Expo, held in New Orleans from April 15 to 17, came to a close after three days filled with industry speakers, training seminars, an international retread contest, a tradeshow and conferences. Show organizers even took the occasion to announced a six-year commitment to extend the show.

One hundred and twelve new tire, retreading, equipment and repair companies exhibited at the expo, according to the show’s organizers. Those booths were reviewed by 1,041 registered visitors who attended the show, organizers reported, which took place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in the city.

The new tire and retread expo featured several events, including a welcome party for all visitors and exhibitors at the House of Blues. In addition, Shamrock Marketing, Central Marketing, B&J Rocket America, Matteuzzi and Tech International hosted training sessions for attendees.

Key industry leaders held court April 15 before the tradeshow floor opened to educate attendees on important topics, such as the rise of the construction market and the impact on the tire industry by U.S. duties on China-imported consumer tires. Speakers included David Shaw, head of research for Tire Industry Research; Ben Moore of Net Driven; Phil Nigh, global manager for Tech International; David Stevens, managing director of TRIB; tire industry veteran Manny Cicero; and Joe Casebere, vice president of Rema Tip Top North America.

IndyCar driver Hélio Castroneves visited the expo to sign autographs and take pictures with guests. Tire Review sat down with the erstwhile Dancing With the Stars contestant for an interview, which can be found here.

2015 Miss Retread Named

Show organizers also hosted a Miss Retread Truck Tire Contest, which featured 22 entrants. After the judges finished their work, three companies were awarded prizes for “the most beautiful retreaded truck tire.”

Industrias del Neumatico SAU, a Spain-based retread operation, placed first with a Alphatread-brand mold cure tire on a Hankook casing. Industrias del Nuematico representatives Pedro Antonio Pérez Sánchez and Salvador Pérez Lucena were present to accept the award.

Omaha, Neb.-based Allied Oil & Tire Co. (Michelin Retread Technologies) placed second with a Michelin super wide casing in size 445/50R22.5 Custom Mold XTA.

Centre Techno Pneu of Rimouski, Quebec, placed third in the contest with a Continental casing in size 11R22.5 sporting a Vipal Rubber VT 180 tread.
In addition to a trophy, first place took home $5,000; second place earned $2,500; and third place received $1,000.

Judges determined the winners based on a number of factors, particularly finished appearance. The panel of judges included TRIB’s Stevens; Frederico Schmidt, commercial manager at Vipal Rubber Corp.; and Ron Mohler, commercial development manager for Elgi Rubber Co.

For the Long Run

During the expo kick-off ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gustavo Lima, show organizer, and Andy Kopplin, first deputy mayor and chief administrative officer of New Orleans, announced the six year commitment. “The city is on a roll,” Kopplin said, “and you guys are helping us.”