The Tire Industry Association has announced the educational sessions for the Global Tire Expo – Powered by TIA at the SEMA Show, which runs Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, Nov. 5

TPMS at 10
Understanding and Managing the Risks of Servicing TPMS
Speakers: Representatives from Dill Air Controls, Ateq Corp., 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. A panel of industry experts will 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 dealership for its accomplishments – this includes Tire Review’s Top Shop Award, given 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, Nov. 6

TPMS at 10
TPMS Troubleshooting
Speakers: Sean MacKinnon, TIA director of automotive training development; Matt White, TIA director of automotive tire service; and other industry experts

TIA’s White and 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 for 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, 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 also will look at several studies to help provide insight into the decision-making process for different types of consumers.

Thursday, Nov. 7

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. 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.