The 2023 Off-the-Road Tire Conference, hosted by the Tire Industry Association (TIA), celebrated its 68th year by blending educational sessions and social gatherings, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of OTR tire market trends alongside a chance to bond with industry colleagues.
At the El Conquistador Tucson Resort in Arizona, the conference hosted speakers from various sectors of the OTR tire industry, covering topics such as sustainability, OTR service safety, U.S. and Canadian economic outlooks and technology and employee trends. The event included a vendor show featuring manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their latest products and mingling with peers. A spa day, golf tournament and disk shooting contest added to the networking opportunities.
Take a look below at some of the sights from the event:
This year’s OTR Tire Conference was held in Tuscon, Arizona, at the El Conquistador Tucson.
Dick Gust, TIA’s chief executive officer, kicked the conference off promising education, fun and profit opportunities for dealers and employees alike.
Jim Pangle, TIA president, says encouraged attendees to take part in TIA training programs.
Roy Littlefield IV, TIA’s vice president government affairs, touted the importance of the bipartisan effort in the 118th Congress to build America’s transportation infrastructure.
Ana M. Arce, senior manager for corporate sustainability for Bridgestone, talked about the company’s E8 sustainability commitments.
Kevin Rohlwing (left) – TIA’s chief technical officer – hosts a live training demo with a panel featuring Jeff Faubion (middle), compliance specialist at Bridgestone, and Roy Galyer (right), training manager for Klinge Holdings.
OTR Conference guests finish day one with a mix-and-mingle reception featuring tabletop displays from vendors.
Goodyear brought its “world’s largest tire” to display.
Debra Hamlin (right), TIA secretary and director of environment, health, safety and sustainability – commercial tire division for Bridgestone Americas, kicks day two off by introducing Mason Hess (left), director of Purcell Tire’s mining division and former TIA president.
Kevin Rohlwing discussed the U.S. economic forecast for the OTR industry.
Carol Hochu, president and CEO of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, talks about the Canadian OTR economic outlook and how it plays a vital role in the U.S. OTR industry.
Bruce Besancon (left), VP of marketing for Yokohama off-highway, Eric Matson (second from left), global field engineering manager for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Chris Rhodes (third from left), vice president of OTR at BKT, and Matt Futrelle (right), head of business field earthmoving for Continental, discuss the latest trends in manufacturing.
During International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, BKT highlighted the role of sport as a catalyst for social inclusion, health and well-being. Over the years, BKT said it has made an effort to show a commitment to supporting sports through multiple initiatives, partnerships and sponsorships.
To better understand commercial tire expectations for the remainder of the year, Tire Review recently sat down with Pierluigi Cumo, VP of B2B products at Michelin North America.
